Singer's First DLS Passenger Car Arrives at Monterey

Quality wasn't all that excellent even in the luxurious automobiles until the last two decades or so, when Pagani demonstrated what it means to focus on quality.

Singer isn't a carmaker in the traditional sense, but its reinvented Porsche 911s are on par with the best that Italy, Germany, or any other country has to offer. It's no surprise, however, that the firm is experiencing record-breaking demand around the world.

That means you'll have to wait to see and hear one, even if you can afford one. That is unless you go to Monterey Car Week to see the first passenger editions of the DLS to land in the United States.

After seeing the first of these back in April, Singer has already shown two of these completed DLS (Dynamics and Lightweighting Study) vehicles at Goodwood. However, this will be the first time such a vehicle has been displayed in North America.

The car we'll witness this week has a 4.0-liter air-cooled flat-six motor that produces 500 hp at 9,000 rpm, as well as unique suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, special Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber, and so on.

964-based DLS is constructed in the United Kingdom, where Singer has teamed up with Williams Advanced Engineering to produce the ultimate resto-mod, along with carbon fiber bodywork, special suspension, and the latest technology from Bosch, Michelin, Brembo, and BBS Motorsport.

This "Unico" project is designed in Absinthe Green with Nickel polished brilliant accents. Blood Orange is the color of the sidelines and carbon fiber seats.

We'll also get a first glimpse at the "Hollywood" project, which is a car done in Bahama Yellow over Forest Green by Singer's restoring branch in California. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires are wrapped around rims holding carbon-ceramic brakes with Nato Green calipers, and the engine is a 4.0L air-cooled Boxer with a six-speed manual transmission.

The option for an exterior center-mounted gasoline filler has also been approved. Singer's lightweight track seats, trimmed in Forest Green leather with commission-specific bronze grommets and leather-weave inserts that are replicated across the dash, are a Singer trademark.

Singer's DLS is based on a 1969 Porsche 911E that Singer founder Rob Dickinson refurbished in 2003, six years before the company was created. Singer claims that the 1969 version epitomizes the genesis of Singer and drove the corporation to the DLS because his car was similarly Bahama Yellow.

Dickinson talks about how his own 911 experience influenced him: "My 1969 vehicle restoration was a deeply personal undertaking. I drove the automobile around the Hollywood Hills every day and was often stopped and asked if I'd sell it. No was always my response. However, the experience sparked the creation of Singer as a method to let other Porsche owners follow their unique visions for the best air-cooled 911."

Simultaneous debut of both the UK-built DLS and the California-restored Hollywood assignment is a joyful occasion and a credit to Singer's exceptional staff on both sides of the Atlantic.