Cornes Group and Singer Announce New Representation

Singer Vehicle Design was in Tokyo this week to launch their partnership with Cornes Group (full press release below). Founder Rob Dickinson, former lead singer of UK band The Catherine Wheel, was here for a week of actives that included a press day and reception at Trunk Hotel, a Car Culture Evening at T-SITE with Top Gear presenter Chris Harris, and driving sessions at the Magarigawa Club circuit.

Employing over 200 people in Daventry, Singer reimagines vintage Porsche 911’s into new cars which are considered works of art in the car world. With prices for the DLS Turbo starting in the £1.5m range and with waitlists of several years, this British car is one of the most desirable vehicles in the world.

T-SITE architect Mark Dytham was on hand to show Greg Clark, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Japan, his project around the bookstore complex and get up close and personal with the DLS Turbo on display there. We look forward to seeing more of these amazing cars in Japan as Singer and Cornes partnership begins to bloom.

FULL PRESS RELEASE BELOW

Press Release Source

California-based luxury specialist, Singer, recognized worldwide for its restorations of the air-cooled Porsche 911 in collaboration with their owners, is today announcing the appointment of Cornes Group as its new partner supporting clients commissioning restorations in Japan. The announcement was made today in Tokyo during a series of special events being held for customers and the media.

Singer’s focus on Japan is part of the company’s global strategy to form partnerships with world-class operations with deep experience in the luxury market. The company currently operates with valued partners in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.

Clients commissioning restorations in Japan will now be able to learn about Singer’s restoration services and discuss their requirements with the experienced luxury automotive team from Cornes Group. The announcement also means that both Singer’s existing clients and future owners in Japan will have wider access to expert, in-country servicing, and maintenance.

At a series of events in Tokyo for owners, prospective owners, and media, Singer and Cornes showcased, for the first time in Japan, four cars representing each of Singer’s restoration services. Classic and DLS services enable owners to restore naturally aspirated cars, while Turbo Study and DLS Turbo services enable turbocharged restorations.

Each Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer is unique and represents a personalized restoration of the owner’s Type 964 Porsche 911.

Founder and Executive Chairman of Singer, Rob Dickinson commented – “Since I founded Singer in 2009, our mission has been to celebrate the brilliance and the heritage of the Porsche 911. Our goal is to connect with owners and enthusiasts around the world who share our obsession with this iconic sports car. We’re thrilled to be in Japan, where the 911 enjoys such a dedicated following within an incredible car culture. As our mission continues, we’re expanding the support we can provide for our amazing clients. Cornes Group are luxury specialists with a deep understanding of what it takes to be successful in the Japanese market and it’s wonderful to have them by our side.”

President and CEO of Cornes Motors, Seigo Hayashi commented – “Since 1964, Cornes has been importing luxury brand cars as an exclusive distributor and has been an authorized dealer since 2012. Cornes is proud to celebrate our 60th anniversary by starting our partnership with Singer, a leader in the world of luxury restoration and automotive sustainability, amidst a rapidly changing car industry landscape. We are excited to bring the Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer to Japan.”

Singer’s CEO, Mazen Fawaz noted – “Our work on behalf of Porsche owners is defined by a focus on beauty, craftsmanship and innovation. We’re delighted to be partnering in Japan with Cornes Group, who share our commitment to excellence, and excited to bring these incredible cars and our awesome team from California and the UK to meet new audiences around the world.” 

Singer Summary
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’s automotive services enable owners to restore both normally aspirated and turbocharged sports cars for the road and track.

About Cornes Motors
Cornes Motors K.K. is the No. 1 dealer of ultra-luxury imported cars in Japan. The company played a significant role in the development of the high-end car market in Japan by becoming an authorised importer of Rolls-Royce and Bentley in 1964 and Ferrari in 1976.

In 2011, in line with the expansion of its automotive business, the company became independent from Cornes & Company Limited and established ‘Cornes Motors Ltd’. In 2013, Lamborghini joined, and in 2018, C.P.S. Ltd, a part of the group, started handling Porsche. Now, the company is an authorised dealer of five brands: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Porsche, and provides sales and maintenance services for new and used vehicles. In 2022, the company launched ‘CORNES MOMENT’ under the concept of ‘Cars are fun’. It is comprised of various experience programmes that allow customers to participate with their cars.

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 – Results of DLS services presented
2022 – First turbocharged services presented
2023 – Results of DLS Turbo services presented

About Singer and our services
We’re different from other car companies. Singer is not a manufacturer; we provide personalized restoration services for owners of air-cooled Porsche 911s.

The correct way to describe a car that we have restored for its owner is: Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer

Please use this terminology when writing about Singer, to help us make sure that our services are accurately described.

We would also like to draw your attention to the following information about Singer.
Singer Vehicle Design, LLC (Singer) restores and reimagines 1989 to 1994 Porsche 911s, based on the 964 chassis at the direction of its clients. Singer does not manufacture or sell automobiles.

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. The Porsche® name and crest, 911® and TARGA® are trademarks of Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG, and any other products mentioned are the trademarks of their respective holders. Any mention of trademarked names or other marks is for purpose of reference only.

The product of Singer’s painstaking effort is a Porsche 911 restored and reimagined by Singer. Out of respect for Porsche, and to respect Porsche’s trademark rights, this incredible machine should never under any circumstances be referred to or described as a “Singer,” “Singer 911,” “Singer Porsche 911” or a “Porsche Singer 911,” or in any other manner that suggests that it is anything but a Porsche 911 that has been restored and reimagined by Singer.