One-off Porsche 911 Speedster

Since 1954, the Speedster variants have represented an iconic chapter in Porsche's history, combining the driving pleasure of a convertible with exceptionally brilliant driving dynamics. These cars are distinguished by their low windshield and the unique rear hood. However, there is a significant gap in the history of the 911 model. With the end of the G Series in 1988, Porsche decided to offer a two-seater Speedster based on the 964 from 1989. But, with the exception of two one-offs and one model later restored by Porsche, there was no Speedster from the fourth generation of the 911, the 993, in the production range.

 

 

Luca Trazzi, an Italian designer and avid Porsche Speedster collector, decided to fill this gap by fulfilling his dream of owning a 911 Speedster (generation 993) through Porsche's Sonderwunsch program. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece, entirely based on Trazzi's personal vision.

 

 

A 911 Speedster from the 993 generation was missing from his extensive Speedster collection. To realize his project, Trazzi turned to the Sonderwunsch team at Porsche, and together with the experts he turned his vision into reality. It took over three years to complete this unique car, based on a 1994 911 Carrera Cabriolet (Type 993). The two-seater, featuring a distinctive rear hood and a number of technical modifications, was one of the stars of this year's Monterey Car Week (August 9-18, 2024) in California.

 

 

The project began with a visit to the Porsche archives to delve into the history of the Speedster and find further creative ideas. Luca Trazzi showed up at this first meeting with a folder full of drafts and sketches, already having a very clear idea of how he wanted to make his personal Speedster. This philosophy perfectly reflects the Factory One-Off model approach, where the creative process is a shared path between the customer and the development team, with the customer taking an active role as a project manager.

The bodywork, painted in a bright yellow, was developed as a customer-specific shade, and bears an equally unique name: "Giallo Otto", named in honor of Trazzi's dog. 

 

 

The rear bonnet and windscreen, distinctive elements of the Speedster, are outlined by a thin black frame that intensifies its visual impact. Other exterior features include black and tapered exterior mirrors, inspired by the classic lines of sports cars from the 1960s, and the four-point daytime running lights typical of modern Porsche models. The silhouette of the rear bonnet has been completely redesigned by Luca Trazzi.

 

Inside, the car features black leather upholstery with decorative stitching in yellow. The Speedster logo is embroidered on the headrests, while the middle sections of the seats feature a yellow and black checkered pattern, a masterpiece of craftsmanship in which each individual square has been made and sewn by hand. This motif can also be found in the leather-covered front trunk, the car cover and the matching travel bag. Carbon fiber elements decorate the dashboard, center console, handbrake and gear levers, giving a touch of further exclusivity to the cabin. The seat backrests are also made of carbon. For the first time on a Porsche 911 of the Type 993, the carbon door sill profiles light up in "Giallo Otto", showing a personalized logo.

 

 

A state-of-the-art infotainment system is installed on board, complete with navigation and Apple CarPlay, integrated into Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM). These devices, developed by Porsche Classic and retrofitted, also open up the digital world to the brand's classic and contemporary cars. The home screen was also customized for the customer.

 

The engine, chassis, steering and braking system are derived from the 911 Carrera RS (Type 993). This air-cooled, six-cylinder boxer engine was Porsche's most powerful at the time, with a displacement of 3.8 litres capable of delivering 221 kW/300 hp.

To date, there are only two examples of the 911 Carrera Speedster based on the 993 generation. The first, developed in 1995 by the Exclusive department for Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, is a green car with 17-inch light-alloy wheels and Tiptronic gearbox, built on the basis of the Carrera body and now on display in the Porsche museum on loan from the family. The second example, built in 2001 for the American actor Jerry Seinfeld, was built starting from one of the last 993 Cabriolets of 1998. This 4S model with silver bodywork and 18-inch wheels was delivered to the actor with the Turbo width.

 

 

Porsche has reinterpreted the legendary Sonderwunsch program, dating back to the late seventies, to enable the creation of individual and unique vehicles, designed in close collaboration with the customer and manufactured with the brand's signature craftsmanship . This personalisation option is available for all homologated Porsches, regardless of the age of the vehicle. Depending on the model, the work is carried out by the experts at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur or Porsche Classic. The realization of the dream car takes place through meticulous craftsmanship, with the customer constantly involved in the process.