The name “Carrera” is a special one for Porsche
The name “Carrera” may be synonymous with being the name of the standard, entry model of the Porsche 911, but its origin is much richer than you might actually think. In Spanish, the word ‘Carrera’ means ‘race,’ and as a company built on its racing success, its use of the word pays tribute to a race that the marque was successful in.
Between 1950 and 1954, a treacherous border-to-border race called the Carrera Panamericana took place on the streets of Mexico. In a no-holds-barred environment, similar to the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio in Italy, drivers and manufacturers from all over the world battled for glory and honor over 3,300 kilometers of tight, dangerous mountain passes and fast open roads in just nine days.
RM Sotheby’s
Porsche Mexico is auctioning off a lasting tribute to a part of its racing history
In the 1953 and 1954 editions of the Carrera Panamericana, drivers piloting Porsche 550s emerged as class winners amidst a diverse field of sports cars and NASCAR-style stock cars. To commemorate this period of motorsports history and say “adios” to the last Porsche 718 with a combustion engine, Porsche Mexico is auctioning off a specially commissioned one-of-one Porsche 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special on RM Sotheby’s Sealed Platform.
According to the auctioneers, the special model was commissioned by Porsche Mexico and completed in August 2024, only to be shown on a number of occasions since, and therefore remaining in showroom-new condition.
RM Sotheby’s
This particular 718 Spyder RS is a special iteration made under the Sonderwunsch program by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur at Zuffenhausen, where Porsche Mexico had a hand in crafting a one-of-one ride. The most noticeable element of this special 718 Spyder RS is its livery, which is made to mirror the iconic 550 Spyder driven by Hans Herrmann to a class victory at the 1954 Carrera Panamericana.
The entire outside is finished in Paint to Sample colors, including a base layer of Centenaire Silver, topped with roundels in Signal Yellow bearing Herrmann’s number 55 and Carmine Red stripes on the rear fenders. In addition, the hood showcases a TAG Heuer logo in Seal Grey, and a 718 logo on the front grille is added for a finishing touch.
The inside of the RS Panamericana is finished primarily in black leather with a steering wheel and seats finished in Carmine Red, which have the La Carrera Panamericana logo stitched into the headrests.
RM Sotheby’s
Other individual touches include bespoke lasering of the cup holder panel on the passenger side dashboard that reads “Spyder RS Panamericana Special,” as well as special door sills with an outline of a 550 Spyder illuminated in the colors of the Mexican flag with the Sonderwunsch logo and a TAG Heuer logo embossed on the center armrest. This car is also autographed by Hans Herrmann himself as a special touch.
In addition to the detailing, the Carrera Panamericana Special is also fitted with a heap of special extras, including a Bose Surround Sound System, full bucket seats, the front axle lift system, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), the Chrono package, as well as the Weissach package, which adds a heap of carbon fiber goodies onto the car.
Final thoughts
RM Sotheby’s says that the sale of this Porsche 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special is intended to make an impact beyond the purchase of the car itself. A portion of the sale proceeds will be donated to causes that benefit Mexican families, specifically social foundations that include the likes of TECHO, Make-A-Wish, World Vision, Fundación Becar, and Hurakaan eco-táctica.
According to the auctioneers, the reserve price is set at US $560,000, and the car is estimated to sell for US $640,000. Although bidding is open to participants worldwide, RM Sotheby’s notes that the car is made to Mexican specifications and that invoicing and delivery will take place in Mexico, while delivery and federalization of the car to buyers outside of Mexico will be their responsibility.
