Porsche is using the Rennsport Reunion 7 event at the Monterey Peninsula to showcase its Sonderwunsch experience, which offers customers the opportunity to create unique and customized Porsche vehicles. The Sonderwunsch program has been around since 1978 and allows customers to personalize their Porsche cars right from the factory. The options for customization are virtually endless, and customers can work with a dedicated team at Porsche to bring their dream car to life.
The Sky Could Be The Limit
Porsche Vice President of Individualization and Classic, Alexander Fabig, emphasizes that the Sonderwunsch program enables customers to dream big. For example, a customer could request a Panamera with a convertible top, and Porsche’s in-house team would work on the design and engineering aspects to make it a reality. Customers have the opportunity to visit Porsche’s facilities in Zuffenhausen for in-person consultations and get a comprehensive sense of the materials and options available.
Money Plus Time And Patience
The cost of a one-off Porsche car is determined by the complexity and level of detail requested by the customer. While there is no specific list or prequalification process, customers should expect the fee to start at around $100,000, in addition to the price of the base vehicle. However, there is currently an eight-year waitlist for Sonderwunsch projects, as the team is only able to accept around three new commissions per year. The actual build process can also take several years.
Where To Start?
Although the Sonderwunsch program is primarily focused on 911 models, Porsche also offers customization options for other vehicles, such as the Taycan. Existing Porsche owners can also bring their cars for updates and modifications, ranging from quality-of-life upgrades to full restomod projects. The Sonderwunsch experience allows Porsche enthusiasts to create their dream cars, and the company aims to increase its capacity to accommodate more projects per year and reduce the waitlist.
Rolling hills echoed with the revs of historic race cars at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, a part of the iconic Monterey Car Week. Held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the event paid homage to America’s racing jewel, Corvette. Packed with 14 racing groups, the event thrilled 53,851 spectators who were treated to a Corvette Anniversary display featuring rare and unique models from the GM Heritage Museum. Among the jaw-droppers were the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning C8.R and the CERV I, II, and III advanced prototypes. As fans circled the Corvette SS prototype and snapped photos of Roger Penske’s 1966 Daytona and Sebring class-winning Corvette, Corvette racing legend Ron Fellows served as Grand Marshal. Fellows didn’t just wave the green flag; he also raced the 1987 Profab Corvette, proving his racing prowess in the 1981-1991 GTO/Trans Am class.
But the Corvette wasn’t the only star. The second annual Corkscrew Hillclimb event saw cars like the 1995 Porsche Gunther Werks Turbo make impressive runs. Additionally, Thomas Merrill set a new Hillclimb record for electric vehicles in the 2023 Drako GTE. Monterey Car Week and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion have yet again proven that when it comes to the celebration of automotive history and racing culture, few events compare. This year, the spotlight was on Corvette, highlighting not just its past glories but also signaling exciting future events. View all Chevrolet Corvette examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below.
This year’s Monterey Car Week presented a dilemma for the author – which car to take for the long drive from Los Angeles? Last year, they chose a Porsche 718 Cayman T, but found it cramped and inconvenient for the trip. So this year, they opted for a Bentley Continental GTC Speed, wanting to experience the brand’s iconic W12 engine before it gets phased out. With the Bentley delivered to their driveway, the author was excited to begin the journey.
The Bentley Continental GTC Speed is powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine, producing 650 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. Its quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission allows for rapid acceleration, making overtaking effortless. Despite its weight and soft-top roof, the GTC Speed proved to be a powerful and capable grand tourer.
During the drive, the author opted for the quicker I5 route instead of the scenic Pacific Coast Highway or Route 101. The Bentley’s W12 engine showcased its performance capabilities, effortlessly surging forward with low-end torque. However, the GTC Speed did have some quirks, such as slight vibrations from road imperfections and a firmer suspension due to the loss of chassis rigidity from the soft-top roof.
Arriving at Monterey, the author found the GTC Speed to be a comfortable and luxurious companion for the various events and interviews during Car Week. The car’s rear-axle steering system made maneuvering through the peninsula’s twists and hills easy, while the plush seats and Naim stereo provided a luxurious and enjoyable driving experience.
