Tag Archives: sportscar

The 7 Strangest Porsche Factory Options Ever Offered

From rear wipers on supercars to color-matched air vents and factory ski bags, these are the strangest things you could legitimately spec from Stuttgart.

Rear Window Wiper on the Porsche 911 Turbo

A rear wiper makes sense on a hatchback. On a high-speed, whale-tailed 911 Turbo built for Autobahn runs? Less obvious. Yet since the air-cooled era, buyers have been able to specify a rear window wiper, even on performance-focused variants. In rainy climates, the sloped rear glass of a 911 collects spray quickly, so the option had genuine utility. But visually, the tiny arm perched beneath a towering rear spoiler looks like an afterthought.

356 B Carrera 2 – Rear Windshield Wiper (1968)

It remains one of those details that signals a car was ordered by someone who actually planned to drive it year-round.

Factory Fire Extinguisher in Road Cars

For years, Porsche has offered a factory-mounted fire extinguisher as an option in road-going 911s and Boxsters. Mounted ahead of the passenger seat, it is easily accessible and neatly integrated. For track-day regulars, it made sense. For daily drivers? It was an unusual but confidence-inspiring addition. It’s one of the few strange options that actually reinforces Porsche’s motorsport roots.

PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes) With Yellow Calipers, Even on Non-GT Models

Carbon-ceramic brakes make sense on track-focused cars. But Porsche has allowed buyers to spec its signature yellow calipers on surprisingly comfort-oriented models. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo, for example, could be ordered with massive ceramic brakes designed to withstand extreme heat. In practice, most owners would never approach their limits. It’s less strange technically than contextually: supercar-level hardware fitted to a luxury SUV primarily used for commuting.

The Refrigerator Compartment in the Porsche Panamera

That’s not a portal into an alternate ice-age universe…

When Porsche entered the luxury sedan market, it committed fully. Early Panamera models could be equipped with a refrigerated compartment integrated into the rear center console. This wasn’t a cooler tossed into the trunk; it was a built-in chilled storage unit meant for executive passengers. It signaled Porsche’s attempt to compete directly with high-end German sedans on comfort and prestige. In a brand historically defined by lightweight engineering, a factory mini-fridge feels wonderfully out of character.

Porsche Ski Bag

The good folks at Stuttgart figured owners of Porsches are likely going to need to transport their favorite ski equipment to their favorite slopes in their favorite car. So instead of sending them off to figure out which aftermarket ski bag is best for their particular application, the manufacturer provided the options to purchase a tailor-made ski bag for the specific Porsche vehicle.

The bag itself is well-made, fitted with proper mounting points, and tailored to the interior. It isn’t a generic accessory; it’s a deliberate acknowledgment that some Porsche owners genuinely planned to drive to the mountains.

Carbon Fiber Windshield Wiper Blades

In a move that sounds like caricature but is genuinely real, Porsche now offers lightweight carbon-fiber windshield wipers as a factory option on certain 911 models, including the 2026 Turbo S. These wipers are roughly 50 % lighter than the standard steel units, reducing un-sprung mass and adding a subtle performance benefit while visibly signaling that no surface was too small for carbon fiber.

For about $1,300 usd/ $1,773 cad, the option can be ordered through Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur alongside other carbon elements like roofs, exterior trim, or interior accents. Functionally, they work exactly like normal wipers, clearing rain and debris, but serve as a statement piece: a small detail that underlines how deeply Porsche’s customization programs can go.

For the Silo, Verdad Gallardo, Author at Rennlist.

Featured image- Sonderwunsch Program converted 1968 911 with external ‘obstacle’ framework and extended exhaust to enable river crossings.

Podcast: Ever Owned An Entry Level Porsche?

Our friends at the Porsche Club of America (they have many chapters in Canada btw) sure have and they have a lot of interesting things to share in the following podcast.

Little brothers and ugly cousins

This time, it is Episode 199 where PCA welcome Mike Maurer who sold new Porsches for over 30 years. They are chatting about Porsche’s past entry level cars. How they came to be, and how Porsche enthusiasts accept them (or don’t), what the media at the time thought of those new entry level models when they launched and perhaps most importantly, how entry level Porsches are regarded now.

The original 1997 first gen Porsche Boxster might not be considered entry level by most drivers and automotive reviewers- especially when you consider the cost for a base model at time of launch was $57,000 usd/ $71,400 cad – (adjusted into todays currency for inflation, that works out to $111,100 usd/ $152,500 cad. Big money for an ‘entry level’ car).

