Made famous in the Kills Bugs Fast adverts of the mid 90s, images of Arena Red 993 generation 911s were on the walls of many admirers around the world. With this Turbo S having covered a scant 7,400 miles since new, we’d assume more than a few of the aforementioned images have higher miles as well.
Does the color stand the test of time? Yeah, we’d say so. Being sold by a private individual in Michigan who’s managed just 3,000 (nearly half!) of those miles over the past eight years of ownership, this top-tier Tailored Driver can be found on AutoTrader for $144,000.
One tailored build headed for auction during Monterey Car Week 2024 is this very unique 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic (VIN: WP0AG2A90PS252368) being sold without reserve by RM Sotheby’s. Sold via Porsche North Houston, you may not be all that surprised looking at the spec that this 992 was built for the White Collection.
We’ve been unable to confirm the specific white, but the associated documents provided by RM do confirm the white that covers it is a Paint to Sample shade. It’s also worth noting that this car had plenty of Sonderwunsch factory commissioned modifications. These include many components color-matched white, and a striking red interior.
Below the gallery is a the full description provided by RM Sotheby’s. Find more photos and information on the car HERE.
EDITOR’S NOTE: We were unable to confirm this paint color during the writing of this story. If you know the color, please confirm it below in the comments or by direct messaging the author.
The most powerful Porsche Type 992 911 with a manual transmission
One of 1,250 examples produced
Delivered new to the White Collection
Extensively personalized with over $150,000 of Sonderwunsch Factory Commissioning, for a total new price of $448,535
Presented in virtually as-new condition with fewer than 77 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloguing
With so many iconic cars and significant achievements throughout the past 75 years, Porsche rightfully celebrates the company’s heritage by offering its most dedicated followers limited-production models inspired by their most beloved and sought-after historical creations. Cars like the 911 R, the several generations of Speedsters, and the original Type 997 Sport Classic have all offered modern performance with a dash of vintage panache.
The latest iteration of the Sport Classic, now based on the Type 992 platform, presents a “greatest hits” collection of the most established Porsche design features wrapped around one of the most potent and engaging drivetrains ever fitted to a 911. This limited-edition model is easily identified by the 2.7 RS-inspired duck tail spoiler and Fuchs-style wheels on all four corners. Keener observers will note the double-bubble carbon fiber roof, gold-color badging, and a Porsche shield featuring the early-style bright red element of the Württemberg crest. Twin stripes streak across the hood, roof, and tail, further alluding to the firm’s immense racing history. The interior is covered with plenty of leather, distinctive houndstooth cloth on the doors and seat inserts, and green-accented instrumentation for a 1960s atmosphere. Lastly, a badge on the dashboard notes the serial number of each Sport Classic.
Utilizing the Turbo widebody and engine platform, the Sport Classic is the most powerful rear-wheel drive 911 of this generation so far. The twin-turbocharged 3.7-liter flat-six engine produces a whopping 542 horsepower, and while mildly detuned from its four-wheel drive brethren, this reduction has allowed for the option of a manual transmission (much to the delight of enthusiasts). The chassis is additionally fitted with carbon ceramic brakes, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, rear steering, Porsche Active Suspension Management, and a specially tuned exhaust as standard.
On offer is serial number 0923 of the 1,250 Sport Classics offered worldwide. An immensely special machine already, this example stands above its siblings courtesy of over $150,000 worth of Sonderwunsch Factory Commissioning. As shown on the CXX option sheet on file, the exterior is finished almost entirely in White, from the front-end air intakes to the wheels and around to the lower rear valance. Only matte white stripes and black wheel center locks provide contrast to this snowy exterior treatment. Alternatively, the sanguine interior features leather across most visible surfaces in a display of supreme luxury and customization. The air vents, center tunnel, knee pads, front trunk, rear side panels, lower dashboard, inner door sill guards, and even the owner’s manual wallet are all finished in Can Can Red hides. Houndstooth joins the mix on the door cards, seat inserts, and trunk pouch. The summation of this custom tailoring has resulted in a truly exquisite example of such a special Porsche.
Delivered new to the legendary White Collection, the 911 subsequently traded hands and today presents with fewer than 77 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloging. Thanks to this limited use, the car presents in virtually as-new condition and will undoubtedly be a highlight of any serious collection for decades to come.
Porsche Brand Ambassador Jörg Bergmeister turns to Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and the Sonderwunsch team to create a 911 GT3 RS worthy of a 24-hour winner.
[source: Porsche AG]
The afternoon of 2 February, 2003, was a historic day for Porsche. When a privately entered 911 GT3 RS crossed the line at the Daytona International Speedway, it had not only won its class at one of the toughest and most prestigious endurance events on the international sports car calendar, but in so doing had beaten all-comers to take an unprecedented overall victory.
