Good things happen when you set out to recreate one of the most spectacular vintage cars around. There are several pristine examples of the Ferrari 250 GTO and the Jaguar E-Type, but very few keep their unique personality while having their greasy bits thoroughly modernized.
I say “very few”, because the Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer is the obvious exception. Now, the Singer 911 isn’t quite a vintage Porsche 911. In fact, it’s based on the 964-era 911, but the finished product is very much retro, if not downright alluring.
Of course, it’s only fitting Jay Leno would get some seat time with one in the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage. Singer founder Rob Dickinson explains the craftsmanship that goes into his cars, starting off with the basic platform structure. Singer builders rework every single detail of the car. Quilted leather inside, widened fenders that envelope the Fuchs-style alloy wheels and carbon fibre bodywork make up for the Singer 911′s style, while the Cosworth-tuned 3.8-litre flat six — tuned to 360 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque — delivers the substance.
Don’t forget to watch the video of Jay Leno’s jaunt behind the wheel, which we’ve included for your viewing pleasure below. It’s not as barbaric as a twin-engined Mini Cooper S racecar, but it doesn’t need to be when, in the words of Jay Leno himself, it’s precise, like the main spring of a mechanical watch.