When introduced in 1975, the Porsche 924 cost 5,625 British Pounds / $10,400 cad/ $7,560 usd. Accounting for inflation this equals $62,608 cad/ $45,500 usd.

It’s an informative episode that will have you thinking back to a car or two you may have owned. If so, please do leave a comment below…..

For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Featured image- Porsche 914.

Puma Sneakers Celebrate 50 Years Of Porsche Andial

Time goes by – fast. And even faster in the world of Porsche performance. Making it no surprise that 2025 already marks the 50th anniversary of one of the most renowned chapters in the history of Porsche performance tuning: ANDIAL. A legacy, founded in California in 1975 by three passionate minds. Sustained for 50 years by its countless fans all over the world. In celebration of this remarkable anniversary, Porsche and PUMA present a special limited-edition ANDIAL collection.

The synergy between the three founders was instrumental to ANDIAL’s success. Arnold Wagner brought the expertise in parts and office. Dieter Inzenhofer delivered mechanical engineering precision. And Alwin Springer contributed his extensive knowledge of technology and systems. With their united vision, they shaped the brand. With their combined names, they formed the acronym: ANDIAL.

The ANDIAL heritage lives on beyond outstanding performance – with its iconic design. PUMA and Porsche have transferred the memorable ANDIAL colors and liveries from the road to street style. With a unique pair of sneakers, available in two different colors. A timeless tribute to the best-times, driven by ANDIAL race cars. If that’s not enough, check out the limited edition t-shirt, trucker cap and detailed car model.

Is New Porsche 911 GT3 Touring All The car You’ll Ever Need?

Top Gear UK November 2024- Not one but two new Porsche 911 GT3s are upon us, both a regular be-winged car and the more subtle Touring model. And for once, the headline news isn’t the power, the peak revs or the Nürburgring lap time, but how practical it is.

That’s right, because for the first time in the 25-year history of the GT3, it’s being offered with back seats.

It’s only for the Touring, but that addition alone will be enough to start The Internet chattering about whether this is ‘all the car you’ll ever need’.

However, if kids, or at least taking your kids with you, isn’t your thing, then worry not. The back seats are merely an option, and the non-Touring GT3 can’t be had with them at all. Plus, if you’re the sort of Porsche purest who hates weight, you can double down on that ethos with either a Weissach pack for the GT3 or a Leichtbau (aka Lightweight) pack for the Touring.

As for what else is new (and there are a lot of detailed, GT3 RS-inspired changes), join Top Gear’s Tom Ford for an in-depth walkaround of both new GT3s with Andreas Preuninger, Porsche’s Director of GT Cars…

Porsche Rarities Coming To Auction

Broad Arrow Auctions has released the complete digital catalog for its upcoming inaugural Chattanooga Auction, set for 12 October 2024 at the Chattanooga Convention Center in Tennessee and we have it here for you to drool over (see below).

Among the 90+ collector cars on offer at the single-day sale are no less than 15 variations of the 911 model, including such rarities as the 1984 Porsche 911 SC RS Gruppe B “Evolutionsserie”, the vertible “missing link” in any Carrera RS collection.

Friday, October 11 9:00 am – 5:00 pm ET
Saturday, October 12 9:00 am – 1:00 pm ETAuction
Saturday, October 12 1:00 pm ET

Drool Time

1984 Porsche 911 SC RS Gruppe B “Evolutionsserie”Lot 180
Estimate: $2,600,000 – $3,500,000 USD/ $3,528,000 CAD- $4,750,000 CAD

Looking for something less German? View all lots- click here.

Featured image-

2019 Porsche 911 Speedster Heritage Design Package Lot 140
Estimate: $375,000 – $425,000 USD/ $509,000 CAD- $577,000 CAD

Supercars Can Be Financed

Take this 2005 Porsche Carrera GT for example:

Lot 214 |Monterey Jet Center 2024 Thursday, 15 August 2024

2005 Porsche Carrera GT Lot 214 Estimate: $1,100,000 – $1,300,000 USD/ $1,509,000 CAD- $1,704,000 CAD
Illustrative Hammer: $1,100,000 USD/ $1,509,000 CAD
Illustrative Purchase Price*: $1,215,000 USD/ $1,667,000 CAD
Down Payment: $500,000 USD/ $686,100 CAD
Amount Financed: $715,000 USD/ $981,000 CAD
Monthly Payments**: $7,299
USD/ $10,015 CAD

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Broad Arrow Auctions | 2005 Porsche Carrera GT

