Rocketeer Cars confirms successful conclusion of its recent funding round, bringing in new Investors and Advisors.
Investment demonstrates confidence in Rocketeer’s unique approach to delivering accessible RestoMods and sports cars.
Funding supports the development of two new world-class RestoBuild models to be launched in 2025, including the most extreme variant to date that’s designed to appeal to an entirely new sports car buyer.
Investment allows Rocketeer to enter the important US market to support substantial existing and growing demand.
Rocketeer ownership available through co-curated RestoBuild vehicles, Rocketeer-built Turnkey vehicles and self-build kits, with options from 280hp to 375hp from the Rocketeer 3.0-litre V6 engine.
[source: Rocketeer Cars]
Hampshire, UK – Rocketeer Cars, manufacturers of the hand-built Rocketeer MXV6 RestoBuild sports cars, has announced the successful conclusion of its recent funding round, bringing new Investors and Advisors into the business to enhance its product offering and scaling its market presence.
The investment demonstrates external validation of the company’s progress, with more than 30 Turnkey and RestoBuild vehicles delivered, and over 150 self-build kits supplied to date. The company’s new investors are automotive enthusiasts and owners of several supercars and classic cars who, like Rocketeer, recognise the appeal of an old school analogue sports car but that uses the latest technology and materials in today’s niche automotive marketplace.
Rocketeer and its MXV6 RestoBuild sports car is a reaction to today’s modern supercars that have become faster, but more anodyne to drive, and whose limits cannot be explored in normal driving conditions. The Rocketeer MXV6 delivers the purest driving experience and previously unseen levels of sports car engagement and enjoyment.
The Rocketeer MXV6 is designed and built in Hampshire, UK by automotive industry experts and is currently available for both Mk1 (NA) and Mk2 (NB) versions of the Mazda MX5, in EU and US (Miata) specification. In its standard state of tune, the Rocketeer MXV6 delivers 280hp and an addictive sonorous engine noise, while still retaining the cars’ original benchmark drivability and handling.
The new investment will fund the development and completion of two completely new RestoBuild offerings for the company, as well as expanding into new markets.
In mid-2025, the company will launch the new Rocketeer Keiryō – Japanese for Lightweight. One of Rocketeer’s most discerning clients set its Research and Development team the task to build the lightest and most powerful Rocketeer MXV6 ever created. The Rocketeer Keiryō is targeting 850kgs and 375hp to deliver 441hp per tonne – the same power to weight ratio as the legendary Ferrari F40 and recent supercars such as the Lamborghini Huracan V10 and McLaren 620R. The Rocketeer Keiryō opens up the company to a completely new demographic of enthusiast driver, and once the first car is delivered to its owner, follow on cars are already available to order, with more details and specifications to follow nearer to launch.
The investment also supports the conclusion of the Mk3 (NC) vehicle, which is in the late stages of engineering development and has already been tested on the dynameter to more than 300hp as standard. Deliveries of NC cars are expected to begin in mid-2025. Given the volume of existing Mk3 cars on the roads, NC is expected to account for a significant proportion of future builds.
With existing build partners in Germany, Netherlands and Australia, another important development for Rocketeer is the ability to deliver vehicles in the important US market. With substantial and increasing interest for Rocketeer in America, the investment allows the company to deliver Turnkey and RestoBuild cars to US-based clients.
Today, Rocketeer MXV6 ownership is available through three routes. At its pinnacle, Rocketeer co-curates’ hand-built, bespoke RestoMod vehicles for its clients that feature one-off exterior and interior colours and materials to create cars that are as unique as the owners themselves. Turnkey cars are also available, where the company’s technicians install the new 3.0-litre V6 Rocketeer developed engine. Both Turnkey and RestoBuild vehicles are adorned with Rocketeer badging, and feature on the official Rocketeer register of vehicles. An accessible and comprehensive self-build kit is also available for enthusiasts.
About Rocketeer The Rocketeer MXV6 pays homage to the world’s best-selling and best handling small roadster by retaining the world-class weight distribution and nimble handling of the original. But the Rocketeer MXV6 removes the underpowered four-cylinder engine and employs its 3.0-litre V6, Jaguar-derived AJ30 engine that was designed by Porsche and finished by Cosworth, conveying its world-class pedigree. Thanks to its over-square design, light weight and flexibility, the Rocketeer MXV6 engine delivers a high-revving, tractable and of course, tuneful driving experience.
The standard specification delivers 280hp but Rocketeer now offers a powerplant that delivers an output in excess of 375hp and revs to 9,000rpm, in an old school, analogue sports car.
To date, over 150 Rocketeer kits have been installed in cars across the globe and more than 30 Turnkey and RestoMod cars have been built.
A Rocketeer MXV6 demonstration vehicle will be available for media evaluation at the forthcoming SMMT Test Day on 15 May, residing on the Newspress booth.
Singer’s latest services incorporate a state-of-the-art, 420HP, naturally aspirated flat six, restored and developed by Singer with engineering from Cosworth.
Inspired by the rare wide-body variant of the 911 Carrera from the 1980s, and focused on captivating, high-performance sports driving on road and track.
Reborn flat six, based on the Type 964’s engine, with 4.0L capacity, 4-valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, water-cooled cylinder heads and air-cooled cylinders.
Restored around the original Type 964 monocoque, with chassis strengthening developed in consultation with Red Bull Advanced Technologies.
Latest generation ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control, developed with Bosch, combined with selectable drive modes, a manual six-speed gearbox and rear-wheel drive.
Four-way, remotely adjustable dampers with electronic damping control for precise sports handling.
A big-hearted, naturally aspirated sports car, restored, reimagined and reborn at the request of each owner, with a focus on beauty, craftsmanship and innovation.
The Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe Reimagined by Singer will be limited to just 100 commissions.
[source: Singer Vehicle Design]
LOS ANGELES – The Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe Reimagined by Singer represents the latest services from Singer, the California-based luxury specialist that restores and reimagines classic Porsche 911s in collaboration with their owners.
Rob Dickinson: Singer’s Founder, Executive Chairman and Creative Director explains: “In the 1980’s you could order a new 911 Carrera with the pumped-up bodywork of the Turbo but powered by the company’s latest, naturally aspirated flat six. It became known as the Carrera with Super Sport Equipment. Our services reference this car and celebrate the era with a vision for an ultimate, naturally aspirated, G model 911, reimagined for the twenty-first century. At its heart is a remarkable flat-six, bringing together our learnings from the last fifteen years, and adding variable valve timing for the first time.”
Notes Mazen Fawaz, Singer’s Chief Strategy Officer: “Together with owners we’re celebrating the heritage of the Porsche 911, both for those who read every press report about their hero cars as kids, and for those who were too young to know about these incredible machines the first time around. We only work with the best, so we’ve developed partnerships with companies that have built their reputations at the very highest levels of motorsport and the automotive world. We’re committed to ensuring that every car restored by Singer is an analogue jewel – beautiful and captivating to drive above all else.”
The restoration process The process begins when the owner of a Porsche 911 (Type 964) sends their car to Singer with the request to carry out a personalized restoration. Originally manufactured by Porsche more than thirty years ago, these sports cars have been on the road ever since, covering thousands of miles in the hands of many drivers.
The first step of the restoration involves the owner’s car being carefully disassembled. The interior is removed, as is the exterior bodywork and all mechanical components, until the steel monocoque (chassis) is revealed. The chassis is painstakingly assessed, cleaned, and prepared so that it is in optimal condition for the next stages of restoration. During this phase, chassis strengthening, developed in consultation with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, is applied to enhance the rigidity of the original Type 964 monocoque.
Engine and transmission The engine in a 911 Carrera Coupe Reimagined by Singer draws on long experience with the 911 and learnings from the DLS program, where the company’s first four-valve cylinder head was born. This expertise allows Singer to continue exploring the performance potential of the Type 964’s iconic flat-six, on behalf of its clients, through a continuous process of careful optimization and the development of a revised four-valve cylinder head. Singer have jointly developed the execution of this engine with Cosworth, who have deployed their unparalleled experience, specifically in the areas of variable valve timing, combustion chamber design and intake and exhaust path.
The engine represents multiple firsts. It is the first engine restored for a Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer to feature variable valve timing, optimizing drivability at low speeds, and power at high revs. It is also the first naturally aspirated engine restored by Singer to use water-cooled cylinder heads combined with air-cooled cylinders, utilizing learnings from the DLS Turbo program.
Together, these features help the 4.0L flat-six to develop 420HP and broaden the torque delivery across a wider range of engine speeds, while enabling owners in a growing range of countries to restore their cars through Singer’s services.
The engine will rev to over 8000 rpm and, to encourage drivers to explore that range, an optimized, six-speed, manual gearbox can be specified, sending power to the rear wheels. A raised gear shifter may be specified with an exposed shift mechanism, underlining the engineering craftsmanship. A newly developed titanium exhaust system provides free breathing for the flat-six and its famous soundtrack.
Says Dickinson: “Porsche offered the option of a wide-bodied, naturally aspirated G model 911 Carrera for drivers in the 1980s. The Super Sport Equipment package was intended for what Porsche described as ‘the connoisseur of high performance’, incorporating uprated brakes and suspension along with its purposeful appearance. If you wanted a whale tail you could have one, if you didn’t, that was possible too.We’ve used this as inspiration for our latest services and as a home for this special engine. Hans Mezger’s masterpiece – restored, reimagined and reborn – is at the heart of the car.”
Chassis On behalf of owners, Singer joined forces with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, the high-performance engineering arm of Red Bull Technology Group, to increase the strength and torsional rigidity of the original 964 chassis through the restoration process.
Red Bull Advanced Technologies assessed the 964 chassis using their world-class capabilities in simulation and structural analysis. Their work led to the development of a chassis strengthening system, using composite and steel reinforcement, applied to the 964 monocoque at the beginning of the restoration process.
The original Type 964 monocoque remains at the heart of the car, augmented with this strengthening to provide an optimized foundation for each subsequent stage of the restoration, with increased rigidity benefitting handling, braking and overall refinement.
Heritage and cutting edge Singer’s experience with carbon fibre enables careful balancing of iconic DNA with cutting-edge engineering and material science. While inspired by the G model cars of the 1980s, the bodywork is reimagined for aesthetic and functional performance. The use of carbon fibre allows reduced mass and enhanced stiffness, further sharpening dynamic responses in the manner that Singer’s clients have come to expect.
Inspired by the Super Sport Equipment available in period, the carbon fiber body accommodates wide front and rear bodywork. A deep front spoiler optimizes cooling and airflow at the front of the car, while intakes in the leading edges of the rear fenders direct cooling air to the engine compartment.
The 911 Carrera could be specified in period with or without the famous whale tail rear wing, and Singer’s restoration services allow today’s drivers the same choice. A fixed wing or speed-activated wing manage airflow over the rear of the car for stability at speed. High-performance auxiliary driving lights may also be specified, rising from the front hood when activated and folding down flush when not in use.
Ground control In common with the 911 Carrera cars in period, the dynamic performance of the engine is enhanced with a sophisticated approach to suspension, brakes, wheels and tyres, enabling drivers to cover ground rapidly, where the conditions allow.
