What car deserves the "Singer" treatment

Ok, I openly admit the idea for this came from another recent thread.

I hope all of you are familiar with Singer Porsches - Singer modifies older Porsche 911's resulting in pretty much idealized 911's that sell for over a quarter million dollars. So essentially we are taking about taking an iconic car, giving it every possible performance and aesthetic upgrade, finishing it to Pebble-Beach standards and selling it for more than a new Ferrari.

The question is - what other cars could benefit from the "Singer" treatment?

To give you some idea, here are some Singers:

MGB

Nissan 240Z

late fiberglass bumper C3 Corvette

'64-'69 Mustangs.

The aftermarket support is actually so good that you could easily do it yourself, if you had the available budget.

For sports cars, I think MR2s, Miatas, and almost anything pre-1980 would be really cool. I also like the idea of a really basic utilitarian vehicle getting the treatment, like an old Datsun or Toyota pickup.

According to the market, E-types (Eagle), various US 4x4s (Icon) and early Mustangs (I forget the name).

I'm thinking 50-60s Cadillac el dorado or Studebaker. That might fall into restomod more than Singer style, but done as original with a modern power plant and suspension, that would be awesome for a cruiser.

Just think CTS V power and accessories, big long finned caddy style.

Early 70s Capri

To amend my statement about old pickups, I think more RWB as opposed to Singer would be the hot ticket for stuff like that:

The MGB was kind-sorta done in the early 90's as the MG RV8: Someone else could probably do it better. Early chrome bumper aesthetics would go a long way here (and I don't just say that because my GT is a '68).

That crazy late 60's Mustang thing was the Equus Bass 770, not sure how many ever got made:

FB and FC RX7's

Good question. Yeah, needs to be something with a deep, deep fan base.

And a high value, otherwise you get the "$xxx for a y?!" Singer got really lucky with aircooled 911 prices and they're seeing ridiculous growth. They also do very little of the work in-house other than assembly, a lot of it is contracted out.

I'd be interested to know how the $70,000 MG LE50 did in the market.

Agree - some of the cars mentioned here fail the "sell for more than a new Ferrari" test.

Folks on this board may think that an uber-updated early Capri or 1st gen Celica is cool, but I don't see Hollywood celebs and hedge-fund managers lining up to buy them.

SEADave wrote: Agree - some of the cars mentioned here fail the "sell for more than a new Ferrari" test. Folks on this board may think that an uber-updated early Capri or 1st gen Celica is cool, but I don't see Hollywood celebs and hedge-fund managers lining up to buy them.

Mental note for self when I become a billionaire: Build the greatest 1st gen Celica the world has ever seen and be photographed with it in Monte Carlo.

Now for the billionaire part. I need to get back to work.

In reply to SEADave:

With your comment in mind, DeTomaso Pantera.

MG's MX-5 escorts E types already exist in this guise C10 pickups Deloran 2002s

There's folks building up dodge power wagons in Montana that go for over 100k. Down the street from me is the roadster shop. Their muscle cars are over 100k too (I think their Crammit was on the grm cover a few months ago- they also had a green chevelle that was making the rounds a couple years ago).

Trans ams through 1973.

Alpine A110

I think VW buses could do it. Restored stock versions already go for big bucks.

60s/70s Mercedes SLs seem like a viable option too.

ICON basically does the Singer treatment to just about anything they get paid for. Primarily older 4X4 stuff, but their on-road stuff is equally impressive.

Some that come to mind are Benz 190E, various Jags, 300Z. I think there could be a decent market for super-concours ready, Pro-modded Chevelles, Cutlasses or Impalas.

I also thought the new Camaro-Firebird conversions were going to be a bigger thing than they are. I think thats kind of the same thing as the Singer treatment.

Different kind of fan base, but I've thought about how to do a GTV like my car.

Geez- perhaps that is what I need to do with my race car.

Cars that rust away into nothingness: Datsun 240Z, BMW 2002, early Capri, CRX.

I'm biased but an AW11 with a nice 200hp all motor light engine, 6 spd gearbox, a little bit of widebody and a nice suspension treatment would be amazing. Then again I basically just described a lotus elise and those exist. OK take an Elise and put an AW11 body on it.

the problem as has been stated...... SELLING it.......

Mercedes Benz 230/250/280 SL: I can see that getting a very interesting treatment... and selling for big $$

BMW E10/E21: if they are as well thought out... I can see these selling for upper 5 figures... but not 6

Volvo P1800: might sell for upper 5 figures...

C3 (steel bumper)Corvettes: possibly 6 figures

Now... adding my bias... I'd like to see my E7 Corolla "produced"... but it would NEVER sell