Highlights of this supercar include:

  • A desirable single-owner example offered with less than 23,643 documented miles at the time of cataloging
  • One of just 477 produced for the U.S. market in 2005
  • Finished in classic Communication Colors of GT Silver exterior over Ascot Brown leather interior
  • Unmodified and offered with four pieces of its factory luggage set and other delivery accessories
  • Features servicing and maintenance by a single authorized Porsche dealer
  • One of the most collectible Porsche models ever produced

Chassis No. WP0CA29875L001120

Porsche seldom exits a motorsports arena without a taste of triumph. Yet, in 1991, an exception proved the rule as Porsche ventured into Formula One, supplying engines to the Footwork-Arrows team with their newly developed 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V12. This engine, essentially a combination of two TAG-Turbo V6s from Porsche’s McLaren days proved cumbersome and prone to reliability issues. Midway through the season, Footwork-Arrows terminated their contract with Porsche due to these setbacks.

Undeterred, Porsche embarked on a solitary path of refinement over the subsequent three years, nurturing the engine’s potential through advancements in technology and engineering. Eventually, they succeeded in transforming it into a robust and potent V12 powerplant. This worthwhile endeavor of internal engineering spurred Porsche to further explore Formula One’s evolving regulations, resulting in the development of a 3.5-liter V10 engine—purely as an educational pursuit. Later iterations saw this V10 engine grow to 5.5-liters and find application in Porsche’s LMP2000 sports racing prototype, codenamed Typ 9R3 and conceived for the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Despite its initial promise, the LMP2000 project met an untimely demise, leaving the formidable V10 engine temporarily abandoned until a pivotal turn of events.

Porsche’s engineers were fervently engaged in another ambitious project—the Carrera GT prototype, internally referred to as SCM (Super Car Millennium).

Housed in Huntington Beach, California, a select team of designers undertook the task of bringing SCM to life. In a nod to its showpiece stature, the decision was made to equip this extraordinary prototype with the same 5.5-liter V10 engine originally developed for the 9R3 project. So fantastic was the reaction to the prototype driven along the Champs-Élysées to the 2000 Paris Motor Show that the approval of a production version was a foregone conclusion.

Commencing in 2003, the Carrera GT swiftly became the quintessential analog supercar of its era. Embracing a back-to-basics philosophy, in stark contrast to its technologically intricate predecessor, the 959, the Carrera GT boasted a raw engineering ethos. Its naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V10, renowned for its rapid revving capability, paired seamlessly with a six-speed manual transmission nestled within a carbon fiber monocoque chassis. Eschewing electronic driving aids, the Carrera GT epitomized a driver-centric experience, delivering unrivaled auditory and performance thrills akin to those found on the racetrack. Produced for a short two years, just 644 Carrera GTs were sold through U.S. Porsche dealerships

This 2005 Carrera GT was constructed in the final year of production and was delivered new to Howard Cooper Porsche of Ann Arbor, Michigan with a purchase date noted in the service book as 22 December 2004 with 15 delivery miles/ 24 kms. Selected with XT Bucket Seats and finished in the Carrera GT’s official Communication Color of GT Silver Metallic over an Ascot Brown leather interior, this fantastic single-owner example features a clean CARFAX and, at time of cataloging, less than 24,000 miles/ 38,624 kms. GT Silver was a long-held bespoke color for the Carrera GT and certainly one of the most popular, echoing those giant-killing RS Spyders of the late 1950s and ’60s.

According to its CARFAX and ownership records, this Carrera GT features servicing while under single ownership by the consignor at Howard Cooper Porsche, later known as Germain Porsche and now Porsche Ann Arbor. One of the many benefits of a single-owner super sports car such as this is the familiarity between the official Porsche dealer and owner and the expected elevated level of trust between the two. Twenty visits to the selling dealer over the 19 years have ensured that this Carrera GT has remained in regular hands during those service visits, remaining at the ready for those special Michigan days that offer the most to both car and driver. Partial service records on file show a Major Maintenance in 2009 with a new windshield at 10,739 miles and two recorded maintenance visits in 2015 and 2017, the latter being a two-year service visit. Furthermore, it should be noted that all services have been conducted at the original selling dealer, Porsche Ann Arbor.

Offered with service records on file dating from 2007 to 2020, this single-owner Carrera GT is accompanied by an impressive number of delivery items including its original window sticker, owner’s manuals, hard top panel bags, centerlock socket, tools, and factory fitted indoor car cover. Furthermore, all Carrera GTs were delivered with a set of factory fitted luggage by Ruspa of Italy, color-coordinated to the selected interior color of the car. Over the years many of these sets have become disassociated with their cars, yet this Carrera GT retains a nearly complete set in Ascot Brown—an additional, and welcome benefit.