Suspension developed for Singer’s turbocharged services provides the foundation for compliant, sporting handling. New, four-way adjustable dampers with electronic damping control can be adjusted from the driver’s seat and incorporate a nose lift system. Carbon ceramic brakes developed through the DLS services may be specified, sitting behind 18” centre-lock wheels, providing deep reserves of stopping power.
Tyre technology has developed dramatically since the end of the twentieth century and the use of the latest Michelin Pilot Sport tyres allows the restored car to transmit its power effectively to the road. The driver may select from five drive modes (Road, Sport, Track, Off and Weather) to adjust the levels of intervention from the traction control and electronic stability control, depending on the road conditions and their own capabilities.
Driver-focused interior Singer’s restoration and modification services enable owners to personalize the interior presentation of their car according to their personal preferences, through bespoke paint, leather, and material finishes. Lightweight sports or track seats may be requested, providing the perfect driving position in combination with the raised gear shifter mechanism.
In front of the driver, the familiar 911 instrument layout is reimagined, with hand-built gauges bringing high-watchmaking standards into the cabin. Singer’s mastery of traditional leatherworking techniques allows owners to request stitched and burnished leather seams throughout the cabin for the first time. Technology is incorporated with restraint, allowing for discrete navigation and phone connectivity.
Personalization As with every Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer, the two cars featured in this press release have been personalized by their owners, according to their individual requirements.
Specification overview – as inspiration for an owner with a touring focus:
Type 964 chassis
Lightweight carbon fibre bodywork in Celeste Passalacqua with speed-activated rear wing
4.0L, four-valves per cylinder, naturally aspirated flat-six with variable valve timing
Six-speed manual transmission
Rear-wheel drive
Carbon-ceramic braking system
18” centre-lock wheels in white
Interior presented in Mars Pink with stitched and burnished leather seams
Sports seats with velvet corduroy centres
Air-conditioning, navigation and Car Play connectivity
Specification overview – as inspiration for an owner with a sports focus:
Type 964 chassis
Lightweight carbon fibre bodywork in Giallo Segnale with fixed rear wing, sports-focused front splitter and high-performance auxiliary driving lights
4.0L, four-valves per cylinder, naturally aspirated flat-six with variable valve timing
Six-speed manual transmission
Rear-wheel drive
Carbon-ceramic braking system
18” centre-lock wheels in white
Interior in Black with stitched and burnished leather seams, and Interferenza cloth.
Lightweight track seats and rear cross-brace
Air-conditioning, navigation and Car Play connectivity
For ultimate freedom of choice, the owner may specify both sets of front and rear bodywork, with a bespoke flight case, allowing their car’s configuration to be changed as required.
Testing Singer’s restoration services are proven through a rigorous development schedule. Test cars complete thousands of miles of intensive evaluation at some of the most famous automotive proving grounds in the world, including Millbrook in the UK, IDIADA in Spain, Nardo in Italy and the Nürburgring in Germany, where TÜV certification for Singer’s services is carried out.
Price and availability Each restoration is unique. Every owner shares their personal preferences and requirements for bespoke engineering as part of the process of working with Singer to personalize their own 911. Prices for Singer’s restoration services are dependent on the specification requested by each car’s owner. The Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe Reimagined by Singer will be limited to just 100 commissions.
Customer experience Singer’s clientèle includes the most discerning and sophisticated drivers in the world. They are supported through the specification, restoration and ownership experience by a world-class team of experts at Singer. In a growing number of markets around the world, local support is available to owners through the company’s Global Partner Network (GPN), incorporating some of the most experienced automotive specialists in the world. GPN support is available in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australasia.
Notes About Singer
The correct naming for previous restoration services by Singer is as follows: Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer – Classic (first presented in 2009) Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer – DLS (first presented in 2018) Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer – Classic Turbo (first presented in 2022) Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer – DLS Turbo (first presented in 2023)
Photo Gallery:
About Singer Founded in California in 2009, Singer represents a philosophy expressed as A Relentless Pursuit of Excellence. The company has become renowned for its collaboration with owners of the air-cooled Porsche 911 to reimagine bespoke restorations. Singer’s philosophy embodies:
A highly personalized approach and exquisite execution.
A passionate focus on iconic design and a homage to the world’s most iconic sportscars.
Modern engineering and material science combined with jewel-like details.
A deep connection with California and its automotive zeitgeist.
Singer’s automotive services enable owners to restore beautiful, analogue sports cars for the road and track.
Singer Quick Timeline: 2009 – Company founded; first restoration presented at Monterey Car Week 2014 – First all-wheel-drive and Targa restorations completed 2017 – Singer Reimagined watch company launched 2018 – DLS services presented 2022 – Classic Turbo services presented 2023 – DLS Turbo services presented 2025 – Introduction of Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe Reimagined by Singer
We would also like to draw your attention to the following information about Singer: Singer is not sponsored, associated, approved, endorsed nor, in any way, affiliated with Porsche Cars North America, Inc., or Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche, AG. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG is the owner of numerous trademarks, both registered and unregistered, including, without limitation, the Porsche Crest®, Porsche®, and the model numbers and names and the distinctive shapes of the Porsche automobiles, such as the federally registered 911 automobile. Any mention of Porsche Cars North America, Inc., or Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche, AG. trademarked names or other marks is for purpose of reference only.
