Atlanta, GA – Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) and RM Sotheby’s announced today that a rare 911 S/T auctiongarnered one million dollars. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the American Red Cross to help people affected by disasters big and small across the country, including the wildfires in California and recent flooding in the South. The generous bidder, who has chosen to remain anonymous, is known to PCNA having previously purchased the 911 Sally Special, which also benefited charities.
“On behalf of everyone at PCNA, we are truly grateful to the winning bidder for their generosity,” said Timo Resch, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “Their bid will make a meaningful difference to the outstanding work of the American Red Cross.”
The Red Cross responds to more than 65,000 disasters nationwide each year – from single-family home fires to extreme weather events affecting entire communities. Most recently the American Red Cross has been active in California. Since the outbreak of the fires in Los Angeles, the American Red Cross has provided over 14,500 overnight stays shelter, 128,000 meals, as well as over 102,000 relief supplies such as flashlights, face masks, water and other essentials to those directly affected.
“Thanks to the Porsche Cars North America and RM Sotheby’s auction, the Red Cross is able to support families impacted by disasters big and small across the country,” said Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “We are grateful for this partnership as we work together to provide help and hope to people in times of dire need.”
Painted in Shore Blue Metallic and equipped with the Heritage Design Package, the auctioned 911 S/T is number 1,919 of the 1,963 vehicles created to mark the 60th anniversary of the Porsche 911. It is the only 911 S/T in the United States not yet assigned to a customer. Many connected to Porsche contributed their time and energy to the auction, including actor Orlando Bloom who lent his support to raise awareness of the sale, and RM Sotheby’s who waved their usual fees to maximize the amount that reaches the Red Cross.
“It’s deeply gratifying to support the American Red Cross in partnership with Porsche Cars North America,” said Gord Duff, President of RM Sotheby’s. “We’d like to send our heartfelt congratulations to the new owner of this amazing car and thank them for their generosity in supporting communities in need.”
In addition to the car, the winning bidder will also receive a limited-edition 911 S/T Porsche Design timepiece and an exclusive owner’s manual pouch signed by Director of the GT model line, Andreas Preuninger.
What: 2007 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet Color: Paint to Sample Venetian Blue Metallic(veneziablaumetallic; metallic UNI; 35U / 36P F8; Porsche) VIN: WP0CB299X7S777613 Mileage: 19,222 miles Price: $93,800 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: Link Location: Schoolcraft, MI Link: Reggia Auto Group
This 997 is finished in Porsche’s Venetian Blue Metallic, a medium blue-ish grey with deep roots in the G body era of 911s, which we simply do not see very often. Perhaps a byproduct of the G body’s underappreciation until very recent times, we can’t really blame any Tailors for simply overlooking Venetian- it’s not the brightest, the most vibrant, and nor the most legendary of Porsche’s secret menu. But as we frequently say, fortune favors the bold and the original Tailor of this 997 C4S Cab was certainly rewarded with a knockout.
Europe in the 90’s, man. What a strange time. The kind of time, in fact, where a well-to-do professional would put down real money for a brand new 528i, opt for BMW Individual Velvet Blue Metallic (great!), and also check the box for whatever this two-tone blue and beige, umm, statement piece is. Then, we can only assume, the owner came-to from whatever they’d ingested, and simply never drove it. Having covered just 6,990 kilometers in the past 27 years, a lot of statements can be applied here, but we can all agree that those who saw this car likely never forgot it.
What: 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera S Color: Porsche Blue Turquoise(blautürkis; non-metallic Uni; J1; Porsche) VIN: WP0ZZZ99ZVS313771 Mileage: 26,000 km, 16,155 miles Price Estimate: $250,000 to $300,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Gooding & Company Amelia Island Auction 2025, Amelia Island, FL Listing: Link
Though striking, Blue Turquoise was a standard color during the 993-era 911. Nevertheless, it was relatively rare and even more rare when you consider details like Midnight Blue interior and color-matched wheels. That’s the case on this rest of world (ROW) example of a Porsche 911 Carrera S ordered by Mizwa, Porsche’s Japanese distributor.