Created by specialist teams with a narrow focus and cloaked in secrecy, with little interference from the corner offices, the Porsche Carrera GT is an exquisite example of race-honed engineering brought to life on the road. Never before offered for sale, this single-owner Carrera GT, number 455, should make an enjoyable addition to those in search of the finest motorsport-derived super sports car of the 2000s. Just as Porsche intended. For the Silo, Jakob Greisen.

Internet bidding is not available for this lot. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

New MORGAN PLUS FOUR LM62 CELEBRATES SIX DECADES SINCE MORGAN’S LE MANS WIN

The Morgan Motor Company announces the launch of the Plus Four LM62, a model which celebrates the company’s legendary class win in the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans. Based on the standard Morgan Plus Four and limited to just 62 examples, it pays tribute to the Morgan Plus 4 SuperSports – known by its registration TOK 258 – which took victory in the 2.0-litre class of the gruelling endurance race six decades ago.

The renowned TOK 258 was finished in dark green, while a particular shade of red was popular on motorsport Morgan vehicles of the time, and these two colours have inspired the hues available on the Plus Four LM62. A Heritage White hardtop – just like the one fitted to the famous race car – comes as standard, marking the first time this item has been available for the model. Further paying homage to the victorious Morgan is an LM62 graphics pack, which includes roundels with the number ’29’ – as per TOK 258 – as well as an LM62 rear badge, silver-painted wire wheels, a Le Mans-style fuel filler cap and a domed rear panel. These touches are complemented by driving spot lights, body-coloured A-pillars, a black splitter and cowl mesh, polished stoneguard, black mohair sidescreens, a sidescreen bag embroidered with the LM62 logo, and an active sports exhaust with black tailpipes.

Inside, the model is adorned with an LM62 metal plaque, displaying the car’s unique build number from its run of 62 examples, along with LM62 laser-engraved black saddle-leather door pulls and headrests embroidered with the specially designed LM62 graphic. Bespoke satin lacquer rubber mats with black vinyl edges, painted steering-wheel centre, and a Tawny wood centre-tunnel top and dashboard come fitted to the LM62 as standard, while heated black leather Comfort Plus seats with horizontal pleating, perforated seat centres and matching stitch colour, complete with leather wrapped seat backs complete the interior aesthetic.

To further personalise your Plus Four LM62, options include a soft-top hood, LM62-specific photographic build record, and an LM62 accessory pack which includes two-eared wheel spinners, a Moto-Lita steering wheel, headlight tape, and a chrome interior rear-view mirror.

Steve Morris, Chairman and CEO of Morgan Motor Company, said: “The 1962 Le Mans class-winning Morgan Plus 4 holds a special place in the hearts of Morgan enthusiasts, employees and owners around the world. It marked one of Morgan’s greatest motorsport achievements, the car covering more than 2,200 miles at an average running speed of almost 94mph, and triumphing – like David vs Goliath – over our bigger, and better funded, rivals of the time.

“With the Morgan Plus Four LM62, we pay homage to this famous vehicle and incredible moment in time, 60 years on. Limited to just 62 individually numbered examples, the bespoke touches and enhanced level of standard specification make these cars an enticing proposition for customers wanting a piece of Morgan history.” 

The Plus Four LM62 is available from Morgan Dealers globally, in left- or right-hand drive, and with the choice of manual or automatic transmission, the Plus Four LM62 is on sale now. In the UK, it’s priced from £78,995 ($134,224.81 cad). For pricing in other regions please consult your local Dealer.

About Morgan Motor Company:

Morgan Motor Company is a British manufacturer of handcrafted sports cars. Located in Malvern Link, UK. The world-famous Morgan vehicles offer a unique blend of charisma, quality materials, craftsmanship and performance. Morgan has been handcrafting coach built traditional British sports cars that are thrilling to drive and unique within the marketplace since 1909. In March 2019, Investindustrial purchased a majority share of the company, and by doing so invested in the long-term future of the Morgan Motor Company building cars in Britain. The Morgan family, along with the senior management team and the wider workforce, retain a shareholding of the company and work alongside Investindustrial. Morgan produces around 850 models, of which over 70% is exported. Its model range – comprising of the 3 Wheeler, Plus Four and Plus Six – is sold through 50 official dealerships in 32 countries.