One of the drivers that day was Jörg Bergmeister, a graduate of Carrera Cup competing in only his second 24-hour race at Daytona. Alongside him were Michael Schrom, Timo Bernhard and team owner Kevin Buckler, whose 996-generation customer racer was entered by TRG or ‘The Racer Group’ and finished in the team’s now familiar blue and yellow livery.
Fast forward two decades and the teammates are now old friends in regular contact. And when the new 911 GT3 RS was announced in August 2022, a seed was sown by Schrom that would lead Bergmeister on an 18-month journey to a unique and a deeply personal car of his own design.
“The idea came from Michael Schrom”
“The idea actually came from Michael in the summer of 2022,” Bergmeister says. “When he heard about the new GT3 RS he pointed out that the following year was the 20th anniversary of our win at Daytona in a GT3 RS. It was perfect timing.”
Bergmeister was able to secure an allocation for a GT3 RS with the provision for all-important Paint to Sample. His Daytona winner was painted in Rivierablue, a colour that had been with the driver since his earliest days racing Formula cars in his native Germany. Working closely with Porsche’s Sonderwunsch team, a design was gradually created that would closely replicate the original livery while introducing a number of unique elements to commemorate the anniversary of that special win.
Panels in Rivierablue
Bergmeister specified a car without the bare carbon Weissach Package in order to paint all the panels in the correct Rivierablue. Exterior elements in contrasting Racing Yellow were applied to match those on the TRG race winner and the rear wing was painted in white with side plates in Racing Yellow. On the underside of the rear wing, a Porsche crest was also applied, while further exterior touches included the model name on the rear deck and foil decals on the car’s flanks in matching Racing Yellow.
Inside, Bergmeister specified extended black leather with stitching in contrasting GT Silver and additional Race-Tex covering the dash. The car was also ordered with the Club Sports package that includes a one-kilogram road-legal fire extinguisher, another nod to its thoroughbred predecessor. But the most striking feature of the interior would be the unique carbon fibre door sill panel, the lettering on which emulates the engraving on the Rolex watches awarded to winners of the 24 Hours of Daytona.
After a year-long wait, Bergmeister was finally presented with his bespoke GT3 RS in Zuffenhausen in mid-February, by happy coincidence on his 48th birthday. He credits Sandy-Marc Bauer from International VIP & Special Sales and Boris Apenbrink, Director Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur Vehicles and Options, and his dedicated team with the successful realisation of his dream.
“A lot of people were involved with this project,” Bergmeister says, “helping to get all the little details on there. And everyone who has seen the car since and knows the story behind it really likes it.”
The car is now receiving full paint protection before its maiden outing, with Bergmeister eager for the drier conditions of spring to arrive. “I can’t wait to drive it but first the weather needs to get better. I’m definitely not going to take it out on salty winter roads. It’s a little too precious to me to be a daily driver!”
When the right day arrives, it is certain to be a poignant moment for everyone involved. “I’m still proud of what we achieved back then at Daytona, and this car has brought back those memories already. I’m not usually that emotional, but when I first saw it I got goose bumps. I feel so fortunate that it’s finally done and I’m super-stoked with how it’s turned out.”
Individuality is at the core of the Porsche brand. There is therefore a large number of options already available for the new Panamera in the configurator to meet the customisation requirements of customers in this segment. In addition, Porsche’s overlapping customisation programmes Paint to Sample, Paint to Sample Plus and Sonderwunsch further broaden the already extensive standard range. Paint to Sample includes more than 50 predefined, technically approved colours for the Panamera. With the Paint to Sample Plus option, the paintwork can be chosen almost without restriction. This includes an extensive feasibility study.
Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur has developed a number of directly configurable options for the new Panamera. These include the SportDesign package including sill trims in Black or Turbonite as well as the SportDesign package in Carbon Fibre + Aerokit and special 21-inch wheels. Six shades are available for each of the Exclusive Design and Sport Design wheels. In addition, there are tinted HD matrix LED headlights and tail lights with both departure and welcome-home animation. A special Sports exhaust system with tailpipes in dark bronze rounds off the exterior options for the new Panamera from the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.
Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur will also upgrade the interior on request. Interior packages in matt carbon with contrasts in Neodyme, Carmine Red or Ceramica can be configured directly. In addition, there are extended leather options, for example on the handles, the luggage compartment lid or the seat consoles. The leather-free finishes include the option of colour-coded decorative stitching and matching seat belts. The dial of the SportChrono cockpit watch can be configured in a matching Night Green on a Kalahari grey background. The GT sports steering wheel can be specified with a carbon trim on request. Even for vehicle keys and floor mats, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur offers particularly high-quality options.
