You’re cruising down a winding country road, wind in your hair, the roar of a flat-six engine echoing through the hills. That’s the magic of the Porsche 911 Targa, a car that’s been turning heads since 1965. Now, in 2025, Theon Design, a small British outfit, is breathing new life into this icon with their jaw-dropping restomod, the $550,000 Porsche 911 Targa GBR005. This isn’t just a car—it’s a love story on wheels, blending vintage soul with modern muscle. In this blog, I’m taking you along for the ride, diving into what makes this Signal Yellow stunner a must for adventure seekers, car collectors, and anyone who dreams of driving a legend. Ready to feel the thrill?

1. Theon Design: Where Passion Meets Precision in Oxfordshire

Tucked away in the sleepy village of Deddington, Oxfordshire, Theon Design’s workshop looks more like a countryside barn than a hub of automotive wizardry. But step inside, and you’re in a world where dreams become reality. Founded by Adam and Lucinda Hawley—named after their son, Theo—this boutique firm has been crafting bespoke Porsche restomods since 2016. Their mission? To take classic 911s, specifically the 964-generation (1989-1993), and transform them into masterpieces that honor Porsche’s heritage while embracing cutting-edge tech. The GBR005 Targa, their second open-top creation, is a testament to their craft, built over 18 months with obsessive attention to detail. For car enthusiasts, Theon isn’t just a brand—it’s a promise of something extraordinary.

2. First Glance: A Signal Yellow Heartthrob

Picture a car that stops time. The GBR005 Targa does just that, glowing in Signal Yellow—a bold, retro hue that screams 1970s Porsche swagger. Parked on a quiet Cotswold lane, it’s a magnet for stares, its curves catching the sunlight like a piece of rolling art. The Targa’s signature roll hoop and removable mohair roof nod to its open-air roots, while modern touches elevate it to supercar status. Think carbon-fiber body panels, flared fenders, and 17-inch Fuchs alloys that look ready to devour the road. Subtle details—like Speedster-style bullet mirrors and a sleek ducktail spoiler—add personality without shouting. This Porsche restomod isn’t just beautiful; it’s a conversation starter, a car that begs you to hop in and chase the horizon.

3. Under the Hood: A 407-Horsepower Beast

Pop the engine lid, and you’ll find the soul of the GBR005: a 3.8-liter, air-cooled flat-six engine, reengineered to unleash 407 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque. This isn’t your grandpa’s 911. With individual throttle bodies (ITBs) and a lightweight single-mass flywheel, the engine responds like a race car, hitting peak power at a spine-tingling 7,700 rpm. The ceramic-coated exhaust, adjustable via a dashboard switch, roars like a caged animal, spitting pops and crackles that could wake a sleepy hamlet. Paired with a 993 RS six-speed manual gearbox, every shift feels like a handshake with history, precise and mechanical.

But power is only half the story. The chassis, a steel monocoque stiffened with two carbon-fiber tubs, delivers coupe-like rigidity—a game-changer for a Targa, which can feel wobbly in its stock form. Inspired by Formula 1 tech, this setup ensures razor-sharp handling. Tractive electronic dampers, tunable in five modes, and Eibach springs balance comfort and aggression, while 993 RS brakes bite hard when you need to slow down. Weighing just 1,198 kilograms, the GBR005 is a lightweight rocket, blending old-school thrills with modern precision. It’s the kind of car that makes you want to find the nearest twisty road and let it sing.

4. Inside the Dream: A Cabin That Wows

Slide into the GBR005, and you’re greeted by a cabin that’s equal parts nostalgia and luxury. Tartan-upholstered touring seats, a nod to Porsche’s groovy ‘70s era, cradle you for long drives, their yellow stitching popping against the Signal Yellow exterior. The leather-wrapped dashboard feels like it belongs in a high-end yacht, while Alcantara door cards add a tactile thrill. Green-dialed gauges glow with retro charm, and a Focal audio system pumps out your favorite tunes via Bluetooth. Air conditioning keeps things cool, and the redesigned frunk cleverly stows the mohair roof flat, leaving room for weekend bags. Every inch of this interior screams craftsmanship, making you feel like you’re piloting a bespoke masterpiece, not just a car.

