What: 2014 Porsche 911 50th Anniversary Edition Turbo S Coupe Color: Paint to Sample Graphite Grey (graphitgrau; non-metallic UNI; C2C2; Porsche) VIN: WP0AD2A9XES169049 Mileage: 3,700 miles Price at Time of this Writing: Bid to $318,000 with Eight Days Left in Auction CarFax:Link Window Sticker: $240,150 Location: Santa Monica, CA Auction listing:Link
Why we love it: In 2014, Porsche celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the 911 with a special “50th Anniversary Edition” model that utilized the then-wider body of the 991. 1963 were built to this specification, most easily recognizable for their Fuchs style wheels, houndstooth seats, and only available in either darker Graphite Grey (graphitgrau; non-metallic UNI; C2C2; Porsche) or lighter Geyser Grey. And while all of those had the base 911 drivetrain, Porsche also specially built a Graphite Grey Turbo S 50th Anniversary Edition for none other than Jerry Seinfeld. That car is currently up for sale on Bring a Trailer.
In total, Seinfeld’s 911 50th Anniversary specification applied to this Turbo S added approximately $58,000 in options to the standard Turbo S. In addition to the aforementioned paint, this included things like Sport Plus front seats with houndstooth inserts, PDK gearbox, Sport Chrono Package, 20-inch Sport Classic alloy wheels, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCBs), an electronic limited-slip differential in the rear, LED headlights, ParkAsssist, Burmeister audio system, and automatic climate control.
Consistent with the 911 50th Anniversary Edition, it also got 50th Anniversary badging and clear taillights. Interestingly, the underside of the trunk is also signed by Tony Hatter, then Porsche Head of Design.
It is believed to be the only factory built 2014 911 50th Anniversary Turbo S. Combine that with the fame of the original owner of this single-owner 911 and you have a very special car for any serious Porsche collector.
Rolls-Royce Phantom Goldfinger, a one-of-one masterpiece
Incorporates some of the most extensively engineered and hand-crafted Bespoke features ever produced
Celebrates sixty years of the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger
References Auric Goldfinger’s 1937 Phantom III Sedanca de Ville
Solid 18-carat gold bar in the shape of a ‘Speedform’ exhibited in centre console
Picnic tables include fictional map of Fort Knox bullion reserve in 22-carat gold inlay
Three-dimensional steel and gold Gallery incorporates isoline map of legendary Furka Pass
Starlight Headliner matches constellation above Furka during filming of scene in 1964
Gold golf club fitted to boot lid, referencing 007 and Auric Goldfinger’s first encounter
Harlequin umbrellas and 007 logo projector reference key film moments
[source: Rolls-Royce]
“At Rolls-Royce, we are dedicated to crafting deeply personal masterpieces that reshape the boundaries of possibility and truly define the essence of luxury. Each creation is a reflection of our commitment to producing extraordinary, unique motor cars that consistently delight and exceed the expectations of our clients. This particular project really invigorated our team of creatives, giving them the freedom to explore the reaches of their imagination. The final creation is a testament to the power of collaboration and the extraordinary ability of our designers, craftspeople, and engineers.” Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
“Witnessing how our Bespoke Collective seized upon the idea of celebrating 60 years of the film has been truly remarkable; this fantastic story has been masterfully explored in Phantom Goldfinger’s exquisite design. The creativity extended far beyond the making of the motor car, as we curated extraordinary experiences for the client and their family, all while staying true to the spirit of the Goldfinger theme. It is this exceptional ability to engage our clients and create lasting impressions that defines us as a true House of Luxury.” Boris Weletzky, Regional Director, United Kingdom, Europe and Central Asia, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
“This is gold, Mr. Bond. All my life, I’ve been in love with its colour, its brilliance, its divine heaviness.” Auric Goldfinger, Auric Enterprises
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled a one-of-one Phantom Extended that pays homage to the 1964 James Bond film, Goldfinger – one of twelve Rolls-Royce appearances in the 007 film franchise. Revealed in the film’s 60th anniversary year, it takes inspiration from the 1937 Phantom III Sedanca de Ville owned by theeponymous villain, Auric Goldfinger. This story is masterfully explored in Phantom Goldfinger, with exquisite and ingenious Bespoke features linking to the plot and iconography of this enduring film.
Phantom Goldfinger incorporates some of the most extensively engineered Bespoke features applied to a one-of-one motor car in Rolls-Royce history, each linking to the Goldfinger film plot. A total of three years of continuous development was required to bring each of these elegant and playful Bespoke features to life – from a complex sculptural Gallery, inspired by the famous scene filmed on the Furka Pass, to a gold golf putter mounted to the inside of the motor car’s boot, recalling the club used by Auric Goldfinger during his first encounter with James Bond.
2024 PHANTOM EXTENDED ‘GOLDFINGER’: EXTERIOR For the exterior of this contemporary tribute to Goldfinger’s motor car, Rolls-Royce paint specialists precisely matched the exterior yellow hue to the original 1937 Phantom III Sedanca de Ville used in the film. A unique ‘long-side’ two-tone design was developed in which the black finish wraps around the motor car’s generous coachwork as a single, uninterrupted graphic. The 21-inch disc wheels are finished in Black with silver ‘floating’ hubcaps, creating a tone-on-tone effect that recalls the wheel design of the 1937 motor car as seen in the film.
The Spirit of Ecstasy at the prow of Phantom Goldfinger has been given a unique finish, subtly referencing the motion picture’s plot. In the film, the villain Auric Goldfinger was smuggling gold in body panels of his Phantom. As a nod to this concept, sections of the figurine appear to reveal gold underneath, suggesting it is made of solid gold, concealed with a silver coat. Since it is not possible to silver-plate gold, Rolls-Royce specialists used a solid silver Spirit of Ecstasy and skilfully gold-plated it with 18-carat gold to achieve the ‘gold reveal’ effect.
INTERIOR: HIDDEN GOLD In honour of the Goldfinger film, the Bespoke Collective of designers, engineers, and artisans within Rolls-Royce developed several highly complex details and features that incorporate 18- and 24-carat gold. One such feat is the hidden vault created in the centre console between the front seats. The area was re-engineered to house an illuminated solid 18-carat gold bar, shaped as a Phantom ‘Speedform’ – a stylised representation of the motor car’s design in miniature.
The base of the front and rear centre consoles is also lined with an exquisite gold finish, as is the inside of the glovebox. The inner lid of the glovebox is also debossed with Goldfinger’s iconic quote: “This is Gold, Mr. Bond. All my life, I have been in love with its colour, its brilliance, its divine heaviness.”
The air vents and ‘organ stops’ throughout the motor car also have a lustrous gold finish. The speaker frets are given the same finish and inscribed with the film’s title treatment. The treadplates, designed to look like the gold bars that feature Goldfinger, are gold-plated and embossed using the same font developed for the film in 1964. The 24-carat gold-plated VIN plaque is engraved with a specially obtained vehicle identification number, which ends in 007.
FURKA PASS GALLERY The Bespoke artwork installed in Phantom’s Gallery, which runs the full width of the front fascia, is the true centrepiece of the motor car. The three-dimensional design, which was hand-drawn, is a precise yet artistic isoline map that shows the contours of the Furka Pass; in the film 007 is seen on this legendary road, discreetly following Auric Goldfinger to his smelting plant in the Swiss Alps. The stainless steel used to construct the piece was darkened using a method named physical vapour deposition. Contour lines and elevation figures are engraved into the dark substrate, exposing the bright metal beneath. The Furka Pass is cut out from the stainless-steel layer, revealing a gilded surface underneath.