Classic Defender V8 Soft Top joins the Land Rover Classic line‑up, paying homage to previous generations of Defender Soft Top, including the sought‑after NAS 90 from the 1990s
Carefully hand‑built by the expert engineers at Land Rover Classic who know the model best, each made‑to‑order vehicle is based on an original Solihull‑built Defender
Comprehensive rebuild and upgrade programme includes 405PS 5.0‑litre petrol V8 engine, eight‑speed automatic transmission, revised suspension, uprated brakes and luxurious interior
Classic Defender clients can create their dream Soft Top, with a choice of four hood colours, two hood styles, and near‑limitless bespoke personalisation
New Classic Defender V8 Soft Top prices start from £195,000 plus applicable local taxes
Coventry, UK – Land Rover Classic has confirmed the return of an icon with the launch of the Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top – the most desirable classic Land Rover Defender.
Soft‑top examples of the classic Defender are highly sought‑after, and the new addition makes it possible to own a personalised example of this legendary model from the official home of classic Defenders, combining the joy of open‑topped driving with traditional Defender off‑road capability.
Exclusively available on the short‑wheelbase ‘90’ chassis, the Soft Top – the first Defender Soft Top since 2016 – follows the introduction of the new Works Bespoke service in 2024. The Soft Top provides a new way for clients to express their dream vision of a legendary Classic Defender.
Each Classic Defender V8 Soft Top is the result of hundreds of hours of work by expert Land Rover Classic engineers. Every example begins with a specially sourced donor vehicle, originally produced from 2012‑2016, which is comprehensively enhanced and reengineered. The result is a unique vehicle, produced to OEM standards with longevity, luxury and capability in mind.
A bespoke canvas hood ensures a perfect fit, and is available in four colours, with Black as standard and Sand, Dark Khaki and Navy also available. Its unique design is inspired by the hood fitted to the last Defender to roll off the production line in 2016 and features authentic tie downs and webbing. The side and rear sections can be unzipped and rolled‑up for open air driving while retaining a degree of protection from the elements, and Land Rover Classic has added extra tie‑down points to keep the canvas tightly secured at highway speeds.
The hood frame itself has been specially designed for the new model, with bracing that takes its inspiration from the coveted original NAS (North American Specification) 90. A smaller ‘Bikini Hood’ is also available, protecting the front‑seat occupants, in the same range of colours.
A selection of 49 paint finishes allows clients to create their perfect look, while the Works Bespoke match‑to‑sample colour service allows owners to create truly individual paint schemes.
Clients can personalise a vast array of exterior and interior details to bring their Soft Top vision to life, including the grille, door handles and bonnet script, while a choice of 16‑inch Wolf wheels or 18‑inch Sawtooth alloys is available – the former finished in either Black or Limestone. Inside, there are five monotone or eight duo‑tone leather options to choose from, with colours such as Caraway, Liberty Blue, and Garnet, plus any number of other bespoke finishes. Unusual options and accessories include an onboard wine cooler and a custom surfboard rack, allowing Land Rover Classic to create one‑off examples to suit any lifestyle.
All Classic Defender V8 Soft Top vehicles are powered by a Land Rover 5.0‑litre petrol V8 engine, with 405hp and 515Nm of torque. This is paired with an eight‑speed ZF automatic transmission, ensuring effortless performance and precise responses.
The V8 power is accompanied by uprated suspension and brakes. The suspension set‑up is specifically tailored to the unique characteristics of the 90 Soft Top and combines traditional Defender capability with superior comfort in all environments. Its revised coil spring rates, Eibach anti‑roll bars, and Bilstein dampers have undergone comprehensive testing and development to ensure they meet OEM standards. The brakes are uprated to four‑piston Alcon units with front discs measuring 335mm in diameter, and 300mm at the rear, for confidence‑inspiring stopping power.
Dedicated personalised support is provided by the specialist teams at Land Rover Classic in Coventry, UK, and Essen, Germany. Prices for the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top start from £195,000 plus applicable local taxes and every example comes with a one‑year, unlimited mileage warranty.
Transmission: 8‑speed automatic with Pistol Shifter, All‑Wheel Drive, two‑speed transfer box, heavy‑duty front and rear differentials, torque‑biasing centre differential
CHASSIS
Front suspension: live beam axle, Eibach coil springs, Bilstein telescopic dampers. Panhard rod and Radius arms. Eibach anti‑roll bar. Rear suspension: live beam axle, Eibach coil springs, Bilstein telescopic dampers. ‘A’ frame and Trailing Links. Eibach anti‑roll bar.
Front brakes: Alcon Four‑Piston Calipers 335mm Discs
Wheels and tyres: 16in heavy‑duty steel wheels, mud‑terrain tyres
Steering: Recirculating ball, power‑assisted
PERFORMANCE & ECONOMY
0‑60mph (sec): 5.6 secs
Top speed (mph): 106mph
V8 DEFENDER HISTORY
V8 powertrains in the Land Rover Defender and its production predecessors started with the Series III Stage 1 V8 of 1979. The carburetted 3.5‑litre Rover V8 produced 90bhp.
The Land Rover 110 from 1983, and 90 from 1984, used the same 3.5‑litre Rover V8 engine as the Series III Stage 1 V8, but in 113bhp form, uprated to 135bhp from 1987.
For North American Specification (NAS), Defender 90s and 110s only, from 1992, a 182bhp fuel‑injected 3.9‑litre version of the Rover V8 was fitted, along with a four‑speed automatic transmission.
In 1998, the fuel‑injected 190bhp 4.0‑litre V8 from the second‑generation Range Rover was fitted to a limited run of 50th Anniversary Defender 90s, with a four‑speed automatic transmission.
5.0‑litre naturally aspirated 2018 Defender Works V8 became the first official V8‑powered Land Rover Defender to be introduced since 1998.
Other editions of the Land Rover Classic Defender V8 include the Islay, Trophy and Trophy II variants.
