LaSource is proud to represent Thornley Kelham, one of the most well-respected restorers of rare and spectacular vehicles in the industry, having won most of the major international concours d’elegance events on at least one occasion, despite only being founded in 2008.
AN ICON REDEFINED
Recognising that the Porsche 911 has always been one of the most engaging sports cars ever made, the aim was to enhance its character to bring it in line with the expectations of a modern performance car owner. To achieve this, every part of the chassis was comprehensively assessed and updated to deliver the experience envisioned at the start, and to ensure that drivers can fully exploit the car’s performance.
Using suspension components including bespoke front wishbones based on the modern-day GT3, the standard passive set up includes JRZ Motorsport four-way adjustable coilovers with Eibach springs, and hollow, adjustable anti-roll bar to deliver markedly improved turn-in and precision. Agility and responsiveness are taken to the next level thanks to the Quaife steering rack, which – at just 2.5 turns lock-to-lock – is quicker than the 3.1-turns original.
PERFECT IN EVERY DETAIL
The updated interior is at once instantly familiar, yet thoughtfully updated to bespoke modernity. Hand-crafted, updated with new technology and outfitted with the finest materials, such as Connolly leather and Alcantara, as well as enhanced sound deadening for greater refinement – this is a car designed to be comfortable enough for everyday use.
One-piece carbon fibre Recaro seats, Momo Prototipo Black Edition steering wheel and repositioned gear lever for the G50 6-speed manual transmission, are subtle updates to the original, while the instruments retain their classic look but are re-engineered to suit the all-new electrical system and are set in a dashboard offered in a range of expertly-crafted finishes.
THE DESIGNER’S THOUGHTS
Hal Walter, Designer of the European RS, said: “More than half a century after its launch the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 is still regarded by many as the ultimate driver’s car. It was used to homologate the ’73 Carrera RSR 2.8, which dominated in endurance racing in its debut year. As the most highly evolved 911 in the original style, and with a naturally aspirated race motor, I find the 2.8 the most charismatic 911. It is also the most exciting I have driven. It is the primary inspiration for this design.
“However being a race car, the motor is too highly strung for the road and refined detailing was not a priority. The beauty of a restomod is being able to combine classic rawness with refinement by keeping the light weight and involvement and adding drivability, elegance and improved aerodynamics. I chose my 997 GT3 RS 4.0 as the benchmark and together with Thornley Kelham worked to match its captivating performance, precision and progressive handling while ensuring the European RS still fizzes with old school character.”
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Why did James chose to add Thornley Kelham to the LaSource Collection
I was approached by TK, as they refer to themselves internally, in 2022. As with all brands, I spoke with them on the telephone initially and then agreed to meet them at their facility. On arrival I was instantly struck by their extraordinary workmanship. It was genuinely the best body and paint finishing I’d ever seen, so I started to pay attention.
As the tour of their sizable facility developed I was surprised by just how many clients were either friends of mine, or indeed heavy-weights of the concours car collecting fraternity. It was clear that TK was a hidden gem in the restoration world, but more importantly – at least to me – was that they had recognised the growing importance of modernising classics for a new generation and were eager to build out a brand in that space to sit alongside their concours winning restoration business.
Founded by Simon Thornley and Wayne Kelham, TK started out in 2007 and by the time we met had grown organically into a business employing around 40 people. The business (and its people) exudes style. Product quality and customer satisfaction is their absolute priority and there isn’t a whiff of the “car trade antics” which are alas common in our industry.
Thornley Kelham are only a small corner of the LaSource world, but I spend more time working with them than anyone. Their outlook, their products and their attention to the details makes them a joy to work with and I wholeheartedly recommend their cars.
James Banks – Founder of LaSource