Rob Dickinson’s life has been a symphony of passions, each note meticulously crafted to harmonize his love for music and cars. As the former lead singer of the 1990s British rock band Catherine Wheel, Dickinson’s voice once echoed through sold-out venues and radio airwaves. But behind the spotlight, a different obsession was taking shape—one that would eventually redefine his career and leave an indelible mark on the automotive world.
That obsession began in the 1970s, when a young Dickinson encountered a Porsche 911 in his hometown of Norfolk, England. The car’s design left an indelible impression. “It had this smiling face and an angry tail end,” he recalls, describing the 911’s iconic silhouette. That moment sparked a lifelong fascination with the Porsche 911, a car he would later describe as “the ultimate puzzle to solve.”
Decades later, Dickinson found himself at a crossroads. Despite the success of Catherine Wheel, his passion for cars only deepened. Touring the world as a musician allowed him to immerse himself in the Porsche community, and he began collecting 911s. Among them was a 1969 model that would become the catalyst for his next chapter. “I wanted to create the perfect 911,” he says, envisioning a car that blended the timeless beauty of the classic 911 with modern performance capabilities.
In 2009, Dickinson took a bold leap, founding Singer Vehicle Design in Los Angeles. The company’s name paid homage to both Porsche engineer Norbert Singer and Dickinson’s own musical past. The mission was clear: to reimagine, restore, and optimize customer-owned Porsche 911s, specifically focusing on the rare 1989–1994 Porsche 964 chassis. Each “Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer” would be a masterpiece of precision and craftsmanship.
From the start, Singer Vehicle Design approached car restoration with an artist’s eye and an engineer’s precision. The company’s philosophy—”everything is important”—meant no detail was too small to overlook. Clients could customize their cars with 75 color choices and multiple engine configurations, but every vehicle was stripped down to its core and rebuilt from scratch. The process was painstaking, with bodywork fabrication outsourced to ensure the highest level of craftsmanship. The result? Bespoke restorations that started at $475,000 and often exceeded $1 million.
Despite the hefty price tag, demand for Singer’s creations grew rapidly. Automotive enthusiasts and collectors clamored for the chance to own a piece of automotive art. Jay Leno, a longtime admirer of Dickinson’s work, summed it up: “Singer is doing something truly special. They’re not just restoring cars—they’re reimagining them for the modern world.”
Over the years, Singer Vehicle Design has continued to push boundaries. In 2017, the company unveiled the “Dynamics & Lightweighting Study” (DLS), a collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering that featured cutting-edge carbon fiber designs and performance enhancements. More recently, in 2021, Singer introduced the “All-terrain Competition Study” (ACS), a rally-inspired model designed for off-road adventures. These innovations have solidified Singer’s reputation as a leader in the high-end car restoration market.
For Dickinson, Singer’s success is a testament to the power of passion and collaboration. He credits the skilled artisans and engineers in Southern California for helping bring his vision to life. “Starting Singer was a risk, but it was one worth taking,” he reflects. “We’re not just building cars—we’re creating something that will be loved for generations.”
Rob Dickinson’s journey from a rock musician to a pioneering figure in the automotive restoration industry is a testament to the power of passion and determination. After founding Singer Vehicle Design in 2009, he set out to redefine the classic Porsche 911, combining its timeless aesthetic with modern engineering. This vision was rooted in his childhood fascination with the Porsche 911, which he first encountered in the 1970s. Dickinson often describes the car as having a “smiling face and an angry tail end,” a design element that captivated him and remained a constant source of inspiration throughout his life.
Before establishing Singer Vehicle Design, Dickinson’s career as the lead singer of the British rock band Catherine Wheel provided him with the resources and opportunities to immerse himself in the Porsche community. During his touring years, he purchased several Porsche models, including a 1969 Porsche 911 that became the foundation of his vision to create the “perfect” 911. This car served as the starting point for Singer’s mission to reimagine, restore, and optimize customer-owned Porsche 911s, specifically focusing on the rare 1989–1994 Porsche 964 chassis.