Panamera joins the Sonderwunsch programme
Beyond the directly configurable options, Porsche pursues a systematic approach to customisation. The Sonderwunsch programme from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur combines the maximum individuality of a custom workshop with the uncompromising perfection of a large car manufacturer. Porsche has now brought the eponymous 1970s programme to the present day. It enables customer-created, personalised one-offs professionally implemented by Porsche.
The Sonderwunsch programme, which was restarted at the beginning of 2022, is comprised of three strands. First, customer-specific colour and material requirements in the interior and exterior can be integrated directly into the production run. The second strand is Factory Re-Commissioning. Here, it is possible to retrofit previously manufactured vehicles with new colour and material options according to special requirements. This is also possible after several years and in collaboration with Porsche Classic for classic Porsche vehicles. The third strand is the Factory One-Off option. At Porsche, this term describes cars that are not only customised or revised in terms of appearance, but also in terms of technology, at the customer’s request. The options range from a complete restoration to new technical developments. Depending on the vehicle’s age, the technical experts at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur or Porsche Classic take care of implementation.
The implementation of special requests for the Porsche Panamera is carried out via Factory Re-Commissioning. The customer can become a co-project manager and work out their special wishes in close cooperation with Porsche designers and developers. They check the customer’s ideas for feasibility and work out the details with them, including technical certification. This ensures that the result meets all Porsche quality standards in every detail. The implementation takes place either directly after the production of the car or at a later stage – as desired.
Panamera Turbo ‘Sonderwunsch’ demonstrates the potential of the Sonderwunsch programme
Porsche demonstrated the almost unlimited options of the Sonderwunsch programme during the world premiere of the new Panamera. The Panamera Turbo ‘Sonderwunsch’ show car illustrates a number of possibilities. Specially created colour tones, individual accents and planning down to the last detail demonstrate the all-encompassing nature of the Sonderwunsch programme from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.
The demonstration model, customised by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, was given a two-tone colour scheme in the specially mixed shade of Leblon Violet Metallic. This is a chestnut shade with a violet note. In an elaborate painting technique, the colour fades into a solid black in the lower third of the car. The door sills and front and rear spoiler lips are in solid black. The darkened headlights, tail lights and windows are perfectly matched, and the tailpipes were designed by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur designers in Black. They also mixed real gold flakes into the car’s clear lacquer coating, creating a spectacular glitter effect.
The exterior of the Panamera Turbo ‘Sonderwunsch’ also features pinstripes in Avium Metallic with an integrated ‘Sonderwunsch’ logo. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur also lacquered the face of the 21-inch centre-lock wheel rims and the frames of the side windows in this colour. In contrast, the rim base features the main shade of Leblon Violet Metallic.
For the first time, Porsche has implemented a customer-specific Paint to Sample Plus colour in a new process.
[source: Porsche AG]
Guards Red, Racing Yellow, Carrara White Metallic – just a few of the familiar names for colours from the Porsche Car Configurator. Now a brilliantly rich green will join the palette. Michael Essmann, a long-standing Porsche lover and Managing Director of family business Elektro Essmann, has had his very own individual colour made within the scope of the Paint to Sample Plus range. As part of the model year R Paint to Sample range, starting in March 2023 the exterior colour Essmanngreen, colour code 24C, will also be available through the Car Configurator for customers of the 911, 718 and Taycan model lines.
As far back as 1992, Michael Essmann had a 911 Carrera RS 3.6 (964) painted in the company colour of the master workshop for electrical installations and photovoltaic systems – the first Porsche model in Essmanngreen. Other cars followed, including a 911 GT3 RS 4.0 (997) and most recently a 911 GT3 Touring (992). Sons Mike and Stefan Essmann compete successfully in the Porsche Sports Cup, with racing cars naturally, these also displaying Essmanngreen accents on the bodies.
“My very first Porsche was a 911 SC in 1978 with which I also graduated from the Sport Driving School,” recalls Michael Essmann. “It was painted Opal Metallic. It was only later that I had the idea of using the colour of our family business for my private cars too. But every time I pick up a new Porsche in this very special colour it’s a great feeling. And to know that I’m the originator of this colour named after me.”
Highest quality and perfect colour matching
While the Custom Colour of the 964 was blended in the After Sales painting process that was standard at the time 30 years ago, the current Essmann Porsche benefits from Porsche professionalising the range of special exterior colours in 2021 and significantly expanding its capacity. A new colour-mixing bench has been put into operation at the main plant in Zuffenhausen, where paint specialists blend several dozen ingredients down to the last milligram to achieve the desired shade. When the binding agents and additives are included, the recipe for Essmanngreen contains over 100 ingredients.