About Land Rover Classic
Land Rover Classic is the official source of authentic cars, expert services, genuine parts, and unforgettable experiences for classic Land Rover enthusiasts worldwide. Our team of highly skilled engineers at the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works facility in Coventry specialises in outstanding Land Rover Series I and Range Rover Reborn restorations and building the Defender Works V8.
Important notice JLR is constantly seeking ways to improve the specification, design and production of its vehicles, parts and accessories and alterations take place continually. Whilst every effort is made to produce up‑to‑date literature, this document should not be regarded as an infallible guide to current specifications or availability, nor does it constitute an offer for the sale of any particular vehicle, part, or accessory. All figures are manufacturer’s estimates.
Further Information
For more information on the full range of cars, services, parts, and experiences offered by Land Rover Classic, visit: www.landrover.com/classic
For more information about Land Rover Classic Parts, including performance upgrades for the classic Defender, visit: www.parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.com
Get Lost launches as a new automotive brand, founded by photographer GFWilliams, and built around the simple pursuit of creating a car that’s fun.
Get Lost: Project Safari is a ground-up reimagining of the Elise S1 – combining rally attitude, road trip capability, and bespoke design.
Every detail is designed or engineered with quality and intent – from the hydraulic handbrake to the roof scoop – to enhance the character and capability of the entire car.
Get Lost: Project Safari is the first vehicle from Get Lost, with customer builds due to start later this year.
[source: Get Lost]
April 15th, Surrey – Get Lost is proud to unveil Project Safari – the first vehicle from the new automotive design and engineering brand. A bold, ground-up reinterpretation of the iconic Elise S1, Project Safari blends rally-inspired capability, road trip practicality, and design-led innovation into a single, uncompromising package.
Founded by renowned automotive photographer GFWilliams, Get Lost is the result of over a decade immersed in the world’s most exceptional cars. That industry experience shaped a vision: a car that delivers emotional connection through design, engineering, and a relentless pursuit of fun.
Bringing that vision to life is a passionate, multidisciplinary team drawn from motorsport, design studios, and fabrication. Together, they’ve created something that not only breaks the rules, but makes you wonder why they were there in the first place.
The Design: Get Lost: Project Safari began with a deep study of the original car’s form and function – not to overwrite what made it special, but to reimagine it without constraints. “The idea of taking an Elise off-road might sound ridiculous, and that’s exactly why we leaned into it,” says George Williams, founder of Get Lost. “That one silly idea gave us real creative freedom. Every element was considered from the ground up, not just to look good in isolation, but to enhance the character and capability of the entire car.”
Get Lost: Project Safari contrasts the Elise’s fluid curves with sharp, deliberate design choices. Highlights include a custom roof scoop, bespoke rectangular headlights, and a completely redesigned interior using the highest quality materials – all contributing to a new identity while respecting the car’s roots.
The Build: “It wasn’t enough for the car to look good – it had to be brilliant to drive too.” said George. Get Lost: Project Safari runs all-terrain tyres, as well as a completely bespoke suspension system, offering increased ride height and width while refining the body control to inspire confidence to always push on. A new powertrain also delivers strong, reliable performance, while key functional upgrades – including a limited-slip differential, and a hydraulic handbrake – contribute to the car’s uniquely playful character.
The result? A car designed in form and function for fun adventures. “This is not a modified Elise, it’s our interpretation of what the platform had to offer. Everything has been considered – from the design to the drive – all in the pursuit of creating something that’s fun,” says George Williams. “If you get it, you get us. If not? Get Lost.”
Get Lost: Project Safari is the first vehicle from Get Lost, with customer builds due to start later this year. Get Lost is now welcoming letters of interest from customers, collaborators, and anyone who sees themselves in this vision.
Since 2012, the Chelsea Truck Company has been rewriting the rulebook for how a Defender should look, feel, and command attention. The original Wide Track Defender wasn’t just a body kit, it was a statement. A formidable, more aggressive reinterpretation of Britain’s most popular 4×4, built with the kind of detail and swagger you won’t find in a traditional dealership.
Fast forward to 2025, and the team at Kahn Design, the design house behind the Chelsea Truck Co., is once again elevating the game. Enter the Widebody: a carefully evolved design built for the modern L663-generation Defender, marrying heritage cues with contemporary craftsmanship.
Where others might rest on their laurels, Kahn Design refines. This latest iteration isn’t just a visual update; it’s a complete rethink of form and function. First seen on last year’s Defender X Prototype, the new Wide Track package retains the muscular silhouette customers have come to love, but adds sharper lines, cleaner integration, and a more purposeful stance.
The big news? The entire kit is now constructed from high-grade automotive ABS, a material prized in the industry for its lightweight strength and durability. This change improves fit and finish and allows for a more accessible price point without compromising on the premium feel clients expect from Chelsea Truck Co.
One of the previous generation’s limitations is also addressed: compatibility with our bumper vents. The previous front wings extended further onto the front bumper, and in response to customer demand, we have remodelled the arches to allow full front-end styling compatibility, an essential finishing touch for those building the ultimate urban/off-road Defender.
Designed under the watchful eye of Afzal Kahn, the brand’s founder and Chief Designer, each component is shaped with a designer’s eye and an engineer’s precision. The wide-track arches aren’t just bigger — they’re better, sculpted to complement the Defender’s bold proportions while allowing it to retain all of its off-road credentials. This is no show pony.
The Wide Body Defender 2.0 is more than a styling kit, it’s a continuation of a design legacy. It speaks to a driver who demands presence without shouting, who values materiality and craftsmanship as much as capability.
The Wide Body kit is available now for 90 and 110 and is also part of our Series II Conversions soon to be available through our dealer network.
Alternatively, a range of converted vehicles is available now via KAHN Automobiles.