AT 26,000 km logged, this is an extremely low mileage car. Options include a Tiptronic S automatic transmission, air conditioning, those aforementioned painted wheel centers, tinted windscreen, electric seats, rear window wiper, multi-function display trip computer, lowered suspension, and “other features specific to the Japanese market” according to Gooding.
One non-factory upgrade worth noting is the radio. The original factory radio has been replaced with a Porsche Classic unit.
What: 2019 Audi RS 5 sportback Color: Audi exclusive Racing Blue Mica(racingblau; metallic UNI; MXYEWWA; Audi) VIN: WUABWCF56KA904494 Mileage: 14,375 miles Price: $53,991 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: Audi Warrington, PA Listing: Link
Audi exclusive Racing Blue Mica is one of the more rare hues on the Tailored Driver spectrum, likely due to its similarity to several other hues- most notably Navarra Blue, which was an optional factory color for that year. Perhaps not wanting to pay the cost for such subtlety, prospective Tailors have missed out as Racing is both a deep and vibrant blue, reminiscent of BMW’s San Marino Blue. This incredibly uncommon shade on the secondhand market comes at a reasonable cost, as this low mile RS 5 with no accidents reported is available for just $54k- very much in line with standard colored examples.
What: 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Color: Mercedes-Benz Lapis Blue Metallic (lapisblau; non-metallic Uni; 945U; Mercedes-Benz) VIN: WDB2020331F827875 Mileage: 111,776 km, 69,454 miles Price Estimate: $60,000 to $80,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Gooding & Company Amelia Island Auction 2025, Amelia Island, FL Listing: Link
During the era Mercedes-Benz was producing its first-generation W202 C-Class, special paint colors were less common than the more apparent MANUFAKTUR presence today. Bold colors like the Lapis Blue shade shown here were even less common, except perhaps in Europe where home market offerings were a bit more fanciful.
When it comes to the W202 C43 AMG, only 3,085 of the cars were produced at all. This was the early Mercedes-owned AMG era, and the cars were made worthy of the badge by Stuttgart fitting its 4,266 cc DOHC V8 engine good for 302 hp paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission…. not to mention all the expected braking and suspension upgrades. These cars are often most easily spotted for their subtle bodywork upgrades and more obvious 17-inch Monoblock wheels.
These cars are just becoming classics given their relative production years, not to mention the resurgence of the so-called “rad era”. They’re even more special when you see it’s a rare-at-the-time special order paint in a color as bold as this Lapis Blue hue. Worth noting, there’s a more commonly found Lapis Blue Metallic from Mercedes that is considerably darker.
In period, this C43 was a competitor to the BMW M3 or Audi S4, so you have to wonder the thinking of the buyer who dreamed up this particular specification. As it turns out, the car was ordered via the Mercedes-Benz Stuttgart dealership. That’s literally ground zero when it comes to Mercedes-Benz home town, where Mercedes clientele probably don’t get any more savvy. You have to figure too that the owner of such a car wouldn’t want to be missed by Audi or BMW drivers (much less the Porsche types) while blasting down the unlimited speed zones of the A8 Autobahn between Stuttgart and Münich.
We can draw conclusions, but whatever that buyer was thinking, he or she appears to be the only one thinking of it. This car is believed to be one of one, the only W202 C43 built in that particular bold Sonderlackierung (special-order) shade of Lapis Blue. Inside, that blue was paired with Graphite / Anthracite AMG leather upholstery (code 581A). It’s also reportedly got a long list of factory options.
The car spent most of its life registered in Germany, remaining well-maintained, well-preserved and highly original without any modifications. To prove this, the offering includes documented owner history, the Mercedes-Benz factory data card, associated books and AMG Classic Conversion Certificate.
