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Porsche's Sonderwunsch Restores a First-Generation Cayenne
In the same week Porsche unveiled the Cayenne Electric, the brand's bespoke Sonderwunsch atelier quietly delivered a first: a Factory Re-Commission Sonderwunsch build based on the first-generation Cayenne. Shown publicly at Icons of Porsche — the Middle East's largest Porsche festival — this 2009 Cayenne GTS combines classic 1970s styling cues with modern workshop refinements to create a one-off that stands out in today's restoration and customization scene.
From customer brief to unique SUV
The project was commissioned by American entrepreneur Phillip Sarofim, known for investments including Meyers Manx and Trousdale Ventures. Porsche classifies the work as an elaborate conversion, part restoration and part bespoke customization. The donor car was a 2009 Cayenne GTS with roughly 50,000 miles (about 80,500 km) on the clock; Porsche says the vehicle was returned to "new condition" and transformed into an "absolutely unique piece." The company is coy about any mechanical changes, so the focus is squarely on the visual and comfort upgrades that make this Cayenne singular.
Design motif: 911 Spirit 70 influences
The visual theme follows the 911 Spirit 70 limited-run concept Porsche introduced earlier in the year, a retro-inspired program intended to evoke the flavor of the marque's cars from half a century ago. On the Cayenne, that manifests in a Blackolive exterior finish with matte-black lower cladding and wheels for a two-tone appearance that blends period charm with contemporary taste.
Highlights and bespoke touches:
- Exterior paint: Blackolive with matte black lower body and wheels
- Towbar: retrofitted square towbar mount to pull an Airstream caravan across the Rub al-Khali
- Interior: English green leather with black and olive pasha-pattern accents and Porsche textile seat inserts
- Trim: light brushed aluminum on passenger trim strips, door panels and openers
Practical vintage: desert-ready and refined
One memorable practical addition is the square-mounted towbar — a direct response to the owner's desire to tow an Airstream through the Rub al-Khali near Dubai. That mix of retro aesthetics and real-world capability underlines a growing trend: collectors want personalities that can be enjoyed, not just displayed.
Performance and mystery
Porsche hasn't disclosed the extent of any mechanical work. The 2009 Cayenne GTS donor originally shipped with a V8 and performance-oriented setup typical of late first-gen Cayennes, but whether engines, suspension or braking systems were upgraded remains unconfirmed. That secrecy is common with Sonderwunsch projects, where bespoke mechanical work is often tailored to the owner's wishes and sometimes kept private.
Why this matters
This build signals two broader shifts in the automotive world: the rising value of factory-backed restorations and Porsche's willingness to apply its customization expertise to older models. As electrification pushes the brand forward, Sonderwunsch projects like this also create a bridge to Porsche's heritage — appealing to collectors who want a modern workshop finish wrapped in classic style.
Quote: "It's a neat reminder that restoration and customization can coexist — a period-correct aesthetic with modern craft," says a Porsche insider involved in the Icons of Porsche briefing.
Expect more first-generation restorations and Sonderwunsch commissions in the coming years. With interest rising among collectors and enthusiasts, Porsche's factory-backed approach gives buyers confidence that a classic can be returned to concours condition while gaining personal, functional details.
Source: autoevolution
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