AUTOMOTIVE
113
charger , mounted behind the dashboard , allows a smartphone to be seamlessly attached , providing control for the sound system and providing satellite navigation . helps achieve a near-ideal 50:50 weight distribution . And with a full tank of fuel , the Theon Design BEL001 weighs just 1265kg .
Hawley adds : “ Attention to , or even obsession with , detail is central to everything we do at Theon . Our team go to extreme lengths to ensure that each commission delivers an exceptional driving experience ; every component scrutinised and assessed with a laser-like focus , then tweaked to deliver optimal performance , quality , and refinement – it ’ s how we deliver on our ‘ OEM +’ philosophy .
“ With our use of 3D modelling we can apply a forensic approach to enhancements throughout the car – even with components hidden far from view – they ’ re all equally important to us . The carefully considered , incremental changes made throughout the car add up to make a significant difference , delivering an ultra-responsive , highly sophisticated driving experience . It ’ s the manifestation of our ‘ purity of purpose ’ approach , which really does set us apart , and elevate the cars we build .”
PERSONALISED , ENHANCED INTERIOR
The digital , ground-up design and modelling process enables Theon to carefully tailor each unique commission , working collaboratively with a customer to deliver an entirely individual creation . The personalisation potential Theon offer extends throughout each bespoke creation , from mechanical specification and exterior details , to the beautifully appointed interiors .
BEL001 features ‘ touring ’ front seats , based on Porsche Recaro frames and mechanisms , but modified with updated and custom shaped foams , elevating comfort and support in equal measure . The seats are then impeccably trimmed in soft tan leather . The rest of the interior is trimmed in matching tan leather , with black accents , all complemented by body colour matched elements on the dash , doors and rear quarter panels .
Ahead of the driver , the distinctive , easy to read gauges feature numerals picked out in the classic Porsche green , against an black coloured backing . The car ’ s centre console is constructed from carbon fibre , then wrapped in leather , blending lightweight construction and hand trimmed luxury .
The Nardi steering wheel has been custom stitched to match the car ’ s interior by Nardi itself . Even the car ’ s ‘ frunk ’ is finished to the same exquisite detail as the rest of BEL001 , wrapped in black leather , matching the leather-wrapped carbon fibre fuel tank . Theon Design has also fitted a 964 RS strut-brace , again wrapped in leather – this time matching the tan interior .
SUBTLY INTEGRATED CONVENIENCE
Surprise and delight features abound inside BEL001 . A magnetic wireless
Cable operated heater controls , which have the beautiful , manual , tactile feel of those found on a 1970 ’ s Porsche 911 , are also fitted while the heater is , of course , a modern , highly efficient heating and airconditioning unit .
Hawley concludes : “ We really are excited to be revealing BEL001 to the world – our most ambitious , technologically-advanced project yet . We are once again delivering on a specific client specification , instilling the car with thrilling visceral performance while using our design and engineering expertise to hone and evolve the 911 ’ s distinct , captivating character , all to our exacting ‘ OEM +’ standards .
“ BEL001 ’ s innovations , both in terms of its thrilling supercharged motor and sophisticated adaptive damping setup , showcase Theon Design at its best ; delivering beautifully resolved , exquisitely engineered enhancements that - in terms of both outright performance and pure driving enjoyment - elevate the air-cooled Porsche 911 experience to a whole new level .
Prices for Theon Design commissions start at £ 380,000 . Each car is a totally unique collaboration with the customer and takes 18 months to build . Price excludes donor car and applicable local taxes .
www . theondesign . com
Issue 56 2023 THE ART OF LUXURY