America’s oldest permanent road course will be reimagined to include:
A world-class motorsport facility, open to the public, incorporating complete renovation of all racing tracks, pit and paddock facilities.
A luxury private members’ club hosted by Singer.
A technology hub for race teams and manufacturer development and testing.
An enthusiast zone with car storage, fully equipped servicing and restoration facilities, including a museum and retail.
A venue for automotive gatherings celebrating California’s influence on global car culture.
ROSAMOND, CA – The future is bright for America’s oldest permanent road course. Willow Springs International Raceway, which was listed for sale last summer by long-time owners the Huth family, has been purchased by an affiliate of CrossHarbor Capital Partners in collaboration with Singer Vehicle Design.
CrossHarbor, an alternative investment management firm with an extensive portfolio of commercial real estate and resort residential development, recently closed escrow on the property. The purchase ensures a successful road ahead for the Kern County raceway, as CrossHarbor and its partners focus on preserving the facility’s rich history while making significant investments to establish it as the premier venue for automotive enthusiasts.
“We are thrilled to begin a new chapter with such a beloved facility,” said Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners. “We are committed to serving the community for decades to come and creating a space where all members of the car community can collectively share their enthusiasm for Willow Springs and motorsports. Along with Singer, we are collaborating with recognized and respected names within the auto industry and are excited to partner with them in pursuit of this definitive California experience.”
A Motorsports Destination for Everyone The new ownership group sees public access as a key aspect of Willow Springs’ success, and the raceway will continue to host both public and private events. Existing tracks, including all three road courses, will remain open to the public and undergo enhancements to improve safety. A variety of track layouts, including karting, ATV courses and driver instruction, will continue to be available to a broad range of interests.
Singer at Willow Springs In addition to being an owner, Singer will partner with CrossHarbor to create its first private member’s club. Membership will be open to Singer’s clients as well as other like-minded enthusiasts and will enable drivers to bring their vehicles for track days and related experiences. With its proximity to one of the largest luxury and sports car markets in the world, Willow Springs promises to redefine what it means to belong to an automotive enthusiast community.
Singer’s Chief Strategy Officer, Mazen Fawaz, commented: “Willow Springs is an important part of California’s motorsport heritage for enthusiasts, and everyone with an automotive obsession. Singer has two decades of track days, racing, and development at Willow’s circuits. We are delighted to help make sure that it’s in safe hands and can be an even more impressive part of California’s car culture for the next seventy years. Its custodianship is a responsibility we are not taking lightly, and our partners could not be better suited to see it through.”
For information about membership opportunities, click here.
Experts and Enthusiasts CrossHarbor has already begun an in-depth evaluation of the raceway’s extensive facilities and will initially focus on track and safety improvements, including adding more asphalt and curbs and enhancing run-off areas with leveling and gravel. Future plans include maintaining Willow Springs’ history while upgrading its facilities, improving food and beverage offerings, and refining the track and driving experience.
CrossHarbor and Singer do not intend to ever sell Willow Springs and have brought together a group of passionate motorsport enthusiasts to join as co-owners in the facility, all with a long-term, multigenerational goal of preservation and improvement. A number of recognized consultants have been enlisted to support and plan future improvements, including:
Former Formula 1 driver, Le Mans winner and track designer Alex Wurz, head of Wurz Design, who will enhance existing track design and safety.
Renowned for its leadership in motorsports entertainment and venue management, Speedway Motorsports’ subsidiary Sonoma Raceway, bringing years of expertise in delivering premier on-track experiences, will oversee track operations to help create a world class motorsports facility.
Hart Howerton, a world-recognized master planner, will create off-track elements to enhance Willow Springs’ customer and member experience.
Information about upcoming improvements, events and raceway news will be shared as they become available. For more information about Willow Springs, visit willowspringsraceway.com.
About CrossHarbor Capital Partners Founded in 1993, CrossHarbor Capital Partners is a leading real estate investment manager offering a multi-strategy investment platform providing investors with broad access to opportunities across property types, geographies and capital structures. With an investment track record of over $30 billion, the firm currently has $10.2 billion in assets under management in several investment programs along the risk-return spectrum. Through its nationwide, relationship-driven origination platform, disciplined investment approach and highly experienced team of professionals, CrossHarbor seeks to generate consistent, risk-adjusted outperformance while focusing on capital preservation. In 2009, CrossHarbor acquired the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana, out of bankruptcy proceedings, turning it into one of the world’s premier destinations. Its subsequent Big Sky investments are managed through its subsidiary, the Lone Mountain Land Company. CrossHarbor is based in Boston and has offices in Chicago, Los Angeles and Big Sky. For more information, please visit www.CrossHarborCapital.com.
About Singer Founded in California in 2009, Singer represents a philosophy simply expressed as A Relentless Pursuit of Excellence.
The company has become renowned for its collaboration with owners of the air-cooled Porsche 911 to reimagine bespoke restorations. Singer’s philosophy embodies:
A highly personalized approach and exquisite execution
A passionate focus on iconic design and a homage to the world’s most iconic sportscars.
Modern engineering and material science combined with jewel-like details.
A deep connection with California and its automotive zeitgeist.
Singer is not sponsored, associated, approved, endorsed nor, in any way, affiliated with Porsche Cars North America, Inc., or Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche, AG. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG is the owner of numerous trademarks, both registered and unregistered, including, without limitation, the Porsche Crest®, Porsche®, and the model numbers and names and the distinctive shapes of the Porsche automobiles, such as the federally registered 911 automobile. Any mention of Porsche Cars North America, Inc., or Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche, AG. trademarked names or other marks is for purpose of reference only.
Chelsea Truck Co. has commissioned Kahn Design to create an extraordinary concept vehicle, redefining modern automotive excellence.