This highly complex feature required a year of painstaking development, in which the Bespoke Collective produced ten complete prototypes to perfect the design. The Bespoke clock surround at the centre of the artwork is inspired by the instantly recognisable ‘gun barrel’ sequence which has been featured in every James Bond film since Dr. No (1962).
FURKA PASS STARLIGHT HEADLINER The motor car pays another subtle tribute to the memorable Furka Pass scene. The marque’s Bespoke Collective designed the Starlight Headliner of Phantom Goldfinger to perfectly reflect the constellations as they were positioned over the Furka Pass on 11 July 1964 – the last day of filming the scene in Switzerland. 719 ‘stars’, which glow with a subtle gold hue, are surrounded by a further eight ‘shooting stars’ – all individually placed by hand.
PICNIC TABLE INLAY: THE MAP TO GOLD RESERVES The Royal Walnut picnic tables are adorned with a 22-carat gold inlay with a depth of only 0.1 mm, which feature a fictional map of Fort Knox, the bullion depository where the United States’ gold reserves are stored. The design, which took six months to finalise and was developed over three prototypes, incorporates key locations including Gold Vault Road, Bullion Boulevard, and the Bullion Depository that Goldfinger plans to attack in ‘Operation Grand Slam’.
INTERIOR COLOURWAY: GOLD STANDARD Phantom Goldfinger is finished in Navy leather and Royal Walnut veneer, selected as an elegant and refined canvas to showcase the gold detailing, inspired by the interior colourway of the original motor car. The seating, which includes reclining Serenity Seating in the rear suite, is subtly elevated with gold stitching, gold-coloured ‘bullets’ to cap the seat piping sections, and headrests that incorporate gold ‘RR’ monograms.
EXQUISITE DETAILS James Bond’s initial encounter with Goldfinger takes place at Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire, UK, where 007 challenges him to a round of golf. Goldfinger uses a gold putter, which is safely guarded by his henchman, Oddjob. For the 2024 Phantom Goldfinger, the gold-plated putter has been recreated and mounted on the underside of the boot lid. The club is adorned with a specially designed ‘AG’ monogram, inspired by the engraving on the signet ring worn by Goldfinger on-screen.
Later, while alone with Goldfinger’s Phantom III, Bond places a Q Branch-issued tracking device on the motor car, which he uses to follow the villain across Europe. To acknowledge this, the Bespoke Collective developed a device, inspired by the original gadget, that subtly projects the 007 logo onto the carpet of the luggage compartment floor whenever the lid is opened.
During the Stoke Park scene, Bond is nearly caught interfering with the Phantom III by Oddjob, who loads Goldfinger’s golf clubs and a harlequin umbrella into the boot. For the 2024 Phantom Goldfinger, the umbrellas that fit into the motor car’s rear doors have been finished in the same red, blue, green, and yellow colours.
As a finishing touch, the prized British numberplate ‘AU 1’, which graced the Goldfinger Phantom III in the film, has been secured — a reference to the chemical symbol for gold on the periodic table of elements. This will remain with Phantom Goldfinger, which has now been delivered to a significant Rolls-Royce client and collector based in England.
“Bringing Phantom Goldfinger into being was one of the Bespoke Collective’s greatest creative journeys to date. The elegant and whimsical features that reference the film’s most memorable moments are an exquisite demonstration of the power of Bespoke in adding a new chapter to an existing story. It was a privilege to be a part of the creative team that brought this highly sought-after collector’s piece to life.” Nick Rhodes, Bespoke Designer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: AURIC GOLDFINGER AND HIS 1937 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM III Rolls-Royce motor cars have featured in a dozen James Bond films throughout the film franchise’s history. However, the marque’s most enduring and memorable role is in the 007 film, Goldfinger.
The film sees eponymous villain, Auric Goldfinger, driven across Europe by his henchman, Oddjob, in an exquisite 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Sedanca de Ville. The coachwork of this imperious motor car holds a secret – it is made from two tonnes of solid 18-carat gold, which Goldfinger is smuggling from England, across the continent and over the challenging Furka Pass into Switzerland. Once safely installed in Auric Enterprises, he uses his alpine smelting plant to disassemble his Rolls-Royce, melting down the body panels into gold bars. With the original coachwork replaced, he returns his motor car to England and repeats this nefarious crossing.
Goldfinger’s ultimate master plan, named ‘Operation Grand Slam’, is far more ambitious; he plans to irradiate the gold stored in the Fort Knox Bullion Depository with an atomic device, rendering it worthless, thereby driving the value of his own reserves into the stratosphere.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Phantom Extended: NEDCcorr (combined): CO2 emissions: 345 g/km; Fuel consumption: 15.1 ltr/100 km / 18.7 mpg. WLTP (combined): CO2emissions: 362-348 g/km; Fuel consumption: 15.9-15.2 ltr/100 km / 17.7-18.6 mpg. Further information: https://bit.ly/3XtQW7q
ABOUT ROLLS-ROYCE Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a true luxury house, creating the world’s most recognised, revered and desirable handcrafted Bespoke products for its international clientele.
There are over 2,500 people working at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, West Sussex. This comprises both its global headquarters and Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence – the only place in the world where Rolls-Royce motor cars are designed, engineered and meticulously built by hand. An independent study by the London School of Economics & Political Science confirms that since the company first launched at Goodwood in 2003, it has contributed more than £4 billion to the UK economy and adds more than £500 million in economic value every year.
Porsche honors its legendary automotive heritage with an extraordinary creation: the 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special. This one-of-a-kind vehicle commemorates the 70th anniversary of the official Porsche team’s historic participation in the first era of the Carrera Panamericana Mexico.
[source: Porsche AG]
As the final piece of a special trilogy celebrating the brand’s success in this emblematic Mexican race, drawing inspiration from the iconic 550 Spyder, it will also be auctioned for charitable causes. As a perfect addition, TAG Heuer pays tribute to this legendary race through the release of the limited TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana.
A one-of-a-kind vehicle
Porsche Latin America unveiled the 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special, a one-of-a-kind vehicle commemorating Porsche’s most significant success during the1954 Carrera Panamericana Mexico. This edition is considered Porsche’s most successful among the brand’s three participations since 1952. Hans Herrmann, piloting a 550 Spyder, secured an impressive third place overall and clinched victory in the Sport category for cars up to 1500 cc. This remarkable achievement not only elevated Porsche’s status in global motorsport but also proved so memorable that—combined with the experiences of 1952 and 1953—it inspired the iconic “Carrera” naming.
Using the 718 Spyder RS as a foundation, Porsche aimed to recreate the spirit of the historic mid-engine 550 Spyder with its lightweight construction—the first vehicle specifically designed for racing that outperformed rivals with larger engines. A Porsche Latin America team, collaborating with Exclusive Manufaktur experts at Porsche’s headquarters in Germany, developed this model. Their joint effort completed a trilogy of cars created through Sonderwunsch, Porsche’s exclusive personalization program. This trilogy celebrates the 70th anniversary of three remarkable Porsche participations in the Carrera Panamericana.