Each batch is divided into two paint pots for bodywork and add-on parts. The areas to be painted on the vehicle consist largely of aluminium, plastics and carbon/fibreglass composites. This mix of materials and the different application methods and drying temperatures require slightly different paint compositions, depending on the component. A test body and so-called batch comparison plates are painted and used as a colour reference for the final acceptance of the car.
These completely new processes designed for high quality with the combination of craftsmanship and industrialisation required the re-development, testing and approval of all colours, some of which had already been used successfully in the past in the old paint shop. This is why it was necessary to develop a paint recipe for Essmanngreen on Type 992 because it was last used successfully in the old paint shop for Type 997.
“Unusual paint finishes are part of the history of our brand and are an important differentiating feature,” says Alexander Fabig, Head of Individualisation and Classic. “The intelligent combination of the production process and its industrialisation is unique. Our customers thus enjoy a very wide range of available colours and many custom paint finishes that meet the highest standards. Every colour must be deemed suitable for many different surfaces and materials – perfect colour matching is what is wanted.”
170 additional colours across all model series
Porsche has extended its colour range while simultaneously restructuring it. “Paint to Sample” used to be known as “Custom Colour”. This category includes predefined colours that have already been technically approved by the paint specialists at Porsche.
For especially individual colour requests, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur goes a step further: “Paint to Sample Plus” allows almost complete freedom in selecting the paintwork based on a sample submitted by the customer. Thus, the Essmanngreen colour on Michael Essmann’s 911 GT3 Touring was first created as a “Paint to Sample Plus”. After technical approval, the Porsche paint specialists then added the colour to the “Paint to Sample” programme. There, Essmanngreen can now be selected from anyone who is interested via the Porsche Car Configurator. The process was started by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, who painted a brand-new 911 GT3 RS (992) in the this colour for exhibition purposes.
The overall range of “Colours of Choice” is very big. For the 911 and 718 model series, there are currently 115 additional paint colours to choose from, For the Taycan there are currently 108 such options, while for the Panamera and the Macan the number is 59, with the Cayenne offering a choice of 52 different colours. Taking into account a number of overlaps, there are 170 additional colours for all model series combined.
Personal design even in the interior
Michael Essmann selected not only “Paint to Sample Plus” but also further custom options from the Sonderwunsch programme of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. For example, his very personal 911 GT3 Touring (992) has a Porsche logo on the side whose look is based on the Porsche Heritage Design models.
In the interior, the seats were customised. Based on the 964 RS, the seat centres have a graduated colour design in Slate Grey and Crayon. Trim made of carbon enhances the dashboards. The “touring” logo is stitched into the headrests of the full bucket seats in red thread. This fits in with the overall concept as Elektro Essmann also uses red as a contrasting colour.
About Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur
A sports car as individual as your own fingerprint, as unmistakable as your own lifestyle: Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in Zuffenhausen creates very personal customer vehicles through a combination of perfect craftsmanship and a high-tech approach. Highly qualified employees with decades of expertise devote their full attention to every detail and enhance it through hand craftsmanship.
The experts can draw on a wide range of visual and technical customisation options for the exterior and interior of Porsche cars. Visible examples include Sport Design packages, custom rim designs and interior trims, as well as the comprehensive “Paint to Sample” range for all Porsche models. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur fulfils the highest demands with regard to materials and craftsmanship. Alongside individual customer vehicles, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur also produces limited small series and editions. High-quality materials are combined with modern production technologies to create a harmonious overall concept.
The organisers of this one-make series have decided to mark this special anniversary with a treat for themselves: the project managers at Porsche Motorsport asked the specialists at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur to carry out a complex Factory Re-Commissioning of a roadgoing 911 GT3 based on the 911 GT3 Cup in the 30th anniversary livery.
[source: Porsche AG]
The Porsche Supercup has been one of the best-known and toughest customer racing series in the world for 30 years. To drive the new 911 GT3 Cup on legendary circuits such as Monte Carlo or Silverstone in the run-up to Formula One races is a dream-come-true for many racers. The organisers of this one-make series have decided to mark this special anniversary with a treat for themselves.
911 GT3 road version in anniversary design
As part of the new Sonderwunsch programme, the unique model was completed in less than six months. At Porsche, a ‘Sonderwunsch Factory Re-Commissioning’ is both a recommissioning project and a customisation one – in other words the technical restoration of a Porsche road car along with a redesign of the exterior and interior colour concept to a new-vehicle standard. Highlights include the spectacular eight-colour paintwork design with the anniversary logo and a multicolour pixel mesh around the rear wheel arches, among other elements. The names of all 29 previous Porsche Supercup champions are also immortalised in gold on the rear bumper.
