American car enthusiast Phillip Sarofim recently handed over a rare gem to Porsche’s renowned Sonderwunsch division. The prized possession was his beloved 2009 Cayenne GTS, which he entrusted them with after amassing just 50,000 miles on the clock.
The restoration journey began when Sarofim approached Porsche for a one-of-a-kind revamp, insisting only that it include a towbar. The end result is nothing short of breathtaking, thanks to an array of custom touches that bring out the GTS’s distinctive character. Finished in Paint to Sample Blackolive paint and sporting matte black wheels, this Cayenne looks ready to take on any off-road adventure.
Inside, Porsche didn’t skimp on luxury or attention to detail. The interior features English green leather with Pasha-pattern fabric adorned in black and olive hues. This meticulous restoration not only breathes new life into a classic but also sets the bar for future projects under Sonderwunsch’s Factory Re-Commission program.
As we reported earlier, this isn’t the first time Porsche has used their exclusive Sonderwunsch division to bring back forgotten classics. In fact, they’ve previously turned heads with stunning restorations like those of the Carrera GT and other rare models. Alexander Fabig, Vice President of Individualisation and Classic at Porsche, highlighted how unique it is for them to restore such a relatively young model.
Restoring a vehicle isn’t just about bringing back its former glory; it’s also about preserving history. The fact that Porsche chose this particular Cayenne highlights the growing interest in manual transmissions among enthusiasts and collectors, even as automatics dominate modern SUVs. This restoration serves not only as a testament to the craftsmanship of the Sonderwunsch team but also to the enduring allure of classic Porsches.
The unique aspects of this project extend beyond its historical significance. Sarofim’s request for a towbar and his desire to use it with an Airstream caravan shows how personal touches can make such restorations even more meaningful. This restoration, coupled with ORA’s innovative approach to electric vehicles, highlights the diverse ways car enthusiasts are preserving and enhancing automotive heritage.
