What is Porsche Sonderwunsch? Discover Porsche’s Ultimate Bespoke Programme
For many Porsche enthusiasts, choosing the perfect model is just the beginning. With an extensive range of colours, materials and options available, every new Porsche can be tailored to its owner’s tastes. But for those seeking something truly unique, Porsche offers its highest level of personalisation: Porsche Sonderwunsch.
Translating to “special wish” in German, the Sonderwunsch Programme allows customers to work directly with Porsche to create one-of-one vehicles that reflect their individual vision. From bespoke paint colours and handcrafted interiors to exclusive design elements developed specifically for a single car, Sonderwunsch represents the pinnacle of Porsche craftsmanship.
What is the Porsche Sonderwunsch Programme?
Originally introduced in the late 1970s, the Porsche Sonderwunsch Programme was created to fulfil highly individual customer requests that extended beyond the standard options list.
Today, the programme has been reimagined to offer even greater opportunities for personalisation. Working alongside Porsche designers, engineers and craftspeople in Zuffenhausen, customers can commission unique features that transform an already exceptional Porsche into something truly one of a kind.
Unlike traditional factory options, Sonderwunsch projects are developed specifically for each customer, ensuring no two vehicles are exactly alike.
How does Porsche Sonderwunsch work?
Every Sonderwunsch project begins with an idea. It might be a vision for a unique colour combination, a personal connection to Porsche heritage, or a completely new concept that has never been created before.
After an initial feasibility assessment, customers work directly with Porsche specialists during a dedicated project meeting. Together, designers and engineers develop a detailed specification that brings the vision to life.
This collaborative process can take up to a year before production begins. Once approved, the project is created through close cooperation between Porsche’s designers, engineers, mechanics, body specialists, upholsterers, paint experts and historians.
Throughout the journey, the customer plays an important role as project leader, with the opportunity to follow the development of their unique Porsche from concept through to completion.
While some requests may be limited by technical requirements, safety standards or legal regulations, Porsche carefully evaluates each idea to explore what is possible while maintaining the quality and engineering excellence expected from the brand.
The finished vehicle is documented within Porsche’s archives, preserving its status as a truly unique creation.
Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur vs Sonderwunsch
While both programmes focus on personalisation, they serve different purposes.
Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur
Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur allows customers to enhance their Porsche with a carefully curated selection of factory-approved options. These options are designed by Porsche and are available to order as part of the vehicle configuration process. Customers can choose from a wide range of premium personalisation options.
Every option is developed to meet Porsche’s strict standards for design, quality and performance. The result is a Porsche that feels highly individual while remaining within Porsche’s established range of factory specifications.
Porsche Sonderwunsch
Sonderwunsch takes personalisation beyond the standard options catalogue. Instead of selecting from pre-designed choices, customers collaborate directly with Porsche specialists to create bespoke features developed specifically for their vehicle.
A Sonderwunsch project can involve creating unique colour finishes, developing exclusive materials, designing one-off components or incorporating personal details that have never previously existed on a Porsche.
The process begins with the customer’s vision, which is assessed by Porsche designers and engineers for technical feasibility. If approved, the project is brought to life through close collaboration between specialists including designers, engineers, mechanics, upholsterers and paint experts at Porsche.
Unlike a standard option or package, a Sonderwunsch vehicle may become a genuine Factory One-Off, meaning it is a single, unique creation documented in Porsche’s archives.
It represents the highest level of factory personalisation available from Porsche.
Can New Zealand customers access Porsche Sonderwunsch?
The availability of Sonderwunsch projects depends on the nature and complexity of each request, as well as factory capacity.
If you’re interested in creating a truly personalised Porsche, the team at Archibalds Porsche can guide you through the available personalisation options, including Paint to Sample, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and, where applicable, Sonderwunsch opportunities.
Discover the possibilities at Archibalds Porsche
Every Porsche is special, but some are created to be unlike any other.
Whether you’re configuring your dream Porsche, exploring exclusive factory options or simply curious about the remarkable craftsmanship behind the Sonderwunsch Programme, our team is here to help you discover what’s possible.
Visit Archibalds Porsche in Christchurch to learn more about Porsche personalisation and begin creating a Porsche that’s uniquely yours.



