“Every Sonderwunsch project is something very special – not only for the customers, but also for us,” says Alexander Fabig, Vice President Individualization and Classic at Porsche. “New projects means new challenges, and we learn something every time. That applies to this 911 GT3 – 30 Years of Porsche Supercup as well.”
“A tight schedule, high technical standards and a great team spirit that ultimately takes you to the finish line – this is something that I’ve otherwise only seen in the world of motorsport,” says Oliver Schwab, Project Manager of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. “Working with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur on this Factory Re-Commissioning was a great experience. And the 911 GT3 – 30 Years of Porsche Supercup is a worthy ambassador in our anniversary year. The Porsche Supercup made racing history and continues to do so today. We say ‘Happy Birthday’ and look forward to many more years of racing on the most famous race tracks in the world.”
To begin with, the special model will be seen at the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup races. From late summer, appearances at the Porsche Museum and the CityLife Showroom in Milan are in the works, together with the 911 GT3 Cup VIP racing car. This model is a key element in communications for the Porsche Supercup. Every season, a well-known celebrity races the car as a guest driver. Past Supercup champions will also take the Sonderwunsch 911 GT3 on excursions and talk about their triumphs and highlights.
The basis for the Sonderwunsch Factory Re-Commissioning was an already finished, road-ready Porsche 911 GT3 – the roadgoing version of the racing car used in the Porsche Supercup. In a process lasting several weeks, the vehicle was first disassembled and then rebuilt with its special design.
Custom modifications to the exterior and interior
The 911 GT3 – 30 Years of Porsche Supercup features multicolour paintwork. Not a single detail on the vehicle is a wrap or sticker. The eight colours in total – GT Silver Metallic, Agate Grey Metallic, high-gloss Black, Meteorgreymetallic, Parliamentgreymetallic, Volcanogreymetallic, Grigiogranitometallic and Diamondblackmetallic – are all painted, as are the gold-coloured names of the Supercup winners.
The greatest challenge in the painting process was to precisely apply the multicoloured pixel mesh to several points on the dynamically shaped body. Inspired by the VIP racing car, the pattern can be found behind the air outlets in the front bonnet, behind the front wheels and on the rear wheel arches. The anniversary logo, a large golden ‘30’, is displayed on the doors and front bonnet. In addition, the names of all 29 past Porsche Supercup champions have been painted in gold and sealed with a high-gloss clear lacquer. After the paintwork, the vehicle was reassembled by hand at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and customised with additional Sonderwunsch features.
Inside, the seats are particularly stunning. The embossed anniversary logo in the headrests, an independent Sport Tex colour variant in Black/Aurum for the centre panels and colour-coordinated piping in Mojave Beige lend the leather seats a very special character.
The cuboid pattern in Black/Aurum is also used on the armrests in the doors. The dashboard trim also bears the anniversary logo while the top part of the dashboard, the door panels and the side panels have been customised with Mojave Beige cross-stitching.
About Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is regarded as one of the toughest one-make series in the world. Races are held at the European events of the FIA Formula One World Championship. In addition to the opening event in Imola, Italy on 24 April, there are seven further races on the calendar this year. A total of 28 racing drivers from eight teams are competing for the title in this anniversary season. In addition to the overall and ProAm driver classification, there is also a team and a rookie classification.
Since the 2021 season, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racing car has been based on the current 992 generation 911. With an output of around 375 kW (510 PS), the spectacularly designed Cup car outmuscles its direct predecessor by 25 PS. The 911 GT3 Cup will be fuelled with Esso Renewable Racing Fuel.
The highly successful Porsche junior programme has served as a springboard for professional careers in racing for 25 years and has produced numerous works drivers, world champions and Le Mans winners. Examples include the careers of Timo Bernhard (Porsche Junior from 2000 to 2001), Marc Lieb (2000 to 2002) and Earl Bamber (2014): all three won the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship title at least once with the Porsche 919 Hybrid.
About Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur
A sports car as individual as your own fingerprint, as unmistakable as your own lifestyle: Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in Zuffenhausen creates very personal customer vehicles through a combination of perfect craftsmanship and a high-tech approach. Highly qualified employees with decades of expertise devote their full attention to every detail and enhance it through hand craftsmanship. The experts can draw on a wide range of visual and technical customisation options for the exterior and interior of Porsche cars.
As part of its Co-Creation strategy, the sports car manufacturer 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 expansion of this offering is divided into the areas of Factory Commissioning for individual customer colour and material requests directly in production as well as subsequent Factory Re-Commissioning and Factory One-Off after vehicle delivery to the customer. Whereas Factory Re-Commissioning is all about individual colours and materials, the Factory One-Off service is a systematic new technical development.
