Porsche Sonderwunsch: From Rear Wipers to Racing Legends

Discover how Porsche's Sonderwunsch program evolved from rare custom features to legendary one-offs like the 911 rally car and road-legal 917.

For Porsche, customer customization is no longer a novelty—it’s a core part of the brand’s identity. What began in the 1950s as modest modifications has evolved into the highly specialized Sonderwunsch programme. The aim? To transform personal visions into rolling reality.

Humble Beginnings: It All Started With a Rear Wiper

One of the earliest signs of Porsche’s commitment came in 1955 when industrialist Alfried Krupp requested a rear wiper on his 356 A Coupé—an option that didn't exist. The factory agreed.

In 1962, Krupp requested the same for his 356 B Carrera 2. But the new model had a larger rear window. Installing the wiper required drilling the glass—no easy feat. Several panes cracked during the process, but Porsche's mechanics persevered. The success was more than technical—it was philosophical.

Across Continents: The 911 with a Roof-Mounted Exhaust and External Cage

In 1968, Porsche undertook one of its most daring custom builds: a 911 modified for the London–Sydney Marathon, a grueling 16,000 km trek through multiple continents. The car featured an external tubular frame to withstand rollovers and animal collisions, plus a tailpipe routed to the roof for deep water crossings.

This project helped pave the way for the founding of Porsche's customer racing department in 1973 and marked a lasting link between motorsport and customization.

917 “Kurzheck”: Turning a Race Car into a Road-Legal Machine

Perhaps the most challenging Sonderwunsch ever completed was converting the legendary Porsche 917 “Kurzheck” for road use. Commissioned by Count Gregorio Rossi di Montelera, a longtime Porsche backer, the car had to be fitted with mirrors, indicators, and a muffler to meet street regulations.

It was first registered in Alabama, USA, then approved for use in France. A second “917 Street” was later built for a German client in 1977. Transforming a Le Mans monster into a road car was a feat few believed possible.

From Experiment to Ethos: The Launch of Sonderwunsch

By 1978, Porsche had officially institutionalized these efforts under the Sonderwunsch department. In 1986, Porsche Exclusive followed. Then, in 2021, Sonderwunsch was relaunched with even more emphasis on personalization and customer collaboration.

Endless Possibilities: Colors, Leather, and Beyond

Today, Porsche customers can choose from over 1,000 customization options. The Paint to Sample program offers more than 190 colors, many drawn from Porsche’s historic palette. Popular features include LED door logo projection, customized headrests, and taillights.

But Sonderwunsch goes further: clients can request their own wheel designs, body parts, or even full restorations of classic models. Each project begins with an idea, tested for technical and legal feasibility, then realized through intensive collaboration.

Who Are These Clients?

They’re not casual buyers. Most Sonderwunsch clients are longtime Porsche aficionados, aged 35–55, deeply engaged from sketch to final assembly. Some bring porcelain plates or even cabinet panels to match color schemes.

A Competitive Field: Ferrari, Bentley, Rolls-Royce

Porsche competes with:

• Ferrari Special Projects – bespoke builds based on existing models;
• Bentley Mulliner – custom interiors and exterior designs;
• Rolls-Royce Bespoke – nearly limitless personalization.

But Porsche’s motorsport heritage and technical depth make Sonderwunsch a standout.

Looking Ahead: Is Customization the Future?

All signs say yes. Demand outpaces supply. “It’s a demanding but rewarding task,” says Alexander Fabig. “Our customers don’t just buy a car. They craft a legacy.”
Source: porsche.com