Designer and Speedster collector Luca Trazzi has made his dream of a 911 Speedster come true via the Sonderwunsch program. This resulted in a car based completely on the designer’s vision.
Speedster variations have been part of Porsche’s history. They combine open driving with expressive driving dynamics. The car is characterized by its shortened windscreen and rear lid.
At the start, I looked around but couldn’t find the car of my dreams. So, I decided to build it myself.
Luca trazzi
The Italian designer adopted this quote from Ferry Porsche and embarked on a long journey. Rather than dream, he took action. A 993-generation 911 Speedster was missing from the Porsche enthusiast’s extensive Speedster collection. Trazzi decided to turn to the Sonderwunsch team at Porsche to execute his idea.
It took over three years to create his one-off car, based on a 1994 911 Carrera Cabriolet. The two-seater with the characteristic rear lid underwent comprehensive technical modifications to become the Italian designer’s dream car.
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.
Luca Trazzi
The project began with a deep dive into the Speedster’s history. Trazzi already had an idea of what the car should look like and how this was to be done. This chimed with the philosophy of the Factory One-Off, namely that the focus is on the joint, creative car development process before the one-off car is finished. This means the customer actively participates in the project, working closely with the manager.
During the project, Trazzi visited Porsche many times. As part of his involvement, he witnessed his Speedster taking a bath in the cathodic dip-painting at the factory paint shop. This procedure is usually reserved for new cars undergoing the regular production process. The yellow car paint was not just developed as a color specifically for the customer; the name was also very personal, coming from the customer’s dog, Otto. During a meeting, the designer spontaneously named the paint after his four-legged companion, and ‘Otto Yellow’ was born.
The rear lid and windscreen are typical of the Speedster. 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 completely redesigned the bodywork line for the rear lid.
The 18th-inch light alloy wheels in Turbo design are painted black, with the feline 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 having drawn on the front spoiler, side skirts, and rear fenders of the 911 Turbo (Type 993). The looks of the indicators, taillights, and light strips have been reinterpreted.
The interior is dominated by black leather with yellow accents. The headrests feature an embroidered Speedster logo, adding a touch of sophistication. The highlight of the interior is the seats, designed with a striking check pattern in yellow and black. Each check was tailored and sewn by hand for the project, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. This meticulous attention to detail extends to the front luggage compartment, upholstered in leather. Even the switches for the power windows reflect this dedication, with symbols redesigned to highlight the typical Speedster sideline.
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 Porsche’s most powerful engine, with a displacement of 3.8 liters and a power output of 221 kW/ 300 PS.
Porsche has begun reinterpreting its Sonderwunsch program to enable individualized cars co-designed by the customers and created by Porsche. This is possible for cars of all ages. Depending on the car, the work is either carried by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur or Porsche Classic experts.
Photo credit: Porsche