Singer Vehicle Design’s approach to car restoration is both artful and rigorous. The company follows a philosophy that “everything is important,” paying meticulous attention to every element, from the body panels to the dashboard dials. Clients are integral to the process, customizing their cars with various options, including 75 color choices and multiple engine configurations. The cars are completely stripped down and rebuilt, with outsourced bodywork fabrication ensuring top-tier craftsmanship. These bespoke restorations come at a high price, with projects starting at $475,000 and often exceeding $1 million. Despite the significant costs, demand has grown steadily, driven by public acclaim and endorsements from automotive enthusiasts like Jay Leno.
The company has introduced several innovative models over the years. Among them is the “Dynamics & Lightweighting Study” (DLS), launched in partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering, which includes advanced carbon fiber designs and finely tuned performance enhancements. More recently, in 2021, Singer unveiled the “All-terrain Competition Study” (ACS), a rally-inspired model featuring reinforced chassis and off-road capabilities, developed in collaboration with rally specialist Richard Tuthill. These expansions have reinforced Singer’s reputation as a leader in the high-end car restoration market.
Dickinson attributes much of Singer’s success to the supportive and skilled community in Southern California, where artisans and engineers provide proximity to the expertise needed for the company’s operations. Looking back, he acknowledges the risk and audacity required to launch such an ambitious project, crediting collaborators like his father-in-law, Glenn Chang, who invested in the venture during its early days and served as Singer’s CFO for several years.
Today, Singer Vehicle Design stands as a benchmark in car restoration, blending artistry, engineering, and a passion for innovation. Rob Dickinson’s journey from rock musician to automotive entrepreneur exemplifies how a deep personal passion, combined with creativity and determination, can redefine an entire industry.
Conclusion
Rob Dickinson’s remarkable journey from a rock musician to a visionary in the automotive world is a testament to the power of passion and creativity. Through Singer Vehicle Design, he has redefined the classic Porsche 911, blending timeless design with modern innovation. Dickinson’s story serves as an inspiration, showing how pursuing one’s passion, even against the odds, can lead to extraordinary achievements. Singer Vehicle Design’s commitment to excellence and attention to detail has not only set a new standard in car restoration but has also created a legacy that will be cherished by automotive enthusiasts for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Singer Vehicle Design?
Singer Vehicle Design is a company founded by Rob Dickinson in 2009. It specializes in the restoration and reimagining of Porsche 911s, particularly focusing on the 1989–1994 Porsche 964 chassis. The company combines classic design with modern engineering to create bespoke, high-performance vehicles.
How much does a Singer Vehicle Design car cost?
The cost of a Singer Vehicle Design restoration typically starts at $475,000 and can often exceed $1 million, depending on the level of customization and enhancements.
What inspired Rob Dickinson to start Singer Vehicle Design?
Rob Dickinson’s inspiration came from his lifelong passion for the Porsche 911, which began when he first saw the car in the 1970s. His vision was to create the “perfect” 911 by combining its classic design with modern performance capabilities.
What models does Singer Vehicle Design work with?
Singer Vehicle Design primarily works with the Porsche 964 chassis, specifically the 1989–1994 models. They also offer other specialized models like the Dynamics & Lightweighting Study (DLS) and the All-terrain Competition Study (ACS).
How does Singer Vehicle Design balance classic and modern elements?
Singer Vehicle Design achieves a balance by meticulously restoring the classic aesthetic of the Porsche 911 while incorporating modern engineering advancements, such as carbon fiber designs and performance enhancements.
Who owns Singer Vehicle Design cars?
Singer Vehicle Design cars are owned by automotive enthusiasts, collectors, and notable figures like Jay Leno, who appreciate the unique blend of classic design and modern performance.
What makes Singer Vehicle Design unique?
Singer Vehicle Design is unique because of its attention to detail, bespoke customization options, and commitment to reimagining classic cars for the modern world. The company’s philosophy—”everything is important”—ensures that no detail is overlooked in the restoration process.