Magazine Extras:
From the very beginning, Porsche products have been personalised by their owners, not only in terms of functionality, but also form. Porsche itself got in on the act beyond dealer options lists — the founding of Stuttgart’s Sonderwunsch (Special Wishes) department was the manufacturer’s way of pandering to the weird and wonderful requests from its well-heeled clientele. Walnut trim? Step right this way, sir. Ferrari paint job? Not a problem. Flat-nosed front end for your 911 Cabriolet? Consider it done.
More often than not, Sonderwunsch builds were invite-only, a reaction to Porsche recognising the deep pockets of individual brand loyalists the company wanted to keep for the long-term. I’ve had the pleasure of spending time in charge of a number of Sonderwunsch cars. Each has an interesting tale to tell, though it’s fair to say this is true of any Porsche from the air-cooled era. After all, a car doesn’t survive the highs and lows of market values across many decades and, as is likely the case, pass through the hands of multiple owners without racking up a few stories along the way.
This issue’s cover star is a case in point. At first glance, it looks like a faithful replica of the 1970 Tour de France 911 ST campaigned by Gerard Larrousse and Maurice Gelin, but this extraordinary air-cooled classic started life as a late 1966 two-litre 911 S. Forward-dating, rather than backdating, is at play.
We couldn’t point our cameras at a selection of personalised Porsches for this magazine without paying tribute to the work of the aforementioned Sonderwunsch (and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur) programme. To this end, we’ve got our hands on what’s believed to be one of only twelve 964 Turbo S 3.6 Flachbaus configured in right-hand drive. This particular example is one of just two finished in Speed Yellow. It’s a fascinating machine, though we are acutely aware it’s not necessarily one for Porsche purists, even if it was produced by the company’s own craftsmen. Then again, life would be pretty boring if we all drove the same car, wouldn’t it?! Enjoy the magazine.
Issue Summary:
Bringing together amazing examples of personalised Porsches, this issue of Classic Porsche showcases a 1970 911 ST tribute and one of twelve right-hand drive 964 Turbo S 3.6 Flachbaus.
Top 3 Issue Features:
FORWARD THINKING - Based on a two-litre 911 S assembled in late 1966 for the 1967 model year, this eye-popping Porsche was built not only to evoke the look of the 911 ST campaigned by Gerard Larrousse in the 1970 Tour de France, but also to pack even more of a punch than the iconic motorsport machine.
A DIFFERENT SLANT - They don’t come much rarer than this 964 Turbo S 3.6 Flachbau, believed to one of only twelve configured in right-hand drive by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.
PROFESSOR PORSCHE'S PERSONAL ARCHIVIST - If we remember much — and get to know more — about the man who created the Porsche legend, it’s thanks to the career and commitment of Ghislaine Kaes. A lifelong British citizen, Kaes was at Ferdinand Porsche’s elbow for twenty-one years. In this article, Karl Ludvigsen recalls getting the rare opportunity to spend a day in the company of this largely unknown Porsche personality.
Magazine Extras:
From the very beginning, Porsche products have been personalised by their owners, not only in terms of functionality, but also form. Porsche itself got in on the act beyond dealer options lists — the founding of Stuttgart’s So....