“From the beginning to the modern era, La Carrera Panamericana Mexico is far more than a competition for Porsche. One only needs to look at the 911 Carrera or the Panamera—both named to honor the events that unfolded here in Mexico 70 years ago. The Sonderwunsch Inspiration cars represent exceptionally special projects, and Mexico was entrusted with three consecutive ones: the 911 Carrera Panamericana Special, the twin 718 Cayman GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Specials, and this year’s 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special”, said Tobias Eninger, CEO and President of Porsche Latin America. “The latter celebrates the legendary 550 Spyder, with which Hans Herrmann achieved remarkable feats. Each car commemorates a successful moment that individually resonated through the years, but collectively, transformed Porsche into an iconic brand.”
Celebrating Porsche’s Success in Mexico
In 1954, during the final edition of “golden era” of the Carrera Panamericana Mexico, Porsche cemented its legacy in this legendary rally. The brand achieved its best result to date, showcasing the exceptional capabilities of its sports cars in one of the most grueling races in those times. Porsche fielded a team of four official 550 Spyders, driven by an international quartet: Mexico’s Salvador López Chávez, Argentina’s Fernando Segura, Guatemala’s Jaroslav Juhan, and Germany’s Hans Herrmann. The race spanned five intense days, covering over 3,000 kilometers from the southern Mexican Border at Tuxtla Gutiérrez in the state of Chiapas, to the northern border at Ciudad Juárez in the state of Chihuahua.
The Porsche 550 Spyder featured the first race use of the 1500 cc four-camshaft engine, which was groundbreaking technology for its time. Combined with the lightweight aluminum bodywork, this engine enabled the car to reach speeds exceeding 200 km/h, allowing it to outperform heavier vehicles with engines more than three times its size. This victory was not just Porsche’s first as an official team; it also led to the Fuhrmann engine being dubbed the “Carrera Engine” and later inspired the name of Porsche’s most exclusive model line.
Completing the trilogy: the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special
The Porsche 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special, distinguishes itself through aesthetic enhancements, exclusive equipment, and historical nods. Centenaire silver adorns nearly all aerodynamic elements, including the carbon fiber components from the Weissach package. This striking color extends from the NACA ducts on the front, through the fascia and lower air intakes, to the rear spoiler in Gurney Flap format. The Magnesium wheels are complemented by high-gloss black ceramic composite brake calipers (PCCB), offering a contemporary twist.
New version of the Roma Spider presented packed with innovative personalisation options
The car will be displayed at the ‘One of a Kind’ exhibition in the Enzo Ferrari Museum
A further enhancement to the immersive experience of the Tailor Made programme
[source: Ferrari]
Maranello, 9 October 2024 – Ferrari presents a unique version of the Roma Spider created by the Tailor Made department: the car will be on display at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena as of today as part of the ‘Ferrari One of a Kind’ exhibition, dedicated to the exclusive world of personalisation for the Maranello-based manufacturer.
The aim of this Roma Spider in particular is to highlight innovative component production techniques, enabled through the use of special, refined supplies. Standing out among these is work on the fabric in the central panel of the seats with manual stitching that adopts leather from the interior and applies thread obtained from recycled tyres.
On this car, Ferrari has launched work with lasers on aluminium body components for the shield on the front wing, as well as the option of personalising the bonnet design with a compass rose and the geographical coordinates of Maranello. Aluminium recycled during the production phase in the Ferrari foundry is also used to create some components of the twin-turbo V8 engine, reducing the volume of waste to a minimum.
Other noteworthy features include the use of chrome-free nappa leather and wood of controlled origin on the tonneau cover and rear floor, as well as components made from sand, on the centre console, recycling the sand removed from casts in the Maranello foundry.
Collaboration with Montblanc was also of considerable importance, with Ferrari’s partner creating a special edition of the celebrated Meisterstück for the occasion. This iconic writing instrument now sports the same Oro Mida colour specifically chosen by the Maranello Styling Centre to characterise the Ferrari Roma Spider Tailor Made. This unique item is also enhanced with a nib made of hand-worked Au750 solid gold and platinum-coated with a special compass motif, and cap and sections also coated in platinum.
In keeping with the concept of journeying as a thread running through the whole project, the writing instrument is accompanied by a logbook with a cover featuring reused leather in the same colour found in the interior of the Ferrari Roma Spider: Rosso Bologna and Pelle Metalizzata Oro Mida. Impressed on the cover are the coordinates of Maranello, the same as the ones on the body of the logbook and which recall the compass rose engraved on the bonnet, an indissoluble connection between the writing instrument and the car.
This Ferrari Roma Spider represented an unparalleled opportunity for research and development on materials and processing to further extend the wealth of personalisation options offered by the Tailor Made department. So it is that the car becomes part of the special ‘One of a Kind’ exhibition installed at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena, which offers visitors a specific immersive experience of the personalisation programmes to which Ferrari clients have access: together with the interactive wall enabling a physical experience of materials, fabrics, colours and the vast range of options that the Ferrari Styling Centre provides for clients, the installation is now enhanced with the particular materials chosen for the Ferrari Roma Spider Tailor Made to make it unique. The car will stay on display at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena until February 2025.
FERRARI ROMA SPIDER The timelessly elegant, high-performance Ferrari Roma Spider is a contemporary take on the chic, pleasure-seeking Italian lifestyle of the 1950s and 60s. Its most distinctive trait is the retractable soft top, returning to the Prancing Horse range on a front-engined car 54 years after the 365 GTS4. The twin-turbo 620 cv V8 from the engine family that was heralded as the International Engine of the Year on four consecutive occasions, combined with the 8-speed DCT gearbox, allows the Ferrari Roma Spider to deliver category-leading performance.
FERRARI TAILOR MADE Ferrari Tailor Made is the exclusive programme dedicated to those who wish to personalise every element of their Ferrari, to create a car that can fully express their character and personal tastes. Clients who join the programme are assisted by a team of experts led by a personal designer who interprets their wishes in keeping with the cosmetic standards of the Ferrari brand. The options are virtually endless, with the three Classica, Inedita and Scuderia collections guiding clients within a world of exclusivity, elegance and unique quality.
‘FERRARI ONE OF A KIND’ EXHIBITION On 18 February 2024, the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena inaugurated and opened the ‘Ferrari One of a Kind’ exhibition to the public. It is a genuine celebration of the unique quality that characterises every masterpiece that emerges from the company’s gates thanks to the work carried out in the Tailor Made showrooms of Maranello, New York and Shanghai. The exhibition path shows the public the exclusive quality of the unique items that have been created over time to express the personality, tastes and wishes of Ferrari clients. It will be possible to visit the ‘Ferrari One of a Kind’ exhibition at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena until 17 February 2025.
FERRARI ROMA SPIDER – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE Type V8 – 90° – twin turbo Total displacement 3855 cc Bore and stroke 86.5 mm x 82 mm Max. power output* 456 kW (620 cv) at 5750–7500 rpm Max. torque 760 Nm at 3000-5750 rpm Max. revs 7500 rpm Compression ratio 9.45:1 Specific power output 161 cv/l
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT Length 4656 mm Width 1974 mm Height 1306 mm Wheelbase 2670 mm Front track 1652 mm Rear track 1679 mm Dry weight** 1556 kg Dry/power ratio 2.5 kg/cv Weight distribution 48% front / 52% rear Fuel tank capacity 80 litres Boot capacity 255 litres
TYRES AND WHEELS Front 245/35 ZR 20 J8.0 Rear 285/35 ZR 20 J10.0
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announces the one-of-one Spectre Lunaflair
Inspired by a lunar halo, where light refracts through ice particles in cirrus clouds
Effect creates a brilliant, ethereal technicolour ring around the moon
Bespoke holographic paint captures this phenomenon for one-off motor car
Creating Lunaflair paint required one year of development
Bespoke paint reserved exclusively for the commissioning client
[source: Rolls-Royce]
“We are constantly astounded by the diversity of ideas that inform our clients’ Bespoke concepts, which frequently draw inspiration from materials, finishes and themes they see in other commissions. Spectre Lunaflair is the perfect example of this, exploring the ethereal beauty of a lunar halo and sparked by the client after witnessing a paint finish on another Bespoke motor car. This symbiotic relationship and cross-pollination of ideas is fostering a ‘virtuous circle’ of innovation and creativity, which is incredibly important to our team of Bespoke designers, as we focus on delivering unparalleled value to those who entrust us with their vision.” Martina Starke, Head of Bespoke Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled the breathtaking Spectre Lunaflair – a Bespoke commission undertaken on behalf of a significant client from the United States. The extraordinary and exquisite highlight of this landmark motor car is the remarkable holographic paint finish that creates a captivating ‘rainbow’ effect.
