luca trazzi's dream car: one-off porsche 911 speedster unveiled at monterey car week

a unique car for a unique designer

At Monterey Car Week 2024, Italian architect and industrial designer Luca Trazzi debuts a Porsche 911 Speedster uniquely crafted as a Sonderwunsch Factory One-Off. While this exceptional vehicle marks a one-of-a-kind addition to Porsche’s legendary heritage, it symbolizes the brand’s commitment to individuality, craftsmanship, and the passionate vision of a true car lover.

Luca Trazzi — an architect, industrial designer, and Porsche enthusiast — has long admired the Speedster models that have been part of Porsche’s legacy since 1954. These cars are known for their distinctive open driving experience and dynamic performance, characterized by a shortened windshield and a sleek rear lid. However, Trazzi noticed a gap in his collection — a 911 Speedster from the Type 993 generation. With the help of Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program, he brought his dream to life, creating a one-of-a-kind 911 Speedster that reflects his personal vision.

images © Luca Trazzi

Luca trazzi’s Three-Year Journey of Creation

The process of bringing Trazzi’s dream car to reality was labor-intensive, taking over three years of collaboration between Luca Trazzi and Porsche’s Sonderwunsch experts. The result is a unique vehicle based on a 1994 911 Carrera Cabriolet (Type 993), extensively modified to meet Trazzi’s exacting standards. This bespoke Speedster is one of the highlights of Monterey Car Week 2024, showcasing what is possible when a customer’s vision meets Porsche’s craftsmanship.

Trazzi’s journey began with a visit to Porsche’s company archives, where he immersed himself in the history of the Speedster. Armed with a project book full of sketches and a clear idea of what he wanted, Trazzi worked closely with Porsche’s design team. Grant Larson, Director of Special Projects Design, highlighted the creative synergy between Trazzi and the Porsche team, noting how their shared design language led to a focused and innovative collaboration.

Luca Trazzi’s custom 911 Speedster debuts as a Sonderwunsch Factory One-Off

Hands-On Involvement: From Concept to Completion

Throughout the project, Trazzi was deeply involved in every stage of the car’s development. He made multiple visits to Porsche, even witnessing his Speedster undergoing the cathodic dip-painting process at the factory paint shop. This level of involvement allowed Trazzi to ensure that every detail met his exacting standards, from the unique yellow paint color, named ‘Otto Yellow’ after his dog, to the thoughtfully-designed rear lid.

The 911 Speedster’s exterior features classic Speedster elements reinterpreted by Trazzi. The rear lid and windshield are bordered by a thin black frame, accentuating their sleek lines. The car’s 18-inch light alloy wheels, painted black with a yellow fineline, complement the vibrant Otto Yellow body. Inside, the car is a study in craftsmanship, with black leather upholstery, yellow decorative stitching, and a checkered pattern on the seat centers, all tailored by hand.

this unique 911 Speedster fills a gap in Trazzi’s extensive Speedster collection

a one-off porsche 911 speedster

Under the hood, the 911 Speedster is equipped with components from the 911 Carrera RS (Type 993), including its powerful 3.8-liter air-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine. This engine was the most powerful of its kind in its time, generating 221 kW (300 PS). The car’s chassis, steering, and brake system also come from the Carrera RS, ensuring that this one-off Speedster offers not just style but also exceptional performance.

The creation of Luca Trazzi’s 911 Speedster is a prime example of what Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program can achieve. Reinterpreting its legendary customization program from the late 1970s, Porsche now offers customers the opportunity to co-design their dream car, which is then professionally realized by Porsche’s experts. The process involves close collaboration between the customer and Porsche’s design, engineering, and production teams, ensuring that the final product is a true reflection of the customer’s vision.

the project took over three years, with Trazzi collaborating with Porsche’s Sonderwunsch team