Owners of 'classic' Porsches who fancy having their cars restored, upgraded, backdated or re-modelled are already spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a reputable specialist to get the job done. But now the competition is hotting up, because Porsche itself is on a drive to let everyone know that few people are better qualified to work on a car than the ones who built it in the first place.
It's all part of the marque's push of its 'Individualisation and Classic' division which is based in what's called a 'Wish Tank' at Factory One, the former 356 manufacturing and repair plant in Zuffenhausen.
It's said that the first customer inquiry for a bespoke 'extra' came in 1955 when the works fitted a rear window wiper for a 356 owner. But it was not until 1978 that the 'Sonderwunsch' or 'special requests' department was officially opened, followed in '86 by Porsche Exclusive (which individualises new cars to customers' requirements) and Exclusive Manufaktur in 2017, the division that creates bespoke, limited editions.
But now you can ask Porsche to do anything from re-trimming the Berber wool seats of your 1980s 911 SC to upgrading the chassis of a 959, installing a state-of-the-art infotainment system into a 996 or re-finishing a Carrera GT in exactly the paint and trim options you always wanted. And, we're assured, any modifications that detract from the car's originality will always be made entirely reversible.
The factory restoration service operates through a network of 75 dealers worldwide and covers almost every classic model from the 356 to the 993-generation 911, with Porsche claiming to carry a stock of 60,000 individual parts that will not only keep older cars running sweetly, but keep them genuine, too.
Classic is also offering a comprehensive inspections service that will lead to a 'technical certificate' and documentation along the lines of Ferraris 'Classiche' authentication system, and it will even sell you a whole range of genuine handbooks, manuals and technical literature for cars made as long ago as the 1950s.
And if you want more performance from your Porsche, the new 'Tequipment' division is there to help. Working in partnership with Manthey Racing, it has launched with an aero kit and magnesium Aeroblade wheels for the GT2RS, while a 'High Tech' offering yet to get underway will enable owners to buy parts such as 3D-printed 'bodyform' seats for a whole range of cars.
Even the mighty Cayenne has not been forgotten. With the original having been launched in 2002, early versions have, according to Porsche, officially earned 'classic' status.
As a result, the factory has created two first generation show cars equipped with a host of bespoke extras. The one that has already been unveiled is equipped for desert adventure with a full-length rood rack, Jerry cans, spades, chunky off-road tyres and a bank of spotlights.
The cars will be shown-off at various events throughout the year in a bid to gauge customer reaction, after which the most popular accessories will be put into production.
Meanwhile - watch as the value of early Cayenne's head skywards...