The commission takes its inspiration and name from the optical phenomenon of a lunar halo, which appears as a colourful circle of light around the moon. It is caused by moonlight passing through ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds, which act as microscopic prisms: the light refracts creating a spellbinding technicolour ring effect, similar to light passing through a diamond.
Capturing this phenomenon in a Bespoke paint finish required more than one year of experimentation. The paint chemistry, application timings, and base coat were extensively trialled in order to meet the client’s concept. The final finish is achieved by applying seven layers of lacquer, including a specially formulated pearlescent coat, infused with fine flakes of magnesium fluoride and aluminium. This creates a deep metallic effect under low light that bursts into rainbow technicolour in bright sunshine.
The Spectre Lunaflair concept was partially inspired by another Bespoke masterpiece, the one-of-one Phantom Syntopia. Revealed in 2023, it features a dark iridescent Liquid Noir finish, infused with colour-shifting, mirror-like pigment. Captivated by Phantom Syntopia’s appearance, the commissioning patron asked the Bespoke Collective to create a light and luminous expression of this concept that reflected their fascination with the lunar halo phenomenon.
This cross-pollination of ideas, where a previous commission directly informs and inspires a completely new concept and story, speaks to the power of Bespoke. For the marque’s Bespoke Collective of designers, engineers and craftspeople, this virtuous creative circle and interconnection of ideas constantly provides new opportunities for the advancement of their art.
Spectre Lunaflair’s dramatic coachwork is complemented by a fully Bespoke interior. It includes Navy Blue, White, and Peony Pink tones, recalling the spectrum of hues that can be witnessed during a lunar halo. The colour scheme appears on the seats, doors and the Starlight Headliner. This theme is also carried onto the dual-tone steering wheel, with a Navy Blue outer and an Arctic White inner side.
Only one Spectre Lunaflair will ever be produced. The unique Lunaflair paint finish is reserved exclusively for the commissioning patron.
Modena, Italy – From Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 September, Maserati made its first appearance at Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille, the prestigious French event that since 2014 has brought together the best of automotive and haute couture in the elegant and historic setting of the Domaine du Château de Chantilly (Oise).
[source: Maserati]
The leading light for the Trident was the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello, created as a result of the tailor-made experience of the Maserati Fuoriserie customisation programme. The first 100% electric luxury cabriolet is inspired by the history and powerful character of the renowned Italian wines produced by Marchesi Antinori, one of the oldest and most illustrious winemaking families in Italy, which reflects the same passion and the strong values of tradition and innovation that have always characterised the spirit of Maserati.
GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello is a unique model made specially for the 50th anniversary of Tignanello, an event at which the car was unveiled in person for the first time at Chantilly, to follow its presentation in July at Festival Napa Valley, California.
Having gone under the hammer at the 2024 Arts for All Gala, one of the most important arts and education charity events in the US, held during the festival, GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello stopped off in Europe to catch the eye of the audience of connoisseurs and enthusiasts attending Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille: a perfect setting to celebrate all the uniqueness and refined customisation of one of the Modena-based marque’s most exclusive creations.
Designed and built in collaboration with Marchesi Antinori, the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello is a reflection of the most advanced craftsmanship, luxury and all the elegance that has long distinguished the Trident’s cars, with their ability to leverage both the tradition and the futuristic vision of the Italian brand’s production.
At Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille, Maserati welcomed its guests and the public to Terrazza Italiana by Giorgetti, a historic design company founded in Meda in 1898 and an outstanding figure in artisan carpentry made in Italy. Specifically for the event, it worked with the Trident to kit out the spaces with a selection of its outdoor collection; GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello caught the eye of the crowd intent on admiring the great panoply of classic and modern cars from the best-known and most beloved luxury brands.
During the event, journalists and selected Maserati guests also took part in a dedicated test drive session in the latest innovations in the Trident range – GranTurismo and GranCabrio Trofeo and Folgore, MC20 Cielo and Grecale Folgore – and participated in a special wine tasting with experts from Marchesi Antinori.
The moment the attendees at Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille were all waiting for was undoubtedly the Concours d’Etat, which brought together 100 extraordinary cars and the greatest collectors from all over the world. Various classic Maseratis belonging to private collectors were also competing: Maserati A6G54 built by Frua and Zagato, Maserati 5000GT, Maserati Quattroporte, Maserati 5000GT (Kidston Collection).
Giovanni Perosino, Maserati Chief Marketing & Communication Officer: “Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello’s presence at Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille is a big moment for us to celebrate the prestigious collaboration with Marchesi Antinori once again after the debut of this wonderful creation in the United States. It is an exclusive car, tailor-made and inspired by tradition, innovation and artisanship 100% made in Italy. GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello is the best way to set out the brand’s luxury image and epitomises the bespoke production of the Maserati Fuoriserie customisation personalisation programme, for our customers to create the car of their dreams: unique models with the ability to combine unmistakable design, extraordinary performance, luxury and prestigious materials, and the most extreme and refined creativity. This car is the greatest interpretation of the brand’s identity and of a DNA that has always been devoted to innovation, looking ahead into the future and defining the concept of ‘Italian luxury’ around the world”.
Maserati S.p.A. Maserati produces a complete range of unique cars, immediately recognizable for their extraordinary personality. Thanks to their style, technology, and innately exclusive character, they delight the most discerning, demanding tastes and have always been a benchmark for the global automotive industry. A tradition of successful cars, each of them redefining what makes an Italian sports car in terms of design, performance, comfort, elegance, and safety, currently available in more than 70 markets internationally. Maserati line-up includes the Grecale, the “everyday exceptional” SUV, the GranTurismo, the iconic Italian grand tourer, and the GranCabrio, the new convertible of the Trident; all models characterized by the use of the highest quality materials and excellent technical solutions. A range equipped with 4-cylinder hybrid powertrains – available for Grecale – and V6 petrol, with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, embodying the performance DNA of the Trident brand. The top of the range is made up of the MC20 super sports car and the MC20 Cielo spyder, powered by the ground-breaking 100% Maserati Nettuno V6 engine, which incorporates F1-derived technologies into the power unit of a standard production car for the first time. The GranTurismo is available with both the high-performance V6 petrol engine, derived from the Nettuno, and a 100% electric version: the GranTurismo Folgore, the first car in the Modena-based brand’s history to adopt this solution. Today the full-electric range includes also the Grecale Folgore, Maserati’s first full-electric SUV, and the latest addition, GranCabrio Folgore. By 2025, all Maserati models will also be available in a full-electric version, and the entire Maserati range will run on electricity alone by 2028.