Porsche is expanding capacity for its popular “Paint to Sample” program to meet increasing demand and improve ease of access for customers. With the newly revamped “Paint to Sample,” more than 160 pre-approved colors will be available with the option to specify a totally bespoke color through “Paint to Sample Plus,” which requires extensive feasibility testing. These colors are in addition to the wide selection of paint choices Porsche already offers, including several no-cost, non-metallic colors, and additional-cost metallic colors ranging from $650 to $840 depending on the model. Special color options are also available for between $2,580 and $3,270 depending on the model.
Porsche Paint shop in Zuffenhausen: batch comparison plates are painted and serve as color reference samples during the final inspection of the vehicle.
“Individualization is at the core of Porsche. Customers have been making special requests to personalize their cars since our earliest model, the 356,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “Paint to Sample is integral in satisfying that demand. With this offering, we bring many historic colors back to life and expand the catalog to a total of more than 160 choices.”
The array of colors on offer is extensive and varies depending on the model and production facility. More than 100 additional colors beyond the standard offerings are available for the 911 and 718 variants. Panamera, Macan and Cayenne, have access to more than 50 Paint to Sample color choices. The Taycan has 65 color choices.
Paint to Sample Plus: extensive feasibility check
The expansion is possible thanks in large part to a new color mixing bank that went online this year in the Zuffenhausen plant where the 911, 718 and Taycan model lines are assembled. For example, Paint to Sample capacity for 911 models will increase from roughly five cars per day to about 20 cars per day. The Paint to Sample process does not increase the time required for overall production.
Customers can specify Paint to Sample through their local Porsche dealer. In the future, it will also be possible to visualize the extensive Paint to Sample color palette on the Porsche Car Configurator. Pricing depends on the model and variant. Paint to Sample costs $11,430 for most 911 and 718 models. For 718 GT and 911 Turbo, Turbo S as well as the 911 GT3 models, the price is $12,830.
For unique color requests, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur offers Paint to Sample Plus on all models except Cayenne. In these cases, the customer provides a color sample to their dealer that is sent to Porsche AG and subjected to extensive quality and feasibility testing. The customer car is not finished in the bespoke color until feasibility testing – up to 11 months in certain cases – is complete. If the paint color is not feasible, Porsche covers the cost of the feasibility study. Pricing example for Paint to Sample Plus: $22,860 for most models, and $25,660 for 911 Turbo and GT models as well as 718 GT models.
About Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur
A sports car as individual as your own fingerprint, as unmistakable as your own lifestyle: in an interplay of craftsmanship and attention to detail, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur creates extremely personal customer vehicles. Highly qualified employees with decades of expertise devote their full attention to every detail and enhance it through hand craftsmanship. The experts can draw on a wide range of visual and technical customization options for the exterior and interior. The highest standards are fulfilled with respect to material and finishing.
Alongside the individual customer vehicles, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur also produces limited small series and editions. Here, high-quality materials are combined with modern production technologies to create a harmonious overall concept. Porsche dealers provide advice on the range and possibilities offered by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur as the first point of contact alongside the online Car Configurator. Around 100 Exclusive Manufaktur partners are available to customers all over the world to help fulfill particularly individual wishes. These are Porsche dealers that are specially equipped and trained to provide advice on the Exclusive Manufaktur product range. In addition, advice is available for all models at the heart of the brand in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, in cooperation with the Porsche dealer and on the basis of a commission number. The main plant specializes in individual paint finishes: Werk 1 has the largest collection of Porsche color samples and sample vehicles painted in Paint to Sample.
Stuttgart, Germany – Pictures, cups and racing suits – the typical mementos of a motor sport career. Paolo Barilla, overall winner of Le Mans in 1985 in a private Porsche 956, has chosen a different, far more dynamic reminder of his greatest sporting success.
[source: Porsche AG]
On his 60th birthday, he was the first customer to complete a car project together with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur as part of the new Sonderwunsch programme. It became known as the “dream car”. The Italian entrepreneur wanted to design a unique Porsche 911 GT3 (992) based on his Le Mans winning car and to be fully involved in its creation. In addition to the characteristic racing look in Summer Yellow, white and black, this special car has the winning race number 7 on its bonnet and doors. Other features such as the rear wing and the gear lever were also reinterpreted and in part developed independently.
“The unique customer experience is at the heart of the Porsche brand,” according to Alexander Fabig, Vice President Individualisation and Classic at Porsche AG. “That’s why the significantly expanded Sonderwunsch programme is another milestone in terms of customer enthusiasm worldwide. And this car project is the jewel in the crown of customisation by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.”