As the week progressed, the author attended several events and enjoyed the gatherings of rare and exotic cars. They also contemplated whether to drive back home in the Bentley despite an approaching storm. Ultimately, they decided to make the journey and were impressed by the GTC Speed’s stability and performance even in challenging weather conditions. The car remained firmly planted on the road, unaffected by the heavy rain and strong winds.
The annual Mecum Auction held during Monterey Car Week at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa’s Del Monte Golf Course has once again proven itself as a top event for automobile enthusiasts and collectors. With over $45 million in overall sales, the Mecum Monterey 2023 auction showcased its strong presence in the high-end car auction industry. Ferraris stole the spotlight, claiming seven out of the top ten slots on the auction leaderboard. The highest selling car was a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy Berlinetta, going for an impressive $3.41 million. This was followed closely by a low-mileage 1990 Ferrari F40, which fetched $2.53 million, and a 1965 Ferrari 500 Superfast Series II, one of only 12 ever built, selling for $1.84 million. Other notable Ferraris included a 1968 Ferrari 330 GTS, which went for $1.76 million.
1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy Berlinetta (Lot F84) – $3,410,000
1990 Ferrari F40 (Lot S96) – $2,530,000
1965 Ferrari 500 Superfast Series II (Lot F89) – $1,842,500
Private vehicle collections also had their moment in the spotlight, generating over $19.21 million in total. The Veloce, Schnell & Fast Sports Car Collection made headlines with 21 vehicles selling for a combined total of $12.91 million. Equally impressive were the sales from The Don Williams Estate Collection and the Mike and Debbie Rogers Datsun Collection, each selling eight vehicles and fetching over $1 million in total. Among the other notable cars in the auction were a 1956 Porsche 356A 1500 GS Carrera Speedster, sold for $935,000, and a rare 1971 Chevrolet Corvette ZR2 Convertible, one of only two ever made, which sold for $863,500. A 1948 Packard Super 8 Convertible Victoria previously owned by NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also found a new home during the auction, adding a touch of sports celebrity to the event.
Looking ahead, Mecum has a lineup of exciting offerings coming soon, including auctions for over 300 motorcycles and 1,000 lots of Road Art from The John Parham Estate Collection in September, followed by a return to Dallas featuring an estimated 1,500 vehicles. To register as a bidder for upcoming auctions, interested individuals can find all the necessary information on Mecum’s website or contact them via phone. To view Mecum Auction’s current inventory, visit the duPont REGISTRY website.
Last Friday, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT made its debut during Monterey Car Week, with some significant changes compared to the previous generation. The new GT is now twinned with the AMG SL convertible, offering a bigger, more practical, and more luxurious design. This marks a departure from the seriously sporty character of the old GT, but it’s exactly what AMG GT customers wanted, according to AMG product manager Kevin Wilde.
While most performance vehicles are typically two-seaters and lightweight, there is a significant portion of the market looking for something more practical and functional, explains Wilde. The previous-generation Mercedes-AMG GT was always considered a rival to the Porsche 911, known for being an ideal daily usable sports car. However, the GT fell short in terms of everyday practicality. The new GT aims to address this issue.
The new GT is based on the same MSA platform as the AMG-only SL, which was introduced in 2021, resulting in a more traditional proportion and a larger greenhouse. Unlike the previous version, the engine is now fully front-mounted. Despite its larger size, customers initially confused the new GT for being smaller, but it’s actually longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, as confirmed by Wilde.
The increase in size brings a noticeable improvement in headroom and visibility. The longer wheelbase and reduced dash-to-axle ratio provide more cabin space, while the shorter hood makes it easier to see over. Additionally, the seating position remains low and sporty, making city driving a more enjoyable experience.
The interior design of the new GT is nearly identical to the SL, with the only difference being the absence of the central touchscreen’s glare-reducing tilt function. Performance bucket seats, which were delayed for the SL but will soon be available for the GT, offer more aggressive bolsters and fixed headrests. Although they lack the massage function of the standard seats, they are still comfortable for long drives.
