Luca Trazzi turned to the Sonderwunsch team at Porsche to create his 993-generation 911 Speedster and complete his Speedster collection.
“At the start, I looked around but couldn’t find the car of my dreams. So, I decided to build it myself.” That iconic line from Ferry Porsche is something many of us can only fantasise.
But for Milanese designer Luca Trazzi, it’s a mission he took to heart. A passionate Porsche enthusiast with an enviable collection of Speedsters, Trazzi found himself longing for something that didn’t exist – a 993-generation 911 Speedster.
Naturally, Trazzi turned to the only team capable of making his dream a reality: Porsche’s Sonderwunsch division. Three years and an extensive collaboration later, Trazzi’s vision became a one-off 911 Speedster based on a 1994 Carrera Cabriolet (Type 993).
The bespoke creation stood as one of the highlights of Monterey Car Week (August 9-18, 2024) in California.
“As a young boy, I fell in love with the pure form of the Porsche Speedster. My first was a 1955 Speedster 1600 Super, which I worked incredibly hard to own,” Trazzi recalls. “Over time, I’ve lived my passion for these iconic cars—what I call my ‘Speedster-mania.’ But one piece was still missing: a 993 Speedster.”
Determined to bridge the gap, Trazzi took matters into his own hands, designing what he imagined a 993 Speedster might look like.
For Porsche’s team, working with Trazzi was both exciting and challenging. “This was our first full-scale Factory One-Off project for an end customer,” said Alexander Fabig, Porsche’s Vice President of Individualisation & Classic. “The level of customisation we achieved shows just what’s possible with the Sonderwunsch programme.”
Grant Larson, Director of Special Projects Design at Porsche, echoed the sentiment. “Working with Luca was a unique experience. As a designer himself, we spoke the same language, and his involvement made the collaboration truly creative.”
Trazzi’s involvement wasn’t limited to conceptualisation. He immersed himself in every step of the process, visiting Porsche regularly and even witnessing his Speedster undergo the full production process, including a “bath” in the factory’s cathodic dip-painting line.
The paint itself is a luminous shade of yellow and named after his beloved dog, Otto. Thus, ‘Otto Yellow’ was born.
True to its Speedster lineage, the 993’s signature rear lid and windscreen make a striking appearance, framed in sleek black that amplifies their effect. The rear lid’s form proved one of the project’s most technically challenging elements.
The car rides on 18-inch black Turbo-design alloy wheels with a fine line in contrasting yellow. Black conical exterior mirrors channel the aesthetic of classic 1960s sports cars, while modern four-point daytime running lights provide a subtle yet effective update to the Speedster’s look.
Black leather is accented with yellow stitching, while the headrests feature embroidered Speedster logos. The seat centres steal the show with their yellow and black check design; a hand-sewn masterpiece that extends even to the front luggage compartment and a matching touring bag.
Carbon fibre elements adorn the dashboard, centre console, and seat backs.
Tech hasn’t been overlooked, either. Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM) brings navigation and Apple CarPlay to the retro ride, while illuminated carbon door sills (in ‘Otto Yellow’, naturally) underscore the car’s one-off status.
This isn’t just a design exercise either. The engine, chassis, steering, and brakes have all been borrowed from the legendary 911 Carrera RS (Type 993), which means there’s serious muscle behind the custom design.
The air-cooled 3.8-litre flat-six produces 300 PS, making it a potent reminder that this Speedster isn’t just for show.
Luca Trazzi’s 993 Speedster is only the third of its kind. The first was crafted in 1995 for Ferdinand Alexander Porsche himself; the second, for American comedian and Porsche aficionado Jerry Seinfeld.
For Trazzi, it’s the culmination of a lifelong love affair with Speedsters.
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