911 Speedster built as a Sonderwunsch Factory one-off
Designer Luca Trazzi collaborated with Porsche's Sonderwunsch program to create a one-off 993-generation 911 Speedster, showcased at Monterey Car Week 2024. Share
Porsche enthusiast and designer Luca Trazzi fulfilled his dream of creating a unique 911 Speedster through Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program, resulting in a bespoke 993-generation Speedster, reflecting Trazzi’s vision and passion for the brand. Since 1954, Speedsters have been integral to Porsche’s history, known for their open driving experience and dynamic design, characterised by a low windshield and distinctive rear lid. However, the 993-generation, produced in the late 1990s, lacked an official Speedster variant, with only two factory-built one-offs previously created. This absence left a gap in the history that Trazzi, a dedicated collector, sought to fill.
“When I couldn’t find the car of my dreams, I decided to build it myself,” says Trazzi, echoing the famous words of Ferry Porsche. With a collection of Speedsters spanning Porsche’s history, Trazzi envisioned what a 993 Speedster might look like, combining design elements from all previous models. His vision emphasised the elegant simplicity of the Speedster line while staying true to its origins.
Trazzi collaborated closely with Porsche’s Sonderwunsch team, embarking on a three-year project to bring his dream to life. The starting point was a 1994 911 Carrera Cabriolet (Type 993), which underwent extensive modifications to become a two-seater Speedster with the characteristic rear lid. The final car, a highlight of Monterey Car Week 2024, showcases both the technical prowess and design expertise of Porsche’s customization program.
Working alongside Porsche’s Director of Special Projects Design, Grant Larson, Trazzi played an active role in the design process. The collaboration involved regular visits to Porsche’s facilities, where Trazzi observed key stages of production, from the cathodic dip-painting process in the factory paint shop to the final manual coating of the car in a custom yellow shade named after his dog, Otto. “The rear lid was particularly challenging, requiring precision design and craftsmanship,” says Philipp Setter, Manager of Sonderwunsch Customer Consulting.
The exterior of the 993 Speedster features the signature low windscreen, a unique rear lid, and details like black conical mirrors reminiscent of classic sports cars. Painted in “Otto Yellow,” the car’s body includes black Turbo-design 18-inch wheels with matching yellow accents. Additional design elements, such as black stone chip protection sheets and air intakes in the front spoiler, give the car a sporty yet cohesive look. The front spoiler, side skirts, and rear fenders are inspired by the 911 Turbo (Type 993), while the indicators, taillights, and light strip have been reinterpreted for this special build.
Inside, black leather with yellow stitching dominates the interior, complemented by check-patterned seat centres in yellow and black, a design painstakingly crafted by hand. Carbon fibre accents on the dashboard, centre console, and other areas further enhance the personalized feel, with illuminated door sills and a custom logo in “Otto Yellow.” The interior also features modern upgrades like Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM) with navigation and Apple CarPlay, seamlessly blending vintage design with contemporary technology.
Mechanically, the 993 Speedster is powered by the 3.8-litre engine from the 911 Carrera RS, delivering 300 PS. The chassis, steering, and brakes have also been upgraded, ensuring that this one-off Speedster provides the performance expected from a Porsche of this calibre. The history of 993 Speedsters is limited to just two previous examples: a green model built for Ferdinand Alexander Porsche in 1995 and a silver version made for an American customer in 2001. Trazzi’s creation stands apart from these with its distinct design and bespoke engineering.
Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program, first introduced in the 1970s, allows customers to design and create unique, one-off vehicles. This program caters to Porsche cars of all ages, with projects ranging from minor customizations to fully reimagined vehicles. The process involves several key stages, from conceptual discussions to detailed design and engineering, with constant input from the customer. Each project is a collaborative effort, drawing on Porsche’s extensive resources, including specialists from the Development Centre in Weissach.
