Singer Alternatives: Who Builds the Best Porsche 911 Backdates?

Introduction

For many enthusiasts, Singer Vehicle Design set the benchmark for Porsche 911 backdates — especially their renowned Classic Commission, inspired by the 1970s F-Model.
However, Singer officially stopped accepting Classic Commission projects in July 2022, and existing examples now trade for around $1 million USD on the collector market.
With such scarcity and escalating prices, many enthusiasts now ask new questions like:
“What are the best Singer alternatives today?”
“Is there a Made in Germany Singer Alternative?”
“Could a German backdate builder offer a more reliable and steel based alternative?”

This guide explores why you might look beyond Singer, what to evaluate in a builder, and how PRINZIP R’s R64 and RG projects deliver exceptional quality with a more boutique and fairer path to ownership.

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Why Consider Alternatives to Singer?

Singer builds are works of art, but exclusivity comes at a cost: extremely high prices, very long queues and in the case of the Classic Commissions no more availability at all. Many buyers want similar craftsmanship, but:

• At a more transparent, realistic cost.
  
• With fairer lead times and boutique founder led consultation.
  
• Matched to personal driving goals - whether daily usability or collector value.
  
  

Alternatives based on the same 964 engine platform, such as those crafted by PRINZIP R, typically cost about 50-70% as much as Singer commissions - because you’re paying for craftsmanship and German engineering, not brand hype.
PRINZIP R differentiates itself through steel body construction (instead of carbon), higher durability, and significantly greater long-term reliability.

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Backdate vs Restomod Goals

Singer’s focus is mainly on 964-based transformations. But what if you prefer the raw, vintage character of a G-Model? That’s where exploring alternatives - like Backdate Porsche 911 or Restomod Porsche 911 paths with PRINZIP R - can give you more tailored results.

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How to Evaluate a Builder (Your Checklist)

Donor Expertise (964 vs G-Model)

The right donor car is the foundation of every build. A trusted builder should help you source either a 964 or G-Model, inspect it for structural integrity, and match it to your goals.

Metalwork & Composites

Hand-fitting panels, dealing with rust, and integrating carbon or lightweight steel are hallmarks of serious craftsmanship. The quality of the design of those bodykits lie in the details and the craftsmen who form the metal to the cars chassis perfectly. PRINZIP R is happy to share more screenshots and explain differences between builds.

Powertrain Approach

Does the builder offer stock rebuilds, performance upgrades, or full re-engineering? Transparency on what’s included in base cost vs. optional extras is essential.

Electrics, Safety & Daily Usability

Upgraded wiring looms, brakes, lighting, and modern comforts like AC define whether your car is a weekend toy or a daily driver.

Documentation & Resale

Clear build documentation, homologation where required, and warranty support protect both your ownership experience and long-term value.

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Backdate vs Restomod: Which Path Fits You?

• Backdate (964 donor): Long-hood aesthetics on a modern platform. This is the idea behind our R64 Backdate - blending 1970s vintage looks with modern usability and power/weight ratio equal to modern GT3 cars.
  
• Restomod (G-Model donor): Keep the raw soul of the 1970s–80s while adding drivability upgrades. Our RG Restomod embodies this balance.
  

Both approaches offer what many call “Singer-style” character, but with flexibility to suit your driving style and budget.

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Cost & Lead Times: What to Expect in 2025

Singer’s former Classic Commission builds have soared in value, now trading around $1.0 – 1.3 million USD, while their newer Turbo-based projects occupy a similar high-end bracket.
By contrast, alternatives based on the 964 platform, such as those from Prinzip R, deliver comparable craftsmanship and performance for roughly 50% of that cost — without years-long waitlists.

Typical ranges:

• €200,000 + donor car for entry G-Model backdates.
  
• €€300,000-400,000 + donor car for high-spec 964-based backdates.
  
• €400,000–€700,000 + donor for Singer Classic Commissions level builds
  

Build timelines average 12–18 months, with clear phase-based milestones: donor acquisition, body & chassis, engine, interior, and delivery.

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PRINZIP R as a Singer Alternative

RG (G-Model Backdate)

For purists, the RG reinterprets the classic G-Model as a true backdate, not a restomod — retaining its raw air-cooled character while integrating modern precision in chassis, brakes, and comfort.

At Prinzip R, clients can even opt for a more purist G-Model backdate, echoing the simplicity and engagement of Porsche’s earliest 911s. Or they can opt for a R64 build - a 964 or 993 based widebody backdate which is a direct alternative to Singer’s now-discontinued Classic Commission philosophy.

Network Model Benefits

Unlike single-shop bottlenecks, Prinzip R works with a specialized partner network. This ensures:

• Consistently high quality across each component.
  
• Shorter queues compared to small family run companies - while keeping boutique style and concierge level service levels with direct founder access.
  
• A fairer path for enthusiasts who want their car in months not years.

Real-World Examples & Spec Ideas

Browse our portfolio to see how backdates and restomods can vary:

• Long-hood silhouettes with period-correct wheels.
  
• Interiors trimmed in heritage leathers or modern Alcantara.
  
• Handling packages tailored for daily use or weekend performance.
  

Explore the Backdate Porsche 911 (R64) and Restomod Porsche 911 (R+) for inspiration.

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Next Steps: Define Your Brief & Budget

Your “Singer alternative” starts with defining your priorities: donor type, spec, and driving goals. At PRINZIP R, we translate this into a clear project roadmap and costed build plan.

Book a private consultation to explore your options and see how we can deliver your dream Porsche 911 backdate or restomod.

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FAQs

Are there strong alternatives to Singer for Porsche 911 backdates?
Yes. Builders like PRINZIP R offer high-quality backdates and restomods, often at lower cost and with shorter wait times.

How do costs and lead times compare among top builders in 2025?

Singer’s Classic Commission is no longer available (order intake closed in 2022) and existing examples now trade around $1.0 – 1.3 million USD.

Alternatives like PRINZIP R deliver comparable craftsmanship at roughly half that cost, with transparent pricing and build times of 12–18 months.

Which donor is better for me - 964 or G-Model - for a Singer-style build?
Choose the 964 for modern comfort, or the G-Model for raw vintage character. Both are viable with the right builder.

What questions should I ask a builder before commissioning a backdate?
Ask about donor sourcing, bodywork strategy, engine approach, safety upgrades, documentation, and warranty.

How do warranty, documentation, and resale value differ between builders?
Singer cars command good resale mainly due to brand cachet. PRINZIP R cars hold value through transparent documentation, quality builds, and collector appeal.

Is Prinzip R affiliated with Porsche or Singer?
No. PRINZIP R is an independent Porsche specialist with its own design and build philosophy.