To help those in need during these trying times, Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) and RM Sotheby's, a classic car auction company, will be hosting a unique charitable auction with a “money-can’t-buy” package for Porsche enthusiasts.
The auction’s sole item will be the last-ever 991 generation 911 to enter and roll off the serial production line at the Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen factory.
The proceeds that will be collected from the event will then be donated to United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund.
“We are all profoundly affected by the current situation and the immediate impact it’s having on those most at risk in our communities,” said Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of PCNA. “United Way continues to step up to the plate and their response to this crisis has been quite impressive. So we are proud to do our part. I also appreciate the swift support of RM Sotheby’s to make this possible and I am hopeful that the sale of a very special Porsche will help in a small way.”
The auction will be held for one week in the U.S., via RM Sotheby’s Online Only auction platform to adhere to social distancing guidelines without delaying the fundraiser.
“Fittingly, the auction vehicle is a unique 911 Speedster, one of 1,948 examples, created to mark 70 years of Porsche sports cars,” says Porsche in a press release.
Porsche’s design team is supporting the auction with by creating a bespoke addition to the package: a 911 Speedster Heritage Design Chronograph. The watch incorporates the vehicle’s historic design features, including a strap made in the exact same cognac leather that is seen in the interior of the sports car and a silver winding rotor that mirrors the car’s unique wheels. This unique timepiece is created exclusively for 911 Speedster customers and is made in Switzerland.
“Porsche Design is honored to contribute to this charitable auction in light of COVID-19 by including a unique timepiece,” commented Dr. Jan Becker, CEO of the Porsche Design Group. “The engraved chassis number on the case back will make this flyback chronograph a true one-of-a-kind collector’s item.”
The winning bidder and a guest will not only get the car, but will also be invited to take a personal, behind-the-scenes tour of the Porsche AG Weissach development headquarters – including experiencing the test track – on a 1:1 basis with Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser and Andreas Preuninger, heads of the 911 and GT model lines respectively.
The car also comes with a one-of-a-kind book with illustrations of the assembly and completion of the last 991, including photographs and an original sketch by the Speedster design team. Finally, the handover of the vehicle will be hosted by Zellmer, which will take place at a dedicated event in the U.S, most likely after the worldwide crisis.
Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Vice President, 911 and 718 Product Lines, noted the uniqueness of the auctioned unit.
“Not only does this mark the end of what, for me, was a special era but it’s especially rewarding that the last car to reach the end of the line should be the ultimate – the Speedster combined everything we learned and is the 991 in its purest form. I hope this really unique car can make a big difference to those who need help right now – and that the fortunate buyer enjoys it and drives it as we always intended,” he said.
Wrapped in GT Silver Metallic paint, the 911 Speedster is powered by a 4.0-liter, naturally aspirated flat six engine developing 502 horsepower, connected to a six-speed manual gearbox.
The last remaining 911 Speedsters are currently in transit to owners around the world, while others are still receiving special finishing touches at Porsche Exclusive in Zuffenhausen.
The ‘final car’ will be the one to get auctioned, and this specific Speedster is the officially the last of the seventh generation of the 911. Accompanying the car is a letter of authenticity from Porsche confirming the chassis number applied to this car is indeed the last of the 991 generation to enter and pass down the serial production line.
“We’re proud to be able to support Porsche with this initiative, recognizing the urgent need to raise as much money as possible for those most affected by COVID-19,” said Kenneth Ahn, President of RM Sotheby’s.
“This is a truly unique and unheard of offering for extraordinary times – not just the car itself as the last ever seventh-generation 911 ever to roll down the line, but all auction items including the exclusive Porsche Design 911 Speedster Heritage Design Chronograph as well as the chance to experience an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the home of Porsche with the two engineers who lead the creation of modern era 911s. RM Sotheby’s Online Only platform will allow Porsche enthusiasts and collectors to easily bid for a worthy cause from the comfort of their homes.”
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