The Defender 90 Concept 001 emerges as a visionary reinterpretation of the legendary Defender, blending British tradition with avant-garde styling and technical mastery.
This one-of-a-kind prototype acts as a design showcase, previewing bespoke upgrades destined for future limited-run models. Each detail has been precision-engineered to challenge conventions while honouring the Defender’s enduring legacy.
[source: Chelsea Truck Co.]
Uncompromising Presence Commanding the road, Concept 001 rides on newly announced 20-inch Hammerhead RS-Forged wheels, paired with robust 33-profile all-terrain tyres for an imposing stance. The addition of Chelsea Truck Company’s extra-wide over-fenders and carbon fibre rear diffuser spats amplifies its bold profile. Built for adventure and elegance alike, the lower body features 3D-textured protective paint, combining resilience with a rugged yet refined finish. Up front, facelifted headlights lend a sharper, more assertive edge, while a KAHN® branded rigid spare wheel cover at the rear delivers a polished accent. The exterior is crowned by a lightweight, aerodynamically optimised vented bonnet in deep gloss black—a performance-inspired flourish that heightens both dynamism and prestige.
A Cabin Crafted for Distinction Inside, Concept 001 elevates Defender luxury to new heights. The hand-finished black leather interior, adorned with Britannia blue piping and extended upholstery accents, introduces an unprecedented level of bespoke sophistication.
An exclusive Kahn Design Concept Identity Badge underscores its artistry, alongside meticulously curated details like colour-matched side vents with CTC Plaques, K A H N bonnet lettering, and the signature Chelsea Truck Co. radar emblem. These elements celebrate the vehicle’s uniqueness, epitomising precision and British design excellence. Cloaked in signature KAHN® Volcanic Rock Satin paint with 3D Military-Textured accents, Concept 001 stands as a testament to automotive ingenuity, where bold individuality, innovation, and peerless craftsmanship unite.
The Evolution of Bespoke Defender Design Begins Now…
The Concept 001 Exterior Conversion is available by special order through Kahn Design for L663 Defender 90 and 110 models, priced at £25,000. This includes VAT, professional fitting, and bespoke paint finishing.
Frontline Cars (Frontline) presents the MGA Factory Edition, a complete transformation of the Fifties icon
Retaining its iconic silhouette, Frontline has transformed the ride, handling and performance using its perfected, proven classic MG-based formula
Weighing just 815 kg the Frontline MGA is powered by either a 2.0-litre or 2.5-litre Duratec engine with the famed 5-speed Frontline gearbox pairing
Chassis development conducted in-house, with outdated leaf springs replaced with proven, adjustable Nitron suspension and limited-slip differential added
Subtle exterior design tweaks include LEDs with Frontline logo, Frontline badging – a first for the brand – plus removal of side lights
The British firm says anything is possible with exterior and interior colours and its Bespoke programme can tackle unique wishes like Perspex screens, louvred bonnets and even bespoke picnic storage in the boot
The Frontline MGA Factory Edition will make its global debut at the 82nd Goodwood Members’ Meeting (12-13 April) on Frontline’s stand (51 and 52)
Available as a roadster, coupé and in left- or right-hand drive for UK and global export
[source: Frontline Cars]
Abingdon, England – Marking 70 years since the debut of MG’s most aerodynamically advanced model, the MGA Factory Edition is Frontline Cars’ (Frontline) lightest and most refined restomod yet. It stays true to the spirit of the original while delivering a modern, exhilarating driving experience, and will make its global debut at the 82nd Goodwood Members’ Meeting (12-13 April).
Weighing just 815 kg (dry), each MGA Factory Edition is powered by a choice of naturally aspirated Duratec engines: a 2.0-litre unit producing 225 bhp or an optional 2.5-litre variant delivering 290 bhp. Each engine features individual throttle bodies, a modern ECU, stainless exhaust and precision-tuned camshafts, resulting in a responsive, linear power delivery that feels alive in every gear. Retaining the involving driving experience, Frontline equips each Factory Edition with its famed five-speed manual gearbox.
Extending its knowledge and expertise to the MGA, the new Factory Edition’s chassis has been developed entirely in-house. In turn, the MGA comes with a limited-slip differential with uprated shafts and bearings, and a five-link rear suspension co-developed with long-time partner Nitron. Fine-tuned geometry and front telescopic dampers enhance agility, while uprated brakes – featuring four-piston front and two-piston rear callipers – provide exceptional stopping power. The classic fly-off handbrake, a nod to the original, has been seamlessly integrated with modern braking technology. Adjustable electronic power steering adds everyday usability without compromising feel, too.
While the modern drivetrain and engineering features are at the heart, the MGA Factory Edition is faithful in appearance while featuring subtle, contemporary enhancements that distinguish it from its Fifties predecessor. Thoughtful exterior touches include crystal-clear LED headlights, which eliminate the traditional sidelights for a cleaner, more modern front fascia. Each lamp is etched with a bespoke Frontline logo, serving as a discreet signature of its bespoke, handcrafted origin. There’s also a Frontline badge on the bonnet, a first for the brand in its 30+-year history, to identify the MGA.
“The MGA always had more to give,” said Tim Fenna, Founder and Chief Engineer at Frontline Cars. “We wanted to keep its iconic shape and character while transforming the driving experience. This is a car that looks and feels like a classic but drives like something far more advanced. It’s light, fast, and incredibly rewarding – but still, unmistakably, an MGA.”
“For us, building a car is about starting with building that connection with our customers directly,” continued Tim Fenna, Founder and Chief Engineer of Frontline Cars. “We work one-on-one with each build, fitting our customers into their car like a tailor fits a suit – the beauty of it being that it can be completely bespoke to what the customer wants from a car. That’s why the MGA Factory Edition is so special – it’s not a museum piece. It’s a car you’ll want to drive – and reach for the keys in every scenario, rain or shine.”
