A Passion Project Years in the Making: Inside the Creation of a One-of-a-Kind Porsche 911 Speedster
In a world where automotive enthusiasts often find themselves pining for the road not taken, Luca Trazzi, a renowned designer and Porsche aficionado, decided to forge his own path. When faced with a gap in his extensive collection of Porsche Speedsters, Trazzi didn’t just dream—he created. Through Porsche’s exclusive Sonderwunsch program, Trazzi brought to life a vision that had eluded even the most dedicated collectors: a custom-built 911 Speedster based on the 993-generation.
This extraordinary vehicle, crafted entirely to Trazzi’s specifications, stands as a testament to the timeless allure of the Speedster, a model that has captivated Porsche enthusiasts since its inception in 1954. But unlike its predecessors, this Speedster is a true one-off—a masterpiece that not only pays homage to Porsche’s storied history but also introduces a fresh chapter in the brand’s legacy.
A Legacy Reimagined: The Return of the 993 Speedster
The Porsche Speedster has long been a symbol of driving purity, combining open-air exhilaration with a design that is both functional and breathtakingly beautiful. However, the fourth generation of the 911, known as the Type 993, never saw an official Speedster variant in its lineup. This left a conspicuous gap in the lineage that had begun with the original 356 Speedster and continued through various iterations of the 911. Only two Type 993 Speedsters existed before now—both unique creations, but never part of a broader offering.
This gap in the 911’s storied history is what spurred Trazzi to take action. A lifelong Porsche enthusiast, Trazzi’s passion for the Speedster began in his youth when he acquired a 1955 Speedster 1600 Super. Over the years, his collection grew, but the absence of a 993 Speedster left him yearning for more. Rather than settle for what was available, Trazzi decided to create the car that Porsche never did.
Crafting the Dream: A Three-Year Journey
Realizing this dream was no small feat. Trazzi’s journey began over three years ago when he approached the Porsche Sonderwunsch team with a bold idea: to create a 911 Speedster that could stand alongside the greatest Porsches ever made. This wasn’t just about building a car; it was about honoring the entire legacy of the Speedster while infusing it with Trazzi’s unique design sensibilities.
The project kicked off with a deep dive into Porsche’s archives, where Trazzi and the Sonderwunsch team explored the history of the Speedster in detail. Armed with sketches, drafts, and a clear vision, Trazzi collaborated closely with Porsche’s experts to bring his ideas to life. The result is a vehicle that not only reflects the iconic design cues of past Speedsters but also introduces new elements that make this car truly one of a kind.
The car’s foundation is a 1994 911 Carrera Cabriolet (Type 993), but the final product is far from a mere conversion. Extensive modifications were made, both technically and aesthetically, to create a vehicle that is as much a work of art as it is a high-performance machine.
Design and Craftsmanship: Melding Tradition with Innovation
One of the most striking features of Trazzi’s Speedster is its vibrant “Otto Yellow” paint, a color developed specifically for this car and named after Trazzi’s beloved dog. The car’s exterior is further distinguished by its reimagined rear lid, which features complex concave and convex forms that required meticulous craftsmanship to execute. Black accents, including conical exterior mirrors and 18-inch Turbo-design alloy wheels, add a touch of classic Porsche style while complementing the bold yellow paint.
Inside, the attention to detail is equally impressive. The interior is dominated by black leather with yellow stitching, while the seat centers feature a handcrafted yellow-and-black check pattern—a nod to the craftsmanship that defines every aspect of this vehicle. Carbon fiber elements are used throughout the cabin, adding a modern touch to the otherwise retro-inspired design. The door sills, illuminated in “Otto Yellow,” bear an individualized logo, further emphasizing the car’s exclusivity.
State-of-the-art technology is seamlessly integrated into the vintage design, with Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM) providing navigation and Apple CarPlay functionality. Even the power window switches have been customized, featuring symbols that reflect the Speedster’s iconic side line.
Performance Meets Precision: The Heart of the Speedster
Underneath its striking exterior, Trazzi’s Speedster is powered by the engine, chassis, steering, and brake system of a 911 Carrera RS (Type 993). At the time of its release, this air-cooled six-cylinder engine was Porsche’s most powerful, delivering 300 horsepower from its 3.8-liter displacement. This ensures that the Speedster is not just a visual masterpiece but also a formidable performer on the road.
The drivetrain’s choice reflects Trazzi’s desire to stay true to the Speedster’s heritage of delivering pure, unfiltered driving pleasure. The result is a car that offers the same visceral driving experience that made the original Speedsters so beloved while incorporating the advancements that have made Porsche a leader in automotive engineering.
The Pinnacle of Personalization: Porsche’s Sonderwunsch Program
Trazzi’s Speedster is more than just a car; it represents the pinnacle of Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program. Revived in recent years, this program allows customers to create highly individualized vehicles, co-designed with Porsche’s experts and crafted with the same care and precision as any of the brand’s production models. For Trazzi, this meant being deeply involved in every stage of the process, from initial concept to final assembly.
This collaborative approach is what sets the Sonderwunsch program apart, allowing customers like Trazzi to not just specify their desires but to become true partners in the creation of their dream cars. The program’s flexibility ensures that no two Sonderwunsch cars are alike, making each one a unique expression of its owner’s vision.
A Legacy Continued: The Future of Custom Porsche Creations
As Trazzi’s Speedster makes its debut at Monterey Car Week, it serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when passion, craftsmanship, and innovation come together. This one-of-a-kind vehicle not only fills a gap in Porsche’s history but also sets a new standard for what’s possible through the Sonderwunsch program. For Trazzi, it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream; for Porsche, it’s proof that the spirit of innovation that defined the brand’s early years is alive and well.
As the most exclusive format of the Sonderwunsch program, Trazzi’s Speedster stands as a beacon for other Porsche enthusiasts who dream of creating their own unique vehicles. It’s a journey that requires patience, creativity, and a deep connection to the brand’s heritage—but as Trazzi’s Speedster proves, the results can be nothing short of extraordinary.
Born in Verona in 1962, Luca Trazzi is an acclaimed architect and industrial designer. His career began with the prestigious Carlo Scarpa prize and included a 15-year collaboration with the legendary Aldo Rossi. Today, Trazzi splits his time between Milan and China, working with some of the world’s most prestigious brands and contributing to the design community as a founder of designboom.com. His passion for timeless design is evident not only in his professional work but also in his personal projects, such as the creation of his custom Porsche 911 Speedster.