What: 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet Flachbau Color: Paint to Sample Diamond Blue Metallic (diamantblaumetallic; metallic Uni; 355; Mercedes-Benz) VIN: WP0EB093XKS070545 Mileage: 22,731 miles Price Estimate: $400,000 to $600,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: RM Sotheby’s 2025 Miami Auction, Coral Gables, FL Listing: Link
Consider all of the cars from Todd Blue’s LAPIS collection and the blue hue theme is painfully obvious. Even still, it’s the heavy emphasis on Paint to Sample and Sonderwunsch that really seems to drop jaws. Our final spotlight focus on this mix is another early example for this collection – a G-body flat nose Cabriolet in paint to sample Mercedes-Benz Diamond Blue Metallic.
The car’s special paint pairs handsomely with Porsche’s Silk Grey leather including extended leather placement. The Fuchs wheels are color-matched, while the top is dark blue to complete the special blue-themed presentation of the car.
This subtle flachbau even has some one-of-one specification bragging rights. According to RM, this is the only G50-equipped U.S. market flachbau (flat nose) Cabriolet produced in paint-to-sample Mercedes Diamond Blue. More relevant perhaps is that it is one of 50 U.S, market flachbau Cabriolets produced in 1989.
Other equipment include limited slip differential, sports seats, Blaupunkt Reno cassette player, and an additional amplifier.
The auction also includes a limited-edition 911 S/T Porsche Design timepiece and an exclusive owner’s manual pouch personally signed and dedicated to the winner by Andreas Preuninger.
[source: Porsche]
Atlanta, Georgia. Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) announced today that it will auction a unique 911 S/T in partnership with RM Sotheby’s, with proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross in support of its work in the United States, specifically those affected by the recent California wildfires.
The car up for auction is 911 S/T is number 1,919 of the 1,963 vehicles created to mark the 60th anniversary of the Porsche 911. It is the only 911 S/T to be sold from PCNA’s internal vehicle pool to date, and the very last example in the United States not yet assigned to a customer. The auction will be hosted via RM Sotheby’s Online Only auction platform. Many of those connected to Porsche have contributed their time and energy to the auction, including actor Orlando Bloom who offered to lend his support to raise awareness of the sale, and RM Sotheby’s who are waving their usual fees to maximize the amount that reaches the American Red Cross.
“The work of the American Red Cross has become even more important in the past weeks, during the devastation of many parts of Los Angeles caused by wildfires,” said Timo Resch, President and CEO of PCNA. “We are proud to offer direct support by selling a car that’s truly precious to us that will help fund the work of the American Red Cross, in Los Angeles and across the United States.”
Since the outbreak of the fires in Los Angeles, the American Red Cross has provided over 14,500 overnight stays shelter, 128,000 meals and snacks as well as over 102,000 relief supplies such as flashlights, face masks, water and other essentials to those directly affected.
“We are so grateful for partners like Porsche Cars North America and RM Sotheby’s as we work together to provide relief and hope for communities in the wake of this heartbreaking disaster,” said Anne McKeough, Chief Development Officer at the American Red Cross.
“The wildfires in California have destroyed countless communities, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to make a real impact in helping those affected,” said Gord Duff, President of RM Sotheby’s. “Porsche Cars North America, Orlando Bloom, the American Red Cross, and RM Sotheby’s have come together for a truly meaningful cause—offering one of the most desirable modern Porsches to benefit wildfire relief. Through RM Sotheby’s Sealed platform, collectors can bid with confidence, knowing that 100% of the proceeds will go directly to wildfire victims via the American Red Cross. We’re honored to be part of this effort, leveraging our combined reach to make a difference where it matters most.”
In addition, the winning bidder will receive a unique timepiece being created by Porsche Design. Manufactured in Switzerland, it is only available to 911 S/T customers and will be custom-tailored to the car. In addition, the timepiece features a titanium case and reflects the lightweight principle with which the 911 S/T was designed.
“Porsche Design is proud to support the American Red Cross in its efforts to provide relief to victims of the Southern California wildfires by contributing a matching Chronograph 1 – 911 S/T to the auction,” commented Stefan Buescher, CEO of the Porsche Lifestyle Group. “The engraved chassis number on the case back will make this timepiece a true one-of-a-kind collector’s item.”
A further special touch: This car will also come with an owner’s manual pouch signed by Andreas Preuninger, Director of the GT model line at Porsche.