Porsche has released details on a Taycan Turbo S one-off for Southeast Asian markets that has some pretty unique flair. It also reveals new capabilities for their Paint to Sample program, and confirms Leather to Sample and beyond that a significantly expanded Sonderwunsch program for Taycan models.
Inspiration for the car comes from Jade, and the paint shows off a first-ever pairing of Chromaflair paint and a gradient shift. The gradient shift is sort of like Cannondale mountain bike frames in the 1990s that shifted one color to another front to back. Here though, it’s at a much higher level of time and skill invested.
For starters, both colors are Chromaflair, meaning thin flakes that shift in color. The two paints in question are the green/gold hue of Urban Bamboo and dark grey/blue hue of Shifting Carbon. Applying it with that shift is about 80 hours of work.
Inside, the cabin is also extensively reworked, with Englishgreen and Slate Grey leather, not to mention a few other touches and unique logo icon to set the Celestial Jade apart.
See the full detail in the press release below, with gallery of photos below that.
PRESS RELEASE: Inspired by the precious gemstone jade: Taycan Turbo S Celestial Jade
World premiere in Singapore at regional Taycan launch
Unique look: first-ever Chromaflair paintwork with colour gradient
Elegance: varnished carbon-weave elements and “Leather to Sample”
Unique logo created to pay homage to vibrant Southeast Asian region
Stuttgart/Singapur. Fascinating metamorphosis: In the depths of the Earth, a miraculous transformation takes place that produces the precious gemstone of jade. Over thousands of years, minerals in the Earth’s crust heat up and are subjected to great pressure before they crystallise and fuse together. Minor changes in temperature or pressure leave their mark on the rock, creating patterns of green, yellow, gold, white, and sometimes blue. This unique journey from their mineral origins to master artisans, from multi-faceted natural stone to jewellery, is the foundation of the timeless appeal of jade.
Inspired by this precious gemstone, the Taycan Turbo S Celestial Jade, an extraordinary one-off, was created through the Sonderwunsch programme. Together with the Porsche Asia Pacific team, the designers and paint experts at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur sought to reflect the vibrance and innovation of the Southeast Asia in their own craftsmanship, paying tribute to this important region with bespoke touches and mythical symbols.
The Taycan Turbo S Celestial Jade will celebrate its world premiere at a spectacular Taycan regional launch event on 5 September in Singapore. From there, the one-off model will go on display in various locations in Southeast Asia before being auctioned off for a good cause in 2025.
This Sonderwunsch production is based on the extensively upgraded Taycan of model year 2024. The new versions have more power, more range, accelerate quicker and charge faster with greater stability. The Turbo S has up to 700 kW (952 PS) peak power¹ with Launch Control and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.4 seconds, making it 0.4 seconds faster than its predecessor.
World premiere: elaborate Chromaflair paintwork with colour gradient For the first time ever, in the Taycan Turbo S Celestial Jade, Porsche has blended two Chromaflair effect paints. The preparation and implementation phases for this were both very elaborate, with development taking around a year. The paintwork itself was done exclusively by hand and took around 80 work hours.
Chromaflair pigments contain extremely thin “flakes” that appear to shift in colour depending on how you look at them. These flakes consist of an opaque, reflective core layer of aluminium, which is then surrounded by a glass-like layer. This transparent layer looks different colours depending on the thickness. All together the flakes are only 1 µm thick. By comparison, human hair is 50 times thicker than this. This gradient paint isn’t just found on the body of the Sonderwunsch Taycan: the rear model designation, the “Electric” logo on the side and the key fob cover also have this impressive finish.
“Urban Bamboo”, a bright green with yellow and gold tones, and “Shifting Carbon”, a dark grey with black and blue tones, were chosen as the colour combination. It culminates in the transcendent name of the vehicle: Celestial Jade. Especially in Asia, jade is a noble and precious material that is rich in tradition and associated with happiness and longevity. Carbon, by contrast, symbolises the pioneering spirit of Porsche. This innovative and powerful colour is often seen in the world of motor racing. The material is robust, light and durable.
Bespoke logo with symbolic power, special carbon-weave finish components In addition to the spectacular Chromaflair exterior paintwork, the one-off car features a specially designed logo in several places. The logo is inspired by “LongMa”, a mythical being with a dragon’s head (“Long”) and the body of a horse (“Ma”) said to be of great power and strength, and an auspicious symbol bringing good luck. The motif is also adds a layer of meaningful symbolism to the Taycan Turbo S Celestial Jade, since 2024 is also the chinese Zodiac Year of the Dragon, and the horse reflects the Taycan, with Turkish origins meaning a ‘Young Horse’. The “LongMa” logo on the Taycan Turbo S Celestial Jade can be seen on the sill guards of the front and rear doors, on the door projector and all headrests.
Another highlight, designed to match the Chromaflair paintwork, is the carbon-weave finish components in varnished Carbon. These replace the standard Turbonite-coloured inlays on the front bumper, on the side skirts and on the rear diffuser. The airblades on the wheels are also made from this special, hand-crafted material. The varnish allows the carbon-fibre compound to shine through. Depending on the angle you look at it from, the surface shimmers in different hues.
“Leather to Sample” now also available for the Taycan In addition to the ten leather and 15 seam colours that Porsche offers as standard for the Taycan, “Leather to Sample” is now also available for this model series via the Sonderwunsch programme. This further customisation option celebrates its premiere with the Taycan Turbo S Celestial Jade. The interior specialists from the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur have combined the standard colour Slate Grey with the “Leather to Sample” option Englishgreen. This elegant, dark green can be found in the doors, the centre console and the front and rear seats. In addition to Englishgreen, the “Leather to Sample” programme includes around 150 colours.
For especially individual requests, Porsche goes a step further: with “Leather to Sample Plus”, the colour can be chosen almost entirely freely. Inquiries can be made through the Porsche Centres, and the experts at Porsche AG will then check the feasibility.
About the Sonderwunsch programme Porsche is reinterpreting its legendary Sonderwunsch programme from the late 1970s, which will enable it to design individualised, one-off cars – co-created by the customer and professionally produced by Porsche. The offering has now been expanded. In addition to the ability to commission individual customer colour and material requests directly in production at the factory, this expansion also includes subsequent Factory Re-Commissioning and Factory One-Off services for vehicles that have already been delivered to the customer.
Customers can contact their Porsche Centre for customisations on new cars. If the request is beyond the bounds of what the Car Configurator can offer, the Sonderwunsch process kicks into gear with an arranged personal customer consultation at Zuffenhausen or one of the international locations, such as Atlanta or Los Angeles. Here, experts from the manufacturer evaluate individual customer requests and take care of the technical approval for the relevant Factory Commissioning area. Typical Sonderwunsch features range from leather in the luggage compartment to painting the whole exterior in multiple colours using different types of paint surface technology.
About Porsche Asia Pacific Pte Ltd Porsche Asia Pacific Pte Ltd is a subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. The company started operations on 1 October 2001 and currently serves 13 countries from its headquarters in Singapore: Brunei, Cambodia, French Polynesia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Porsche Asia Pacific sees itself as an incubator for the market and supports importers and dealers in the areas of customer service, business development, marketing, new business areas, public relations and sales. In this way, the company helps them to further professionalise their operations and address the needs of their customers in order to ultimately expand their business.