5. Hitting the Road: A Drive That Redefines Fun

Twist the key, and the flat-six barks to life, its lumpy idle hinting at the beast within. Slot the gear lever into first, ease off the clutch, and the GBR005 leaps forward, eager to play. On the Cotswolds’ snaking B-roads, this Porsche restomod comes alive. The steering, electro-hydraulically assisted, talks to you like an old friend, relaying every ripple in the asphalt. Push past 3,500 rpm, and the exhaust valves open, unleashing a metallic wail that dances through the open roof, wrapping you in a symphony of sound. It’s intoxicating, the kind of noise that makes you grin like a kid.

Corners? The GBR005 eats them for breakfast. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires cling to the road, and the adaptive dampers keep the car planted, letting you carve hairpins with surgical accuracy. Yet, it’s not a one-trick pony. Dial the dampers to their softest setting, quiet the exhaust, and this Targa morphs into a refined grand tourer, happy to cruise to a vineyard or beach. This versatility—wild yet civilized—is what makes the GBR005 special. It’s a car that thrills on a mountain pass but doesn’t punish you on the way home. As the road stretches ahead, you’re not just driving—you’re living a dream.

Why Restomods Are the Hottest Trend in 2025

Restomods are having a moment, and Theon Design is leading the charge. These cars take the soul of a classic—like the Porsche 911—and infuse it with modern performance, reliability, and comfort. Think of it as the best of both worlds: the raw, analog feel of a vintage ride with the tech to keep up with today’s supercars. Theon, often compared to California’s Singer Vehicle Design, opts for understated elegance over flashy excess. Their GBR005 Targa, priced at £430,000 ($550,000), is a 2,000-hour labor of love, every nut and bolt obsessed over. For car collectors, it’s a chance to own something unique, a rolling piece of art that no one else has. In a world of cookie-cutter EVs, restomods like this Porsche are a rebellion, a nod to the joy of driving.

Is the $550,000 Price Tag Worth It?

Let’s talk money. At $550,000, the GBR005 could buy you a pair of modern supercars or a mint-condition original 911. So, why splurge on a restomod? For starters, exclusivity. Each Theon build is a one-off, crafted to your exact specs—down to the paint color and seat stitching. The performance—333 horsepower per ton—rivals a 991 GT3, but the air-cooled engine and manual gearbox deliver a soulful, analog vibe that’s rare today. The craftsmanship, from hand-stitched leather to carbon-fiber precision, is on par with luxury watchmakers like Patek Philippe.

Then there’s the experience. This Targa turns every drive into an adventure, whether you’re blasting through the Alps or idling at a car show, drawing crowds. As Adam Hawley puts it, “We’re not just building cars; we’re creating memories for our clients.” For those with deep pockets—lottery winners, entrepreneurs, or die-hard Porsche fans—the GBR005 isn’t just worth it; it’s a steal. It’s a car that makes you feel alive, a ticket to a world where driving is pure joy.

Epic Drives for Your Targa Adventure

Got your hands on a Theon Design Targa? Here’s where to take it. California’s Pacific Coast Highway is a no-brainer, with ocean views and twisty roads that let the flat-six sing. In Europe, the Amalfi Coast’s cliffside curves are a match made in heaven for the Targa’s open-top charm. Or stay closer to Theon’s roots and explore the Cotswolds, where rolling hills and quiet lanes feel like a Porsche playground. Wherever you go, this restomod transforms the journey into a story worth telling, blending adrenaline with the freedom of the open road.

Tips for Owning a Restomod Porsche

Dreaming of a Theon Design Porsche or another restomod? Here’s how to make it happen. First, clarify your vision—do you want a daily driver or a weekend warrior? Connect with builders like Theon early, as build slots fill fast (think 18-24 months). Budget for customizations, which can push costs beyond the base price. Maintenance is key; air-cooled engines need specialized care, so find a trusted mechanic. Join Porsche clubs or rallies to share your ride with fellow enthusiasts—events like Luftgekühlt are perfect for showing off. Above all, embrace the journey. Owning a restomod is about passion, not just possession.

Wrapping Up: The Targa That Redefines Adventure

The Theon Design Porsche 911 Targa GBR005 isn’t just a car—it’s a vibe, a dream, a thrill machine that rekindles your love for driving. Its Signal Yellow glow, 407-horsepower soul, and bespoke craftsmanship make it a standout in the restomod world. For $550,000, it delivers a driving experience that’s raw, exhilarating, and deeply personal, turning every road into an epic adventure. In 2025, as cars get smarter and quieter, this Targa is a loud, proud reminder of why we drive: for the rush, the connection, the story. So, here’s to Theon Design, to Porsche, and to the open road—may they keep our hearts racing