It’s a rare GTS with the manual gearbox.
Like any respectable luxury automaker, Porsche has established additional revenue streams by heavily investing in a customization program. The Sonderwunsch (special request) division traces its roots to 1978, when it handled only newly built vehicles. It has since expanded to cover both new and older cars across three layers: factory commission, factory re-commission, and factory one-offs.
Factory commission is intended for new vehicles ordered with special colors and trim options. It actually predates the division founded in 1978 (rebranded Porsche Exclusive in 1986), as Zuffenhausen had been accommodating special requests since the days of the 356. Some of you will remember the one-off car covered in fur.
A factory re-commission is intended for older vehicles in need of a refresh. That’s the case here with a 2009 Cayenne, representing the first time Porsche has spruced up its original SUV through the Sonderwunsch division. This 16-year-old luxobarge is a GTS with about 50,000 miles (almost 80,500 kilometers) on the clock, now thoroughly revitalized both mechanically and cosmetically.
The E1-generation Cayenne has been resprayed in Blackolive, a paint-to-sample color contrasted by matte black accents. According to Porsche, American owner Phillip Sarofim wanted to give his posh SUV a 1970s vibe and even asked for a towbar to be retrofitted. You’ll also spot the all-terrain tires, a fitting upgrade given how the original Cayenne proved competent off the beaten path thanks to a low-range transfer case and a locking rear differential.
The owner also splurged on a fully refreshed interior with leather-to-sample English Green upholstery featuring an instantly recognizable black/olive Pasha pattern that even extends into the glovebox. Elsewhere, the OG Cayenne now sports freshly applied light-brushed aluminum accents adorning the door cards.
Best part? This Cayenne GTS is actually a rare version with a six-speed manual gearbox. It’s safe to say a Porsche SUV with three pedals is highly unlikely to happen again, although it’s worth noting the second-generation model (E2) did offer a manual for the base version.
Combine the stick with low mileage and the Sonderwunsch treatment, and this GTS instantly becomes one of the most desirable Cayennes out there.
Oh, and about those factory one-offs mentioned earlier: they apply to new and old cars fitted with newly developed parts. All three programs have primarily focused on sports cars like the 911, but this Cayenne is a refreshing change of pace.
It made its public debut during the fifth Icons of Porsche festival in the Dubai Design District, where it shared the spotlight with a two-tone Panamera also customized through Sonderwunsch.
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Source:
Porsche
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