“In the Eighties, I had the chance to drive the wonderful Porsche 956, an iconic car in terms of performance and beauty,” says Paolo Barilla, ex-racing driver and Deputy Chairman of the Italian food company. “The interpretation of some elements in a modern GT3 makes that memory exciting and vital – for me and for people who are close to me.”
As Alexander Fabig, Vice President Individualisation and Classic at Porsche AG explains, “the cooperation with Paolo Barilla was a very special project for Porsche too. Because not only is the handcrafted 911 GT3 itself highly individual, but its design process is also unique.”
Unique from every angle
One of the special features of this 911 GT3 is its striking exterior paintwork in Summer Yellow, white and black. It reinterprets the striped design of the historic racing car. The front apron and the trim rings on the headlights are also painted in Summer Yellow. The design of the centre-lock wheels is inspired by the rims of the Porsche 956. When used in racing, these had White aeroblades. The 911 GT3 rims are also white at the front, while the rear axle is painted in a modern gold colour.
The side plates on the rear spoiler are also influenced by the design and geometry of their historic predecessor. Sample components were initially developed using rapid prototyping. Naturally, aerodynamic performance and, in particular, the balance between the front and rear axles needed to be retained, so the aerodynamic engineers from the series-produced 911 GT3 were included in the project at a very early stage. The modified rear wing had to prove its flow characteristics in the wind tunnel. “PB 60” is blazoned across the flanks, representing Paolo Barilla’s initials and age. The style of this logo is inspired by the graphic of the then main sponsor of the Le Mans winning car.
Unique Interior
Black dominates the interior, as you would expect in a racing car. The door entry guards and the decorative trim in yellow on the passenger side dashboard are decorated with a logo specially designed with the customer in mind. It combines the type code 956, the “Le Mans 1985” logo and the stylised silhouette of the racing car. This logo and the 1985 circuit are embroidered in the headrests. The gear lever is reminiscent of the magnesium ball in the 956 racing car and is an elaborate custom-made product: the top part was milled from an aluminium block and the surface was sanded.
Within the new Sonderwunsch programme, the client assumed the role of project manager. As part of the project team, made up of experts from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and the Style Porsche design department, Barilla collaborated directly in the creation of his dream car. The process took a total of three years, from the first design sketch to the technical feasibility check and construction. Development started on the basis of the predecessor GT3 car, as the type 992 was still in series development.
“Many times in this project we would have had good reason to say ‘It’s not going to work’ or ‘It’s too complicated,’” said Philipp Setter, Head of Sonderwunsch Customer Consultation at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. “Once we decided to take on the challenge, we pushed the boundaries and were able to achieve a lot. With his clear vision and grasp of tight schedules and decision-making, Paolo Barilla was the right client and project manager for this ambitious project.”
Summer Yellow from the “Colour of Choice Plus” programme
“Direct contact with the customer is the best thing that you can have as a designer,” according to Grant Larson. Together with Harm Lagaay, Grant Larson designed the first Boxster and is currently the Director of Special Projects at Style Porsche. “I work for Porsche because that is where I can design dream cars. But the Sonderwunsch projects are in another dimension: The personal exchange with the client is extremely satisfying and helps us to better understand our customers’ wishes in our daily work.”
The biggest challenge for Larson was to transfer the graphic design from the extremely flat and square racing car to the more rounded shapes of the current 911. “Geometrically these are very different cars,” said Larson. “The layout couldn’t be transferred 1:1.” First, he worked digitally on the computer, then the lines were projected onto a test body with a laser device and these were painted accordingly. The trial paint was applied three times before designer Larson and project manager Barilla were satisfied. The warm, yellow shade also had to be carefully chosen to closely match the historical model and to work in both artificial and daylight. The team finally opted for summer yellow from the extensive “Colour of Choice Plus” programme at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.
“I originally wanted to move the race numbers on the doors further towards the centre of the white strip, but Paolo Barilla insisted that the “7” should be very close to the edge, like on his racing car,” Larson recalls. During the project phase, he placed a 1:43 model of the racing car on his desk for inspiration.
Integrated into the Porsche family
Barilla visited Porsche three times during the concept phase to actively take part in the project from specification to completion. During the implementation phase, frequent consultations took place via telephone, email and video conference, followed by further visits – with his very own works ID. “Paolo Barilla was very pleased about this detail,” says Setter. “When the Porsche works ID was handed over in person, he officially became part of the team and our Porsche family.”
He also became an official production employee because Barilla himself flanged the gearbox to the engine in his unique car using a torque-controlled screw device. “Authentic experiences like these are ultimately what makes Porsche Porsche,” according to Setter. “Our customers have generally seen and experienced a lot, but for projects of this size, we always try to open a few more doors that would otherwise be closed, for very good reason.”