Available in both roadster and coupé form, every Frontline MGA Factory Edition is built from a fully restored body, ensuring each car is finished to the highest standard. Using its customer configuration room, which is at the heart of Frontline’s Abingdon-based HQ (or remote meetings can be arranged), which sits alongside the in-house trim shop, customers are invited to customise every aspect of their dream MGA. The possibilities in paint hues, finish and interior materials are endless, creating an experience akin to selecting a hand-made suit in Savile Row, or reserved for the most premium of automotive ateliers.
Following its Goodwood Members’ Meeting debut (you can see Frontline during the event, on stand 51 and 52), the MGA Factory Edition will enter full production at Frontline’s Oxfordshire headquarters. Optimised for the company’s growing international audience, particularly in the USA and Australia – two regions where the original MGA was most celebrated – both right- and left-hand drive builds are now available to order, with global customers invited to already start commissioning their bespoke examples. First customer deliveries are expected from Summer 2026.
About Frontline Cars: Founded in 1991 initially under the name of Frontline Developments, which was rebranded as Frontline Cars (Frontline) in 2023, Frontline was established with a single mission: to elevate the foundations and driving experience of classic MG cars. Now past its 30th year, and wholly focused on bespoke, hand-made car builds, Frontline has firmly established itself as a marque specialist, uncompromising in its dedication to preserving the past while utilising the best in modern-day technology. With a passion for precision and renowned for its meticulous attention to detail, each Frontline car celebrates originality and heritage in abundance, while never losing sight of the purity of automotive interaction these cars were meant to emote in the first place.
A nod to the importance of the MGA: Originally launched in 1955, the MGA marked a dramatic departure for MG, with smooth, flowing bodywork, a lower stance, and a purer driving experience. It was the last model developed under company founder Cecil Kimber and quickly became one of Britain’s most successful sports car exports. Of the more than 100,000 MGAs built between 1955 and 1962, over 80 per cent were sold abroad – particularly in the USA and Australia, where the car gained a devoted following. However, despite its beauty and charm, the original MGA always had untapped potential, limited by the technology of its era.
Maturo and their business remastering the Lancia Delta Integrale continues to bear fruit, now for the third time with this car built consistent with the firm’s Stradale specification.
The latest build benefits from more than 2,000 hours of workmanship by the talented staff at Maturo. This particular car is fitted with the WRC Group A Abarth package including rally brakes, uprights, driveshafts and more.
Weight is further reduced with this car now benefitting from a fully carbon fiber body. Other upgrades include adjustable suspension, upgraded audio system and of course a tailored interior and exterior.
Totem Automobili has chosen the Vezzena Pass to unveil its latest chassis, part of the “Totem Individual Program”
[source: Totem Automobili]
Treviso, March 28, 2025 – “Jarama” is the latest creation from Totem Automobili, a car that embodies the timeless charm of racing and the elegance of Italian craftsmanship. Part of a strictly limited run of only 40 units, this one-off is born within the “Totem Individual Program”, a customization journey that allows clients to work side by side with the Totem team to create a truly unique car.
The name “Jarama” is a tribute to the historic victory achieved in 1972 by Autodelta with the GTA Junior 1300 in the 4 Hours of the circuit of Jarama, the final race of that year’s European Touring Car Championship. It honors an era when motorsport was driven by talent, courage, and innovation—values that Totem continues to uphold in its creations.
“Jarama” features design elements developed exclusively for this model. The side badges, sculpted from CNC-machined aluminum and hand-painted, were designed specifically for this chassis, echoing the plaques of classic race cars. The carbon fiber bodywork is finished in “Blu Cervino,” a custom triple-layer mica paint applied entirely by hand to enhance every curve and line with extraordinary chromatic depth.
Inside, tradition meets contemporary luxury. The ConnollyTM Cognac leather, specially selected for this version, wraps the seats, headliner, and side panels, creating a warm and inviting cabin. The dashboard houses two vintage Tag Heuer chronographs on the passenger side, evoking the golden-era of racing when even timekeeping was a manual, analog operation. Every control, from the light switch stalk to the push buttons, has been redesigned and developed exclusively for “Jarama,” crafted from noble materials like aluminum and carbon fiber, emphasizing the blend of aesthetics and functionality.
Technically speaking, “Jarama” is the result of meticulous engineering, with solutions designed specifically for this model. The electronically controlled suspension, custom-developed in collaboration with ORAM from Como, allows the car’s behavior to adapt to any situation, ensuring the perfect balance between comfort and sportiness. The gearbox has been completely re- engineered: its CNC-machined aluminum linkages are a distinctive feature of this car, visible through the central tunnel. The tunnel itself is lined with the same fabric used throughout the interior, offering a glimpse of the mechanical beauty beneath.
The carbon fiber, a signature element of Totem’s creations, has been crafted with a unique rhomboidal weave and finished in matte to highlight the plenum and various interior and exterior details, while the matte Nickel trim adds a touch of understated elegance across the vehicle.
A special mention goes to the “Pied de poule” fabric found in the interior. Each batch of fabric is produced in Florence specifically according to each car’s configuration, ensuring a perfect match with the many chromatic elements that define both the exterior and interior.
“Jarama” is much more than a car—it is a modern interpretation of Italy’s great automotive tradition. It merges the allure of vintage racing with the precision of contemporary technology, handcrafted with an attention to detail that makes each unit unique. With this GT Super, Totem Automobili continues to shape its vision of the future, where technical excellence meets a passion for design and history.