The new GT also fulfills one of the most significant customer demands – a back seat. The 2+2 arrangement is standard on the GT55 and optional on the GT63, although it is more suitable for kids or pets. Another improvement over its predecessor is the increased cargo space. The new GT’s cargo area is slightly larger and has a revised shape, allowing for more optimized space. The back seats can be folded flat, more than doubling the cargo space to 23.8 cubic feet and accommodating three sets of golf clubs. It’s worth noting that removing the rear seats will result in a fixed bulkhead that occupies some of the space. Moreover, the new GT also features a power-operated hands-free hatch.
Despite the changes in proportions, the new GT retains its recognizable appearance. The emphasis during the design process was on clean lines and improved aerodynamics. Various aerodynamic features, such as active shutters and air channels, have been incorporated to enhance performance and efficiency. Furthermore, customers will have a wide range of customization options available through Mercedes’ expanded Manufaktur program.
At launch, the GT will be available in GT55 and GT63 trims, both powered by AMG’s hand-built M177 twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. All-wheel drive is standard on both versions, offering improved traction and performance, especially in winter conditions. The GT also comes with its own unique tuning for stability control, steering, and suspension, making it sharper and sportier than the SL. Comfort was also prioritized for long road trips, with the new GT featuring the Active Ride Control suspension from the SL, which offers a composed ride without sacrificing comfort.
In conclusion, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT offers improved everyday usability while maintaining its sporty character. It addresses the practicality concerns of GT customers by providing more interior space, a back seat, and enhanced cargo capability. The design retains the recognizable GT appearance with added aerodynamic improvements. Customers can expect a powerful performance from the GT55 and GT63 models, complemented by all-wheel drive for better traction. Overall, the new GT promises a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for both long road trips and daily city commutes.
American carmaker Czinger unveiled its latest 21C variant, the Blackbird, during Monterey Car Week. The name is inspired by the SR-71 Blackbird, a legendary spy plane developed by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works in the 1960s. The Blackbird edition of the 21C features an all-black exterior, black wheels, and aero components. It also gets a custom black Alcantara interior with black leather accents and Afterburner Orange contrasting details.
The 21C Blackbird has a more powerful hybrid-assisted 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 1,350 horsepower — a 100 horsepower increase over the standard 21C.
Only four Blackbirds were planned to be built by Czinger, representing the four members of the Czinger family. The base price for each car was set at $2.8 million, compared to the $2 million starting price of the standard 21C. Shortly after the announcement, all four Blackbirds were already sold.
The 21C Blackbird is part of a production run of 80 units, which includes the 21C and VMax models. Czinger is expected to deliver the first customer car of the standard 21C later this year, but there is no information yet on when the Blackbird will be delivered to its owners.
The Nu Rally recently staged a supercar journey to Monterey Car Week. Videos from the drive show wild flying by a helicopter following them. It looks dangerous and potentially illegal without having the proper permits.
The video below shows a white helicopter following several supercars on a canyon road. The aircraft sometimes seems to be only around 10 feet off the ground. At certain points, the chopper’s blades appear close to striking the hillside and trees.
Another video shows the same helicopter hovering just a few feet above a Lamborghini. One of the skids is actually below the raised door’s height.
Nu Rally charged $1,000 for taking part in the drive to Monterey Car Week. Each entrant was able to bring a guest. There were light snacks at the start and a lunch. A decal and clothing was included, too. There was a “full security escort to Monterey.” The page also lists “Air Support,” but it’s unclear whether that references this helicopter.
The Federal Aviation Administration has very specific rules for operating aircraft, known as the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). Specifically, §91.119 covers minimum safe altitudes other than when taking off or landing. The rule says a helicopter must be “1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft” in congested areas like towns or cities. The distance drops to 500 feet of altitude and 500 feet horizontally from “any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.”
The second video appears to show the helicopter far lower than 500 feet and much closer than 500 feet from any obstacles. However, the FAA offers a waiver of this rule. It includes attaching a “properly marked” topographic map of the area where the flight is taking place. A person must provide these documents 45 days before the date of the event. We don’t have any info about whether or not this pilot filed the proper paperwork.
