Singer Vehicle Design, founded in 2009 by former Catherine Wheel
guitarist Rob Dickinson, has revolutionized the world of Porsche
restoration. Starting with a customer's 964-generation 911, Singer
meticulously disassembles and rebuilds each vehicle, backdating the
964's appearance to the coveted long-nose style of earlier 911
models complete with low bumpers and ducktail-inspired spoilers.
This aesthetic transformation, coupled with the company's attention
to detail, use of high-quality materials like carbon fiber, and
ability to offer virtually limitless customization options, has set
a new standard in classic car restoration. As a result, Singer has
become synonymous with the pinnacle of Porsche craftsmanship,
attracting a clientele that includes racing drivers, celebrities,
and enthusiasts from around the globe.
Out of the 450 planned "Classic Studies" reimagined by Singer
Vehicle Design, this example is an exceedingly rare Targa,
christened the "Rio Commission." Starting with a Japanese-market
1992 911 Carrera 2 Targa imported to the U.S. in 2022, Singer began
a multi-thousand-hour reimagination process, equipping the Targa
with a volume of bespoke options according to Singer's build sheet.
The Rio Commission's rare seam-welded Targa body is finished in
Paint to Sample Bespoke Green and is fully covered in clear paint
protection film with Ceramic Pro ceramic coating. The Touring trim
package adds extended trim including bumperettes finished in
Nickel, while removing the reflectors. Its raised decklid features
Nickel raised lettering, and the signature Singer script is
finished in 24-karat gold. The exterior is complete with a Stayfast
Burgundy Black Targa roof, foreshadowing its unique and radiant
cockpit.
Inside, Burgundy and Sunset Orange converge in a sea of Albori (AF
2610) and Parque (ES 8078) leather from Singer's Classic Leather
Collection. The carbon bucket seats, upholstered in Albori, feature
a custom two-tone weave with Sunset Orange contrast stitching and
seatbelts. This theme continues to the Momo Prototipo steering
wheel, which is primarily wrapped in Parque leather but contrasted
with Albori on the horn button and center marker. The centerpiece
of the cockpit, however, is its Le Mans shift knob made from
Mahogany with a Maple Gloss finish.
The Rio Commission also includes several premium appointments from
Singer's Special Wishes program, including mesh pockets on each
side of the upper tunnel, the Lightweight Door Package, which
features manual window cranks, and a backup camera with rear view
screen in the driver's sun visor. The door pulls, handbrake, and
upper tunnel portion have been finished in Albori leather, while
the bezels and center knobs of the car's early 911-style gauges are
finished in 18-karat gold. Such a highly tailored and meticulously
specified interior is rounded out with air conditioning and a
Porsche Classic Radio Navigation unit with Apple CarPlay.
At the heart of the Rio Commission is the proven 4.0-liter,
air-cooled flat-six built by Ed Pink Racing Engines. Fitted with
Singer's "big" cams, high-flow catalytic converters, an Emtron ECU,
ceramic plenum inlet, and a titanium muffler exhaust system, it
sends approximately 400 horsepower through a newly installed
six-speed manual transmission, replacing the Tiptronic automatic
unit the 911 Targa was originally equipped with. The 911's
suspension has been upgraded with �hlins Sport Adjustable 2-way
dampers, providing impeccable handling on all drives both serene
and spirited. It also features Brembo brakes with PTS
Albori-finished calipers and Nickel lettering, with carbon ceramic
rotors.
The Rio Commission was only recently completed in April 2024,
following the donor 911's importation to the U.S. and a meticulous
two-year build process. Its clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report
shows prior registration in Idaho and Montana before the
Florida-based consignor acquired it in December 2025. This unique
1992 Porsche 911 Targa is now offered with just 1,162 km since its
reimagination by Singer. It comes furnished with a Singer indoor
car cover in the signature Singer bag, Porsche owner's manuals in
leather pouch, and a copy of its build sheet.
A rare creation even by Singer's standards, the Rio Commission
represents the culmination of thousands of hours of planning,
engineering, and hand-built perfection by some of California's
finest automotive artisans. The result is stunning to perceive both
inside and out with its arsenal of bespoke touches, while offering
a capable, engaging driving experience best enjoyed with the Targa
top stowed on a winding road.
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2016, 2017 and 2018. This prestigious accolade represents the continued growth of the company, and ClassicCars.com's dominance as the world's largest online marketplace for
buying and selling classic and collector vehicles.
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In 2016 The Journal, brought to you by ClassicCars.com, was celebrated as the SECOND MOST INFLUENTIAL automotive blog in the world by NFC Performance.