Why Is the Singer DLS So Coveted Among Car Enthusiasts?
Ask any Porsche aficionado about their dream garage, and odds are the Singer DLS sits near the top of the list. But what exactly makes this restomod so special? For starters, the DLS—short for Dynamics and Lightweighting Study—represents the absolute pinnacle of Singer’s obsessive approach to reimagining the classic Porsche 911. Unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2018, the DLS wasn’t just another custom build. It was a statement: a fusion of vintage soul and cutting-edge engineering.
Singer only produced 75 examples worldwide, each one tailored to its owner’s vision. The exclusivity alone would be enough to spark a frenzy, but it’s the details that truly set the DLS apart. Take the EP1, the very first DLS ever shown to the public. Finished in Parallax White with subtle Ghosted Light stripes and Norfolk Yellow accents, it’s a rolling piece of art that’s graced magazine covers and collector wish lists alike. After a meticulous refresh in 2023, EP1 is essentially brand new, with just 850 miles on the odometer—a unicorn among unicorns.
What Makes the Singer DLS Worth Millions?
Let’s talk numbers. The base price for a DLS in the US started at $1.8 million, and with a few options, it’s easy to nudge that figure past $2 million. Yet, when one recently hit the auction block, it fetched a jaw-dropping $3 million. Now, RM Sotheby’s expects EP1 to sell for between $3.25 and $3.75 million—more than some hypercars like the Koenigsegg Jesko.
What drives these sky-high prices? It’s a mix of rarity, craftsmanship, and performance. Each DLS is a bespoke commission, blending Singer’s signature attention to detail with the latest in motorsport technology. The paintwork alone—Parallax White with Norfolk Yellow lettering—reportedly costs more than some people’s daily drivers. And that’s before you get to the mechanicals.
How Does the DLS Perform Compared to Other Restomods?
Performance is where the DLS truly earns its stripes. Under the rear decklid sits a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six, developed in partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering. This isn’t your average air-cooled engine—it churns out 500 horsepower, all sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual. For context, that’s more power than a modern 911 Carrera S, but in a package that weighs hundreds of pounds less.
The result? Pure magic. The DLS isn’t just fast in a straight line—it’s razor-sharp in the corners, thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber and a relentless focus on weight reduction. Owners and reviewers alike rave about its analog feel, precise steering, and the intoxicating howl of that flat-six at full tilt. It’s the kind of car that rewards skill and begs to be driven hard, yet remains approachable enough for a Sunday cruise.
What Sets the Interior and Design Apart?
Step inside EP1, and you’ll find a cabin that’s as bespoke as the exterior. The seats, door panels, headliner, and dashboard are all wrapped in vibrant leather that echoes the Norfolk Yellow accents outside. Carbon fiber is everywhere, from the transmission tunnel to the door sills, underscoring the car’s lightweight ethos.
Even the wheels tell a story. EP1 was originally shown with silver rims, but now sits on Norfolk Yellow Fuchs-style wheels that tie the whole look together. It’s a masterclass in design cohesion—every element, from the stitching to the switchgear, feels considered and deliberate.
How Rare Is It to Find a Singer DLS for Sale?
Here’s the rub: every single DLS was spoken for almost immediately after launch. If you want one now, the used market is your only hope. And with so few ever built, prices have only gone one way—up. Collectors know that cars like EP1, with its show history and ultra-low mileage, are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
It’s not just about bragging rights, either. According to recent data from Hagerty and other collector car analysts, limited-run Singer builds have consistently outperformed the broader classic car market, both in appreciation and demand. For many, the DLS isn’t just a car—it’s a blue-chip investment.
The Big Takeaway? Chasing the Ultimate 911 Is About Passion, Not Perfection
If you’re lucky enough to see a Singer DLS in person, let alone drive one, you’ll understand why it inspires such devotion. It’s not about chasing numbers or outgunning the latest supercar. It’s about the relentless pursuit of driving nirvana—where every detail, every stitch, every rev of the engine is dialed in for pure joy. The big takeaway? Owning a Singer DLS isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter, more passionate choices. Start by appreciating the craftsmanship behind one car this week, and you’ll likely find yourself rethinking what makes a car truly special by month’s end.