A commenter to the first video above claims there’s an open complaint with the FAA about this incident. Motor1.com reached out to the federal agency about this, but we haven’t yet received a response at the time of this story’s publication.
Monterey Car Week 2023 has concluded, leaving us with unforgettable memories of incredible cars and events. Among the futuristic unveilings and classic car shows, one of the most exciting parts of the week was the spontaneous gatherings organized by brands and car owners. Miller Motorcars, recognized as one of the most successful Bugatti dealerships, delighted its passionate clients by arranging the ultimate Bugatti meet-up.
Miller Motorcars, which is known for its exceptional Bugatti hypercars, brought together a collection of world-class models for a dream drive through Pebble Beach’s iconic 17-Mile Drive. These incredible configurations were proudly sold by Bugatti Greenwich. The impressive lineup included four Chiron Pur Sports and two Chiron Super Sports, all featuring stunning factory finishes and exceptional performance. Photographers and spectators in attendance documented this last-minute Bugatti gathering against the breathtaking backdrop of California’s northern coast. The gathering of these multi-million dollar Bugatti hypercars highlights the status of Monterey Car Week as the ultimate event for automotive enthusiasts. If you’re interested, you can view all the current inventory for sale by Miller Motorcars on duPont REGISTRY.
These photos capture the essence of the Miller Motorcars Bugatti meet:
Last week, the Monterey Peninsula hosted an impressive collection of automotive excellence, ranging from historic gems to futuristic innovations. Enthusiasts and collectors gathered to celebrate the legacies of influential manufacturers, and Rolex, a partner of California’s automotive events since 1997, continued to play a significant role.
On Thursday, August 17th, the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance showcased design and style from various decades. Presented by Rolex, the event allowed locals and enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the beauty of classic cars. For the 2023 edition, the tour included a scenic drive to Big Sur. The 20th anniversary of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering took place on Friday, August 18th, at the Quail Lodge & Golf Club. The event featured more than 200 culturally significant vehicles, and the remarkable 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica ‘Super Fast’ was awarded the prestigious Rolex Best of Show title.
The preceding days were equally extraordinary; the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion celebrated racing heritage at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, paying tribute to the 70th anniversary of Corvette. Over 400 vehicles displayed nearly a century of motorsport history, illustrating the passion for preserving these historic automobiles for future generations to enjoy.
The grand finale, the renowned Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, took place on Sunday, August 20th, at the legendary golf course. The 18th fairway sparkled with pristine cars from 1906 to 1998, with special emphasis on leading brands like Lamborghini, McLaren, and Porsche showcasing their iconic models. The event reached its peak when the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster was named the Best of Show, and owner Jim Patterson received a specially engraved Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 from Rolex. Monterey Car Week 2023 was more than an automotive event; it was a heartfelt tribute to the automotive masterpieces that shape our lives and provide a glimpse into the future of motoring.
During Monterey Car Week, the highly anticipated North American debut of the Pagani Utopia supercar took an unexpected turn. The car was engulfed in smoke, causing initial panic among onlookers who feared a fire. However, it was later revealed that the smoke was a result of a mishap in which a guest accidentally activated the car’s fire extinguisher system by pressing a button inside the vehicle.
A video shared on Instagram by @OnFireGarage showed the Utopia covered in smoke, leading to speculation of a fire. Witness Chris Gorces stated that the incident occurred at the Pagani display at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering, and the smoke appeared to be coming from the engine area, close to the back of the seat.
Christopher Pagani, the son of Pagani’s founder and CEO Horacio Pagani, clarified the situation in an interview with Road and Track. He explained that a guest at the event had been touching switches inside the car, inadvertently setting off the engine’s self-contained fire extinguishers.
Pagani’s presence at Monterey Car Week was part of the brand’s 25th-anniversary celebrations. The highlight was the North American debut of the Utopia, which was limited to only 99 units and had already sold out. The event also featured two other iconic Pagani models, the Zonda and the Huayra, representing the brand’s evolution over the years.
Overall, the incident at Monterey Car Week turned out to be a quirky mishap rather than a serious issue, and the Pagani Utopia supercar remained unharmed.
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