Porsche has collaborated with Pixar Animation Studios to create a one-of-a-kind 911 Sally Special, inspired by the character Sally Carrera from the 2006 film *Cars*. This custom project, unveiled in 2022, serves as both a functional, road-legal vehicle and a charitable initiative, with proceeds from its auction benefiting Girls Inc. and USA for UNHCR.
The Origin of the 911 Sally Special
The project began as a reunion between the original creative team behind the *Cars* franchise and Porsche’s Sonderwunsch department. According to Porsche’s official press release, the goal was to transform Sally Carrera—a 2002 911 Carrera—into a modern, driveable 911 based on the current 992 generation.
Unlike standard production models, this vehicle required bespoke engineering. The design team, led by Porsche’s Exclusive Manufaktur and Style Porsche divisions, replicated the character’s signature “Sally Blue Metallic” paint, which was applied by hand. The wheels were also custom-designed to mimic the 2002 model’s aesthetic while meeting the performance requirements of a modern 911.
Design and Engineering Challenges
Translating a CGI character into a physical car presented unique technical hurdles. The design team had to reconcile the proportions of a cartoon character with the rigorous safety and performance standards of a road-legal sports car.
“The 911 Sally Special was based on the 911 Carrera GTS,” reported Motor1. This choice allowed the team to integrate a manual transmission, a detail the team felt was essential to capturing the character’s spirit. The interior features “Pepita” houndstooth fabric upholstery, a nod to the era of the original 911, and includes a hidden “Sally” tattoo under the rear spoiler, matching the character’s design in the film.
Market Impact and Charitable Results
The 911 Sally Special achieved significant attention in the automotive auction market. In August 2022, the vehicle was sold at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Monterey, California, for $3.6 million, according to RM Sotheby’s records.
The final hammer price underscored the rarity of the project. While standard 911 GTS models are produced in higher volumes, the Sally Special remains a singular unit. The proceeds were split between two organizations: Girls Inc., which provides mentorship for young women, and USA for UNHCR, which supports refugees displaced by the war in Ukraine.
Key Details of the 911 Sally Special
- Base Model: 911 Carrera GTS (992 generation)
- Transmission: 7-speed manual
- Unique Features: Custom “Sally Blue Metallic” paint, Turbo-look wheels, and interior Pepita trim.
- Charitable Beneficiaries: Girls Inc. and USA for UNHCR.
- Auction Result: Sold for $3.6 million at RM Sotheby’s in 2022.
This collaboration highlights a growing trend of luxury automotive brands leveraging pop culture intellectual property to drive brand engagement and philanthropic efforts. By integrating high-end engineering with nostalgic storytelling, Porsche demonstrated that bespoke manufacturing can serve both as a collector’s asset and a tool for social impact.