Vehicle Details The 911 S/T being auctioned has already been meticulously run-in (to a pre-prescribed checklist) in Europe to a total of 932-miles or 1,500 kilometers by the preparation team based in Stuttgart – a process that has included detailed checks on every aspect of the car, both visually and mechanically. The car is unregistered and has covered a total of 956-miles and is ready to be enjoyed as its creators intended.
The car is equipped with the optional Heritage Design Package, celebrating 60 years of the Porsche 911. Painted in Shore Blue Metallic (shoreblaumetallic; metallic Uni; R5G; Porsche), an exclusive color for this package, the wheels are in the color Ceramica, also reserved exclusively for this variant. The classic style Porsche crest from the original 911 adorns the front, and can also be found on the center caps of the wheels, the steering wheel, the head rests and the car key, underscoring the historic roots of the 911 S/T, which remains unregistered and is powered by a 4.0 liter, naturally aspirated flat-six engine developing 518 hp, connected to a six-speed manual gearbox.
The interior features Full Bucket Seats with cloth seat centers in Classic Cognac with black pinstripes – another homage to heritage. Two-tone simi-aniline leather trim in Black/Classic Cognac with extensive leather surrounds, a roof lining in perforated Dinamica, and other elements from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur round out the package. The Porsche logo and the 911 S/T model designation are kept in gold.
The car being auctioned is also equipped with a number of options that further enhance its enthusiast appeal and touring capability. This includes the front axle lift system, which provides greater ground clearance at the touch of a button to navigate speed bumps or driveways, and extended range 23.7 gallon fuel tank, auto-dimming mirrors with integrated rain sensor, rear Park Assist and the BOSE Surround Sound audio system.
The 911 S/T is offered without reserve, selling to the highest bidder. Potential bidders can find more information on the unique package being offered and the registration process at rmsothebys.com. Bidding opens on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Interested parties can also view the car at the Porsche Experience Center in Los Angeles during business hours (Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST).
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. The Porsche Car Configurator can be used by anyone to customize and pre-order any vehicle in that lineup at any time. 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 203 independently owned and operated Porsche dealerships in the U.S., four Porsche studios and five 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.
If you were to imagine a fantasy list of Porsche models to be sold by a prominent collector / collection at a headline RM Sotheby’s auction, the 968 Cabriolet may not be at the top of that list. No doubt a car like the 968 Turbo S is an incredibly rare flex, the 968 Cabriolet tends to be one of Porsche’s forgotten or forgettable offerings. Well, that may be in normal factory specification, but when it’s laden in triple blue theme specification and from Todd Blue’s LAPIS collection, we’d argue you should take a closer look.
Spoiler alert. It’s got blue Pascha.
While Cobalt Blue Metallic is listed as a standard 968 color according to Porsche Club’s Rennbow color reference website, RM reports the car you see here is one of just 27 North American market 968 Cabriolets to be produced in the color. The configuration also included a radio cassette player, six-speed manual gearbox, a limited slip differential and Cup 1 alloy wheels.
On the inside…
Spoiler alert #2: It’s not a factory Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur (option code CXX) interior unfortunately, but you could have fulled us for the most part, though that blue OEM non-airbag sport wheel on a U.S. spec car was a clue.
According to RM, the interior was created by Porsche customization specialists Rstrada, and it cost over $60,000 to create.
The car was originally delivered to Massachusetts, remaining there through several subsequent owners. Following that, it was acquired by notable Texas Porsche enthusiast Todd Blue and added to his LAPIS Collection. Todd sent the car to Arling Wang’s Rstrada shop in Torrance, California for an interior restoration that lasted three years.
Wang and his shop have built a solid reputation in the Porsche community for their ability to perform projects such as these, with quality and precision to appear as if the work could have been done in period by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. While time travel doesn’t exist allowing you to go back in time and CXX option up a car in the era of your choice, Rstrada allows for a notably close alternative. So, it’s with good reason that it’s rumored there’s a year-long wait list for a consultation alone.
RM also shares that this 968 represents the only time Todd Blue has ever customized a car from its original specification. As the story goes, racecar driver Cort Wagner and the Ruf family were involved in the introduction between Todd Blue and Arling Wang, Rstrada notably also being the West Coast authorized agent for Ruf.