About the Porsche Sonderwunsch programme
Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and Porsche Classic enhance and restore unique sports cars with a combination of skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail. As part of its Co-Creation strategy, the sports car manufacturer is now offering a new interpretation of its legendary Sonderwunsch programme from the late 70s, which will make it possible to design individualised, one-off cars in future – co-created by the customer and professionally produced by Porsche. The expansion of this offering is divided into the areas of Factory Commissioning for individual customer colour and material requests directly in production as well as subsequent Factory Re-Commissioning and Factory One-Off after vehicle delivery to the customer. Whereas Factory Re-Commissioning is also aimed at the implementation of individual colours and materials, the Factory One-Off is a systematic technical new development. Depending on the vehicle age, the technical experts of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur or Porsche Classic take care of implementation.
About Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur
A sports car as individual as your own fingerprint, as unmistakable as your own lifestyle: Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in Zuffenhausen creates very personal customer vehicles through a combination of perfect craftsmanship and high-tech. Highly qualified employees with decades of expertise devote their full attention to every detail and enhance it through hand craftsmanship.
The experts can draw on a wide range of visual and technical customisation options for the exterior and interior. Visible examples include Sport Design packages, custom rim designs and interior trims, as well as the comprehensive “Colour of Choice Plus” range for all Porsche models. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur fulfils the highest demands with regard to materials and craftsmanship. Alongside individual customer vehicles, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur also produces limited small series and editions. Here, high-quality materials are combined with modern production technologies to create a harmonious overall concept.
Fifty years after the death of Mexican racing driver Pedro Rodríguez, a Porsche 911 Turbo S ‘One of a Kind’ has been commissioned, with plans afoot to auction it off for charity.
[source: Porsche AG]
With two Formula One Grand Prix wins, a victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and four triumphs in the 24 Hours of Daytona, Pedro Rodríguez is undoubtedly the most successful Mexican racing driver of all time. During his illustrious career he walked away with 11 titles in the World Championship of Makes – now known as the World Endurance Championship (WEC) – and he helped Porsche to win the series in 1970 and 1971. Eight of his 11 wins were in the Porsche 917 KH with the distinctive Gulf Oil livery.
Now, 50 years after he lost his life at the Norisring street circuit in Nuremberg, Germany on 11 July 1971, Porsche Latin America and Porsche Mexico have commissioned a special tribute. Working with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, a unique car has been built – the Porsche 911 Turbo S ‘One of a Kind’ Pedro Rodríguez, which was unveiled during a Sportscar Together Day at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento Pegaso, in Toluca, Mexico.
“Pedro Rodríguez continues to be the Latin American driver who has given Porsche the most triumphs and joy,” explained George Wills, President and CEO of Porsche Latin America. “With this unique car in the world we want to pay tribute to a unique, irreplaceable driver, an idol of the past and a legend of today.”
Distinctive details and design
In paying tribute to a racing driver who was a one-off himself, the unique 911 created in his memory had to have a distinctive design and details. “This car has unique elements that no other car in the world could have,” says Camilo San Martin, Director of Porsche Mexico. “This configuration, with these specific details and equipment, has been locked in the Porsche configurator, as well as in the production system, so that this car is literally unrepeatable.”
As well as working with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, Porsche Latin America and Porsche Mexico worked alongside Rodríguez’s family and the Porsche Museum to create a car that not only pays tribute to the legendary Mexican driver, but also the 917 KH with which he achieved glory.
The Gulf blue 917 KH as inspiration
Painted in iconic Gulf blue with an orange stripe running across it, the ‘One of a Kind’ is based on the 911 Turbo S. The specially designed wheels are painted in high-gloss black, with an aluminium centre lock and the doors feature a black number two in a white circle.
Another distinctive element is the plaque located on the B-pillar, which bears a silhouette of the 917 KH in the colours of the Mexican flag and the name and signature of Rodríguez. This same detail is reflected in the carbon moldings on the lower door frames, which light up when opened. Similarly, the names of the eight races he won with the 917 KH are engraved under the rear spoiler.
nside, the 911 is fully upholstered in graphite blue leather with orange stitching and while the 917 silhouette features on the front seat headrests, Rodríguez’s signature can be seen on the centre armrest and on the carbon fibre dashboard trim.
The car’s personalisation even goes as far as the accompanying key, which not only features the signature of the two-time world endurance champion but is painted in Gulf blue. The car also includes a bespoke luggage set in graphite blue leather with orange stitching and details.
The Porsche 911 Turbo S “One of a Kind” Pedro Rodríguez will be auctioned off later this year. The proceeds will go to various charitable causes.
