Why This Porsche 911 Restomod Could Fetch Nearly $4 Million at Auction
This blood orange–colored Porsche 911 is one of just 99 examples that have been reimagined by Singer Vehicle Design‘s DLS Turbo services. Referred to as the Firefly Commission, it was delivered to its U.K.-based owner at the end of last year. The standout restoration project gained notoriety when it was selected as a car to be included in California-based Singer’s elaborate 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed display in England, where the renowned restoration house was the featured marque.
The car’s tire-shredding performance was shown off throughout the weekend by Singer’s chief test driver Marino Franchitti—brother of IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti—who piloted the car at ten-tenths up the famous Goodwood Hill. Now fresh from its Goodwood exploits, this one of just 10 right-hand-drive Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS) Turbo restorations is being offered in an RM Sotheby’s Private Sale.
The Firefly Commission, a 964-generation Porsche 911 as reimagined by Singer Vehicle Design.
Alex Penfold, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
“To me, this is simply the ultimate iteration of the air-cooled Porsche 911, and one that incorporates the technology, the craftsmanship, and exquisite build-quality that Singer has become legendary for,“ Harvey Stanley, director of Private Sales at RM Sotheby’s, tells Robb Report. “With all 99 of these remarkable cars already sold, this example offers the rare opportunity for an enthusiast or collector to own a DLS Turbo [restoration], one that’s in a sensational color combination, with fewer than 1,300 miles covered, and at a price point that is little more than the original build cost,” adds Stanley.
Custom, body-hugging bucket seats, an orange-colored, thin-spoke steering wheel, and a towering shift lever with an exposed linkage, add to the cabin’s visual drama.
Alex Penfold, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
Inspired by the all-conquering, blunt-instrument Porsche 934/5 endurance racers from the 1970s, the Firefly Commission started life as a 35-year-old 964-series 911 Carrera 2, which was then totally gutted and reinterpreted by Singer. Incorporating Singer’s DLS modifications, it features an all-carbon-fiber body and is powered by a newly developed 3.8-liter air-cooled, twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing 710 hp and 553 ft lbs of torque.
In true, old-school 911 style, all that power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, though thankfully it comes with Bosch stability control to keep handling in check. First announced in 2023, Singer’s DLS Turbo services followed on from the original, naturally aspirated DLS services introduced in 2018. With its immense power, this car is good for a top speed of 218 mph and a zero-to-60 mph sprint in under 3.0 seconds. Not surprisingly, the car has been developed to demonstrate both road and track prowess.
A peek at the newly developed 3.8-liter air-cooled, twin-turbocharged flat-six engine.
Alex Penfold, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
Pictured here with its full race bodywork, the car had been specified by the owner to comprise both race- and road-focused switchable body sections for the front and back, said to be a $175,000 option. With it, you get a pair of giant custom flight cases to carry that massive rear box-wing and ground-scraping front section, when both the less-prominent rear wing and more restrained front spoiler are installed.
Inspired by the Porsche 934/5 endurance racers from the 1970s, the Firefly Commission started life as a 35-year-old 964-series 911 Carrera 2.
Alex Penfold, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
Either way, the Firefly looks every inch the 1970 Porsche 934/5 homage that it is. Everything from those massive wheel-arch extensions covering lightweight 19- and 20-inch forged magnesium center-lock race wheels (front and back, respectively), to the full roll cage that’s beautifully integrated into the roof pillars. Inside, the car comes with exterior-matching leather and contrasting black hide for the fascia and doors. Custom, body-hugging bucket seats, an orange-colored thin-spoke steering wheel, and a towering shift lever with an exposed linkage, add to the cabin’s visual drama.
Incorporating Singer’s DLS modifications, this reimagined Porsche 911 features an all-carbon-fiber body.
Alex Penfold, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
“The remarkable four-valve engine we developed through the DLS program is at its heart, so you can take it up to 9,000 rpm,” says Marino Franchitti, winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2014. “The combination of immense low-down torque and turbo-assisted power all the way to the top end, with the urgency of the acceleration in between, it is truly a profound experience. I’ve spent countless hours behind the wheel of the DLS Turbo during development and testing, and it never fails to be an incredibly exciting machine. To drive Firefly at Goodwood was an unforgettable moment.”
This Porsche restomod from Singer has a top speed of 218 mph and can sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than 3.0 seconds.
Alex Penfold, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
So why is Firefly’s owner selling the car after less than a year and just 1,294 miles on the odometer? According to Stanley of RM Sotheby’s, the buyer originally commissioned Singer’s DLS Turbo services to replace his much-loved DLS reinterpretation of Porsche’s 964-generation 911. “In the end, he decided he was too emotionally attached to the DLS, so has decided to sell the Turbo,” Stanley explains. It is now being offered through RM Sotheby’s with a $3.95 million asking price.
Click here for more photos of this Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer Vehicle Design.
The Firefly Commission, a 964-generation Porsche’s 911 as reimagined by Singer Vehicle Design.
Alex Penfold, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
