Porsche’s Sonderwunsch division just gave a first-generation Cayenne GTS the full restoration treatment, marking the first time the special requests department has tackled the original luxury SUV.
The project debuted at the Icons of Porsche festival in Dubai alongside the new Cayenne Electric, proving old legends still deserve spotlight moments.
The basis for this transformation is a 2009 Cayenne GTS with roughly 50,000 miles showing.
More importantly, it’s one of the increasingly rare examples fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Finding a Porsche SUV with three pedals won’t happen again, making this GTS instantly desirable before the customisation even began.
American entrepreneur and collector Phillip Sarofim commissioned the project through Sonderwunsch’s Factory Re-Commission program, which specialises in revitalising older vehicles both mechanically and cosmetically.
His vision called for 1970s-inspired aesthetics channelling the Porsche 911 Spirit 70 theme.
Paint to Sample Blackolive covers the exterior, contrasted by matte black accents that enhance the period vibe.
All-terrain tires replace the original rubber, fitting upgrades given the Cayenne’s competent off-road capability thanks to a low-range transfer case and locking rear differential.
Sarofim even requested a retrofitted towbar for towing an Airstream caravan through the Rub al-Khali Desert.
The cabin received a complete overhaul with Leather to Sample English Green upholstery featuring black and olive Pasha pattern inserts.
That distinctive design extends into the glovebox, maintaining thematic consistency throughout. Light-brushed aluminium accents adorn the door cards, freshly applied to complement the green interior.
Sonderwunsch translates from German as “special wishes,” a fitting name for the department capable of working virtual miracles.
Established in 1978 and rebranded as Porsche Exclusive in 1986, the division now operates across three tiers.
These include Factory Commission for new vehicles with special colours and trim, Factory Re-Commission for older vehicle refreshes, and Factory One-Offs featuring newly developed parts.
The program traces its roots back to the 356 era when Zuffenhausen first accommodated special requests.
Past projects have envisioned models that never reached series production, matched granular specifications, and reimagined legendary cars.
This particular Cayenne represents a refreshing departure from Sonderwunsch’s typical 911 focus.
The original Cayenne itself changed automotive history when it was launched in the early 2000s.
The concept of luxury sports car manufacturers offering SUVs was almost unheard of at the time.
The Cayenne’s sales success became an industry-wide case study, forever altering what premium brands could produce.