About Porsche Singapore Pte. Ltd. Porsche Singapore Pte. Ltd. is a retail company of Porsche Asia Pacific and the Eurokars Group and was founded in March 2022. Porsche Singapore sells new cars and vehicles with Porsche registration from the new Porsche Studio Singapore in Guoco Midtown. The central point of contact for all service matters relating to Porsche vehicles is the Porsche Service Centre in 27A Tanjong Penjuru.
Aston Martin’s Aramco Formula 1® Team driver, Fernando Alonso, takes delivery of his new Aston Martin Valkyrie in Monaco
A true F1® car for the road now piloted by two-time FIA Formula One® World Champion
Sensational bespoke specification designed by Fernando Alonso in partnership with Q by Aston Martin
Era defining hypercar incorporates concepts and technologies taken directly from Formula One®
Aston Martin Valkyrie is equipped with a hybrid V12 powertrain developing a maximum power of 1,155PS
[source: Aston Martin]
Monaco – Aston Martin’s Aramco Formula 1® Team driver, Fernando Alonso, took to the streets of Monaco today, following delivery of his Aston Martin Valkyrie; the ultimate hypercar, a true F1® car for the road.
Alonso drove his new Valkyrie hypercar out of the iconic Monte Carlo Bay Hotel, showcasing a bespoke specification created in partnership with the design team at Aston Martin’s bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin.
Taking inspiration from his Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team AMR24 race car, Alonso’s Valkyrie is painted in Satin Aston Martin Racing Green with bespoke contrasting AMR Satin Lime Graphics, emphasising the aerodynamic highlights of the hypercar. The cavernous Venturi Tunnel has been enhanced even further with the addition of Speed Red and Light and Dark Blue painted graphics. Exposed Carbon Fibre adorns the roof, engine cover, and lower aero and a Titanium Aston Martin Wings badge sits proudly on the nose. A bespoke ’CAUTION HOT’ graphic has also been applied to the rear.
Inside the driver focussed cabin, the continuation of exposed carbon fibre is expansive, and swathes of Pure Black Alcantra are paired with a contrasting AMR Lime stitch. Alonso’s infamous logo can also be seen embroidered into the headrests in the same AMR Lime thread.
Possibly the most intricate detail is in fact one that most will not see: A red anodised aluminium accelerator pedal etched with the number ‘14’, paying homage of course to Fernando Alonso’s driver number, chosen at the age of 14 on 14 July 1996 when he became karting world champion with #14.
“It’s hard to put into words how much I have been looking forward to this day”, said Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team driver, Fernando Alonso. “To sit at the wheel of my own Valkyrie; one that I have worked on designing so closely with the team at Q by Aston Martin is certainly a day to remember. Valkyrie truly is an F1® car for the road, with so much of the knowledge and technology taken from all the experience Aston Martin has on track and I can’t wait to hit the road.”
Accelerating from 0-60mph in under 2.5 seconds and boasting a hybrid 6.5-litre V12 powertrain developing a maximum power of 1,155PS, the Aston Martin Valkyrie incorporates a ferocious combination of F1® inspired aerodynamics and performance, delivering one of the most intense driving experiences achievable on the road.
Like all Aston Martin sports cars, Valkyrie is being built at the marque’s UK Headquarters in Gaydon. A dedicated project delivery team manages the build right through to delivery in a specially commissioned Valkyrie production area. A team of highly skilled technicians hand-build each of the 150 cars, with each Valkyrie taking over 2000 man hours to create.
Before each Valkyrie is delivered, it is track-tested at the Aston Martin high performance facility at the home of British Motorsport, Silverstone where much of the development of the hypercar has taken place.
Q by Aston Martin is the marques unrivalled personalisation service, allowing customers to explore their design creativity with infinite capacity and delivering the ultimate expression of individuality. From bespoke paint colours and graphics on the exterior to personalised, intricate details etched into the interior, it is possible for Aston Martin customers to create a true one-of-a-kind specification.
About Aston Martin Lagonda: Aston Martin’s vision is to be the world’s most desirable, ultra-luxury British brand, creating the most exquisitely addictive performance cars.
Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, Aston Martin is acknowledged as an iconic global brand synonymous with style, luxury, performance, and exclusivity. Aston Martin fuses the latest technology, time honoured craftsmanship and beautiful styling to produce a range of critically acclaimed luxury models including the Vantage, DB12, DBS, DBX and its first hypercar, the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Aligned with its Racing. Green. sustainability strategy, Aston Martin is developing alternatives to the Internal Combustion Engine with a blended drivetrain approach between 2025 and 2030, including PHEV and BEV, with a clear plan to have a line-up of electric sports cars and SUVs.
Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates, and exports cars which are sold in more than 50 countries around the world. Its sports cars are manufactured in Gaydon with its luxury DBX SUV range proudly manufactured in St Athan, Wales. The company is on track to deliver net-zero manufacturing facilities by 2030.
Lagonda was founded in 1899 and came together with Aston Martin in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown, and the company is now listed on the London Stock Exchange as Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc.
2020 saw Lawrence Stroll become the company’s Executive Chairman, alongside significant new investment. This coincided with Aston Martin’s return to the pinnacle of motorsport with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team and commenced a new era for the iconic British marque.
Porsche enthusiast and horse breeder Jorge Carnicero will soon have a new unique specimen in his stable. As part of the Porsche Sonderwunsch program, a comprehensively customized 911 S/T in Dani Blue has been created. The Kentucky-based sports car collector named the color after Color & Trim designer Daniela Milošević, who developed the shade of paint special for this car. One striking feature of the interior is the tricolor pepita pattern on the seat centers. Like the extensive leather upholstery in Graphite Blue, the pattern complements the blue color of the exterior paintwork. The 911 S/T in Dani Blue will be a featured highlight for Porsche this year at Monterey Car Week.
The sports car collector from the US state of Kentucky named the colour exclusively developed for him after Colour & Trim designer Daniela Milošević. One striking feature of the interior is the tricoloured pepita houndstooth pattern on the seat centres. Like the extensive leather upholstery in Graphite Blue, the pattern runs with the blue colour of the exterior paintwork. The 911 S/T in Dani Blue will be one of the highlights of the Monterey Car Week (15 to 17 August 2024) before Porsche hands the car over to its long-standing customer.
“Blue has always been my colour. I was never a fan of green,” Jorge Carnicero already revealed during one of his previous projects with Porsche. That highly individual 911 GT3 Touring was based on the millionth 911, which had rolled off the line in Irish Green in 2017. Despite Carnicero’s preference, this model from four years ago ended up green after all – British Racing Green.
[source: Porsche]
Atlanta. During the configuration of a 911 S/T, the sports car collector Jorge Carnicero asked the color experts at Porsche to create a special blue that would suit the sporty, pure character of the limited anniversary model. With its ‘Paint to Sample Plus’ program, Porsche lets customers develop colors based entirely on their own ideas. It is rare for the designers at Style Porsche to be involved in the configuration process of a single vehicle, but they were in this case.
Elaborate development of Dani Blue in ‘Paint to Sample Plus’
“Before getting started, we had four “paint frogs” painted in iconic blue colors,” Color & Trim designer Daniela Milošević said, recalling the beginning of this Sonderwunsch project. Paint frogs are miniature cars in the form of a current 911 that enable the effect of colors on a larger 3D body to be better assessed. Enamel Blue soon emerged as the general favorite. This was the color of the Porsche 901 sports coupé from 1964.
Milošević and her colleagues further developed Enamel Blue, adapting it to the current era. During this process, the tone became “a little more colorful, more intense and darker, but not too loud”, she said. She interpreted Carnicero’s taste perfectly, leading him to name the color after her; ‘Dani Blue.’