At the core of the interior restoration is fine Nappa leather paired with striking blue Pascha fabric. The same blue leather abounds over most every surface, including the aforementioned Atiwe Cup steering wheel. A modern Porsche head unit further improves the driving experience.
Porsche North Houston, the dealership that has maintained the car, is also credited with color-matching the Cup 17-inch Cup 1 wheels in Cobalt Blue Metallic. Worth noting, the original RM lot description lists these wheels as 16-inch rather than the 17-inch wheels seen in the photographs. It’s possible this was just a typo, or it could have been a mistake if the car’s original factory wheels were the 16-inch Cup 1 wheels also fitted on the car in period. For those who may need to know for sure, we’d suggest you inquire with RM Sotheby’s.
What: 1994 Porsche 968 Turbo S Color: Porsche Midnight Blue Metallic (nachtblauperlcolor; metallic Uni; 37W / 39C / E9; Porsche) VIN: WP0ZZZ96ZRS890061 Mileage: 113,611 km, 70,594 miles Price Estimate: $550,000 to $750,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: RM Sotheby’s 2025 Miami Auction, Coral Gables, FL Listing: Link
Okay, Midnight Blue Metallic may be a standard issue Porsche 968 color and thus paint to sample wasn’t doable for Todd Blue and his LAPIS collection, but when you’re talking about an example of a model where Porsche only ever built thirteen, that he managed to stick with his blue theme at all is remarkably impressive. Even more impressive for those in the market is the fact that the car is about to go up for sale as part of RM Sotheby’s Miami Auction that is part of the Moda Miami event weekend.
A transaxle era Porsche at the project RM has is a rare thing indeed, but we’d argue the 968 Turbo S qualifies. Unlike the Porsche 924 and 944 where turbocharged variants were common, most of the final 968 version (all but thirteen) were normally aspirated, including even the sought-after Clubsport. However, Porsche built 14 examples from 1992-1994 for the Kundensport customer-racing program.
The Turbo S was powered by a turbocharged version of the 968’s notably large displacement 3.0-liter four-cylinder engine with single overhead camshaft. It produced an impressive 304 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. In period, only the 911 Turbo 3.6 produced more torque across Porsche’s entire lineup.
That engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission pushing power through a Torsen limited slip differential. All told, the 968 Turbo S was good for 0-60 mph in under five seconds.
Each 968 Turbo S was fitted with the Sport Chassis Package, as well as the same brake components as the 911 Turbo 3.6. On the exterior, the Turbo S got three-piece lightweight Speedline Cup 1 wheels, twin hood scoops, a larger front air intake, chin spoiler and a large adjustable rear wing. Inside, Recaro Pole Position shell seats (not seen here) were also standard.
The car was developed by Porsche Motorsport drivers Jürgen Barth and Gerd Schmid, with 100 examples part of the initial plan. However, higher-than-expected costs weighed on the program and it was prematurely curtailed in 1994 after only 13 cars plus one prototype had been manufactured. Given the short production run, this qualifies the Porsche 968 Turbo S as one of the rarest Porsches ever produced.
This particular car was produced in February of 1994. Optioned well for the time, it includes a Blaupunkt Bremen radio and speakers with antenna, air conditioning, front airbags and partial leather seats and anti-theft package. Interestingly, it was also fitted with Porsche’s standard seats in cloth, rather than the hard shell fixed back Recaro Pole Position seats that most 968 Turbo S examples are believed to have received. Both the Recaro and the standard seat were offered in the non-turbocharged 968 Clubsport.
This 968 Turbo S was first registered by the Porsche company in Münich, then later sold by the Porsche Motorsports department to a German owner in October of 1995. It was acquired by its next owner in April 2000 and imported into the United Kingdom.
It’s also very well documented, including past registrations, MOT paperwork, owner’s manuals, correspondence and invoices dating back to 1999. It returned to Germany once more before being acquired by the LAPIS Collection of Porsche enthusiast Todd Blue.
