► 911 Speedster by Porsche Sonderwunsch
► Unique factory build based on 911 cabriolet
► Carrera RS upgrades, multiple bespoke features
Forget all those reimagined, remastered and backdated Porsche 911s out there – from this point on, if you want a truly special example you’re only going to be at the top of the game if you have Porsche build it for you. This 993-based 911 Speedster debuting at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering during Monterey Car Week 2024 is the first ever example of a factory one-off, making it the latest and arguably greatest ultimate expression of Porsche Sonderwunsch.
Sonderwunsch translates as ‘special wishes’ and it’s the department within Porsche that handles truly bespoke requests – actioned by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur or Porsche Classic, depending on the requirements. It makes paint-to-sample seem blasé.
There are a number of extremely highly developed factory Porsches out there – prolific Instagrammer Robert Linton has always previously claimed to have ‘the most customised’ example in the form his (literally) last-of-the-line 930 Turbo Cabriolet Flachblau. But this new 911 Speedster Type-993 conceived and now owned by Italian designer Luca Trazzi is the first ever unique body design Sonderwunsch has produced.
Has there never been a 993 Speedster before?
According to Porsche, there are two other one-off 993 Speedsters (if that even makes sense) – one built for Ferdinand Alexander Porsche in 1995 and another created in 2001 for Jerry Seinfeld. So the lines are a little blurry. But this is still the first ever Sonderwunsch factory ‘restoration’ that’s resulted in such a creation; based on a 1994 car, it has unique technical and design features.
The wider point is more that the 993 generation never had a series Speedster variant in the way that other Porsche models have.
This is relevant, because Trazzi is, it would appear, something of a Speedster nut, in the nicest possible sense. With an impressive collection of existing models, the idea of creating his very own 993 variant as a means of completing the set became irresistible. Accordingly, he not only created his own concept design, he arrived at the first meeting with Porsche with an entire project book full of drafts and sketches.
His personal involvement with the project, alongside key Porsche Sonderwunsch personnel, was so extensive that he was even issued with his own Porsche works ID.
What makes a Porsche Speedster a Porsche Speedster?
Typically these models not only lose the roof but also feature cut-down windscreens and specially redesigned rear ends. It was a particular challenge to get that part right in this case, apparently, as Porsche was keen to marry its production standards with Trazzi’s design.
The screen and rear lid are bordered in black, another Speedset cue, while this car features door mirrors inspired by 1960s racers on the on hand and four-point daytime running lights inspired by modern Porsches on the other. There are elements of 993 Turbo about the look as well, though it’s the unique yellow paint that’s most eye-catching of all.
Porsche 911 Speedster by Sonderwunsch, based on 993 – front view with owner Luca Trazzi
This is called Otto Yellow, spontaneously named after Trazzi’s dog. We’ll try not to overthink that one.
Other unique features come on the inside – this being the first 993 with illuminated carbon door sills, for example. The chequered seats are hand sewn, and there’s a matching touring bag to go in the matching luggage compartment. The switches have been redesigned with a Speedster sideline, and there’s a one-off gilded badge on the dashboard.
Elsewhere inside there’s carbon trimmings and the retro-fit Porsche Classic Communications Management infotainment system, which adds satnav and Apple CarPlay. This has a bespoke start-up screen, of course.
How’s the performance?
Just to really rub it in, this unique Speedster has the engine, chassis, steering and brakes from a 993 Carrera RS.
When new, this was the most powerful Porsche engine, an air-cooled 3.8-litre boxer six with 296bhp. No word on exactly how quick this makes the Speedster, but we suspect the feel of driving the thing is the real element of excitement here. Plenty of modern cars will be quicker, surely few will feel as visceral or authentic.
Bellissima.
Porsche 911 Speedster by Sonderwunsch, based on 993 – front view with owner Luca Trazzi