Even the Gurney flap on the rear and the PORSCHE script are painted in this exclusive color on Carnicero’s 911 S/T. Dani Blue’s exceptional brilliance, particularly in daylight, is a result of its sophisticated coating cycle. Of the four coats of clear lacquer in total, the first was additionally sanded. This also enabled the 911 S/T logos painted in contrasting Brilliant Silver to be embedded flush with the surface.
The customer as a member of the Sonderwunsch family
“Giving the paint my nickname is an overwhelming sign of gratitude for me and my work,” says Daniela Milošević. It’s also the highlight of the customer’s very appreciative attitude towards the Porsche employees, who found working with him very inspiring and motivating.
Carnicero happily returns the compliment: “Porsche doesn’t just create unique cars in the Sonderwunsch program. What’s special for me is the journey itself, the extraordinary team feeling, the people behind it all. Everyone is committed to making a personal dream come true, and for this I cannot thank Porsche enough.” With its Sonderwunsch program, Porsche offers its customers individualizations of the highest quality.
“Jorge Carnicero is a highly valued Porsche customer of many years’ standing and a member of the Sonderwunsch family. We’re so happy that he really appreciates the Manufaktur philosophy,” says Alexander Fabig, Vice President Individualization and Classic. “For some reason, a Porsche in his dream color has never worked out until now. Probably the 911 S/T had to come along, the car that this new color suits so perfectly.”
Harmonious overall concept with attention to detail
The classic look that is a feature of all of Jorge Carnicero’s Porsche cars is created by the combination of Dani Blue with Brilliant Silver on the lightweight magnesium wheels, the borders of the side windows (Daylight Opening), and the 911 S/T logos painted in Brilliant Silver behind the front wheel arches. The high-quality overall impression is also underlined by the mirror attachment pieces and the frame of the engine cover around the air intake grille being painted in high-gloss Black.
There’s also a special Easter egg on the exterior: the motto ‘Simply the Best’ on the underside of the rear bumper. Befitting for the derivative, the letters S and T in this motto are typographically emphasized using the design of the model logo.
Comprehensive leather interior upholstery and seats with exclusive pepita pattern
The exterior color concept carries over to the interior. The most striking feature is the tricolor pepita pattern on the seat centers. The iconic check pattern, which first adorned the seats of the Porsche 356 at the start of the 1960s, is composed in this case of threads in Graphite Blue, Chalk and Blue.
The interior also decorated with cross-stitching in GT Silver along the dashboard trim and the upper door panel trim. Each cross stitch is done carefully by hand by the experts at the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur saddlery. The interior of this special 911 S/T is generously upholstered in leather in Graphite Blue, with the natural material also being used for the knee pad and the trim on the A-pillars. Even the air vents are bordered in Graphite Blue leather, which is also used for the door opening loops. The entire roof lining is in Race-Tex of the same color. An eye for high-quality details is also evident in the high-gloss Black belt passages of the carbon fiber full bucket seats. The headrests feature the 911 S/T logo in GT Silver.
Several members of the project team have signed the collector model on the passenger-side dashboard trim. Another Easter egg is to be found in the interior. The lateral ends of the dashboard, which can only be seen when the doors are open, bear an embossed ‘Dani’ signature from Daniela Milošević – a surprise and acknowledgement from the customer to the designer.
One further detail with a personal note: a logo designed especially for Carnicero’s one-off car is embossed on the cover of the center console and on the vehicle document folder. It combines the 911 S/T logo with the current World Champion titles from Porsche. Everything comes full circle here, as a Metallic Silver 911 S from 1971 that carried the iconic ‘Porsche Manufacturers’ World Champion 69, 70, 71’ sticker in the side window was Carnicero’s first Porsche. Thus, with the support of Sonderwunsch Manufaktur, he also had a memento of his first great Porsche love attached to this latest Sonderwunsch project.
As with the car, the luggage compartment has also been extensively customized. It is upholstered in Graphite Blue leather, and the exclusive pepita houndstooth pattern is also used here. The trunk mat and the bag for the roadside warning triangle are made of the tricolor textile that is a hallmark of Porsche.
A special blue car cover with the 911 S/T logo and the 60th anniversary logo in contrasting grey round off the car’s exclusive look. And finally, the vehicle key is painted in Dani Blue.
About the Porsche 911 S/T
The Sonderwunsch model is based on the 911 S/T with which Porsche celebrates the 60th anniversary of the 911. This special edition, limited to 1,963 units, offers a one-of-a-kind combination of agility and driving dynamics. It combines the naturally aspirated, 518 hp 4.0-liter flat-six engine from the 911 GT3 RS with a close-ratio manual transmission. This is complemented by resolutely lightweight construction down to the tiniest detail and a running-gear setup optimized for agility and drivability. The name identifies the new 911 S/T as the descendant of a particularly performance-focused version of the first 911 generation. Starting in 1969, Porsche offered a special racing version of the 911 S. Internally, these vehicles were called 911 ST.
About the Porsche Sonderwunsch program
In the spirit of truly luxury, the Porsche Sonderwunsch program provides bespoke customization services for unique sports cars with a combination of skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail. The sports car manufacturer thus reinterprets its legendary Sonderwunsch program from the late 1970s to enable individualized, one-off cars – co-created by the customer and professionally produced by Porsche.
The range of services encompasses individual customer color and material requests directly in production, as well as subsequent modification after the car is delivered to the customer. Practically speaking, everything complying with local regulatory requirements is possible, from new colors and equipment for existing cars to the creation of individual one-off cars at the customer’s request.
Since 1954, Speedster variants have been part of the Porsche company history. They combine open driving pleasure with particularly expressive driving dynamics. The car is characterized by a two-seat layout, a unique cowl and shortened windshield. But there is a gap in the model history of the 911. Porsche offered 911 Speedster variants of the G-Series (second generation) and Type 964 (third generation), but with the exception of two one-offs and, much later, a model rebuilt as part of a factory restoration, there was no Speedster from the fourth generation of the 911, the Type 993, in the regular model program. So, Porsche enthusiast, designer and Speedster collector Luca Trazzi realized his dream of a Type 993 911 Speedster with help from the Sonderwunsch program. The result is a one-off car based entirely on the personal vision of the designer.
[source: Porsche AG]
Monterey, California. “At the start I looked around but couldn’t find the car of my dreams. So, I decided to build it myself.” Luca Trazzi has made this legendary statement from Ferry Porsche his own. And the successful designer from Milan didn’t just dream – he, too, took action. A 993-generation 911 Speedster was missing from the Porsche enthusiast’s extensive Speedster collection.
Luca Trazzi turned to the Sonderwunsch team at Porsche to realize his project. With their help, he made his dream car a reality. It took more than three years to create his one-off car based on a 1994 911 Carrera Cabriolet (Type 993). The two-seater with the characteristic rear cowl makes its world premiere this year at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering.
The creation process: A customer and designer working together
“As a young boy, I fell head over heels in love with the puristic Porsche Speedster. I had to work very hard to be able to afford my first Porsche, a Speedster 1600 Super from 1955. Ever since, I’ve managed to live my passion, or more precisely, my Speedster-mania,” says Luca Trazzi. “My dream was to complete my collection with a 911 Speedster of Type 993. Out of passion, I designed what this model might look like. I wanted the project to unify the stylistic elements of all previous Speedster models. Because although this body version has always continued to develop throughout its history, it preserved the elegance of its predecessors and stayed true to its beginnings.”
