Tag Archives: Peninsula

Motorsport

With An Eight-Year Waitlist And $100K Fee, Porsche Is Making One-Off Dream Cars

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.

Featured

Rolex Reflects On Its Memories From Monterey Car Week 2023

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.