“In this form, and with this vast range of modifications, the 911 Speedster is our first Factory One-Off for a customer,” says Alexander Fabig, Vice President Individualization & Classic at Porsche. “This one-off car shows what’s possible with our Sonderwunsch program – based on a classic Porsche 911 (Type 993) from 1994.” The project team even built a true to scale design model of the Speedster.
“Having a designer as a customer was an exciting experience for me. Because Luca and I speak the same language, our collaboration was creative and focused,” says Grant Larson, Director of Special Projects Design. “He was also intensively involved in the project with very specific suggestions.”
The project began with a visit to the company archive to take a deep dive into the history of the Speedster and generate additional ideas. Luca Trazzi arrived at this first meeting with his own project book full of drafts and sketches and with a very clear and defined project idea on how he wanted to create his individual Speedster. This matched the philosophy of the Factory One-Off, namely that before the one-off car is finished, the focus is on the joint, creative car development process. The customer becomes an active part of the project team, closely following the implementation of their idea from the perspective of a project manager.
During the project, Luca Trazzi visited Porsche multiple times, making good use of the company ID issued to him for the project. Among other things, he witnessed his Speedster taking a bath in the cathodic dip-painting at the factory paint shop. This procedure is otherwise reserved for new cars undergoing the regular production process. Then began the complete manual coating cycle. The luminous yellow paint was not just developed as a color specifically for the customer – its name was also very personal, coming as it did from the customer’s own dog, Otto. During a meeting, the designer spontaneously named the paint after his four-legged companion, and ‘Otto Yellow’ was born.
“The rear lid with its concave and convex forms required a lot of work in the design, conception and production phases,” recalls Philipp Setter, Manager Sonderwunsch Customer Consulting. “But even here we managed to harmonize Luca Trazzi’s design visions with the Porsche processes and quality standards. After all, our Sonderwunsch credo is ‘You dream it. We build it.’”
Exterior and interior: Stylistic Speedster elements reinterpreted
The rear cover and the windshield follow design cues from existing Porsche Speedster models. They are bordered only by a thin black frame that intensifies their effect. Further striking exterior features include the black, conical exterior mirrors in the classic design of sports cars from the 1960s and the four-point daytime running light of modern Porsche models. Trazzi redesigned the bodywork line for the rear lid.
The 18-inch light alloy wheels in Turbo design are painted black, with the pinstripe in contrasting yellow. The black stone chip protection sheets in front of the rear wheels are functional design elements and striking features from other Speedster generations. They harmonize with the black door handles and the air intakes in the front spoiler. The Factory One-Off has a sporty look, with the Sonderwunsch experts taking the front spoiler, side skirts and rear quarter panels of the 911 Turbo (Type 993) as inspiration. The design of the indicators, taillights and light strip has been reinterpreted.
The interior is dominated by black leather with decorative stitching in yellow. The headrests feature an embroidered Speedster logo. The seat centers, which bear a checkered design in yellow and black, provide a visual highlight for the interior. It is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with every check being tailored and sewn by hand. The same pattern appears in the leather-upholstered front luggage compartment, on the car cover, and on a matching touring bag. Carbon fiber elements on the dashboard, center console, handbrake, and gear lever further individualize the interior. The seatbacks are also made of carbon fiber. For the first time in a Type 993 Porsche 911, the carbon door sill trims are illuminated – in ‘Otto Yellow’, of course – and carry an individual logo.
State-of-the-art infotainment with navigation and Apple CarPlay is on board in the form of the Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM). These retrofitted devices extend the digital world to vintage and contemporary cars of the brand. The start screen is also personalized.
The switches for the power windows also underline the attention to detail, with the symbols redesigned to show the typical Speedster silhouette. A gilded ‘One-off’ badge on the dashboard bears witness to the car’s uniqueness.
The drivetrain: More power
The engine, chassis, steering and brake system are from the 911 Carrera RS (Type 993). At that time, the air-cooled six-cylinder boxer was the most powerful engine from Porsche, with a displacement of 3.8 liters generating around 300 hp.
To date, there are precisely two units of the 911 Carrera Speedster based on the 993 generation. The first was developed in 1995 by the Exclusive department especially for Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. The car is green with 17-inch light alloy wheels and a Tiptronic gearbox and is based on the Carrera body. This unit found its way back to the factory museum, on loan from the family. A second 911 Speedster (Type 993) – a silver Turbo-width 4S model with 18-inch wheels – was built in 2001 for a private customer based on one of the last 993 Cabriolets from 1998.
The Speedster presented here not only has a different origin story but is also differentiated from its predecessors by its unique design and its technical components. Following its premiere during Monterey Car Week, the car will return to Europe for final customer delivery.
The Factory One-Off: The most exclusive format of the Sonderwunsch program
Porsche is reinterpreting its legendary Sonderwunsch program from the late 1970s to enable individualized, one-off cars co-designed by the customer and realized professionally by Porsche. This individualization option is possible for street legal Porsche cars from any model year. Depending on the car, the work itself is carried out by either Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur or Porsche Classic experts.
There are three decisive milestones in the process of building a Sonderwunsch Factory One-Off as the ultimate format. The process begins with the customer’s idea, which they communicate to a Sonderwunsch customer consultant via their Porsche Center. If Porsche considers the idea to be feasible after an initial assessment, the customer attends a project meeting. In the concept phase, specifications are drawn up in collaboration with designers and experts from various departments within the company. In the end, the customer decides whether they will or won’t proceed with the project.
In the third phase, the components are developed, and the car is built. The design, engineering and development departments work closely with the mechanics, body builders and paint specialists at the relevant Porsche production facilities. If required, specialists from the Development Center in Weissach or other areas of the company can also be called upon, and test facilities such as engine dynos can be used. The dream car takes shape through manual craftsmanship with the constant involvement of the customer.
About Luca Trazzi
Luca Trazzi, an architect and industrial designer, was born in Verona in 1962. Awarded the Carlo Scarpa prize at a young age, he worked for 15 years alongside Aldo Rossi, of whom he was a close collaborator and assistant. Today he works in Milan and China. He is also one of the founders of designboom.com and designs for the most prestigious international brands. Luca Trazzi loves to draw objects that do not follow fashion. “Objects that are easy to use, to understand, beautiful to look at. Objects with simple, captivating shapes, lines that never go out of fashion”, explains Luca Trazzi. “Attention to detail is the characteristic that can be seen in my work. In parallel with design, I interpret places in an artistic way, through installations that represent the ‘staging’, almost in an open-air theatre, or my visions and thoughts.”
About Porsche Cars North America, Inc. | One Porsche Drive, Atlanta, GA 30354 USA
Established in 1984, Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) is the exclusive U.S. importer of the Porsche 911, 718 Boxster, 718 Cayman, Macan, Cayenne, Panamera and Taycan. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, since 1998, PCNA is home to the first Porsche Experience Center in North America, which features two module-based 1.6 mile driver development tracks, a business center and Restaurant 356. The campus is also home to the U.S. headquarters of Porsche Classic. The company operates a second Porsche Experience Center near Los Angeles. That complex features a driver development track with eight educational modules totaling 4.1 miles, a business center, Restaurant 917 and the headquarters of Porsche Motorsport North America. PCNA supports 201 independently owned and operated Porsche dealerships in the U.S., three Porsche studios and six satellite stores in the U.S., including supplying parts, service, marketing, and training. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the Porsche brand’s 75-year history of leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. PCNA is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.
At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000-plus motorsport wins to date.
