In 1984, a strikingly customized Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 became more than just a company car—it was a vision of what would soon become Porsche Exclusive, a bespoke service that would transform the luxury sports car world. The one-off masterpiece, designed for Tilman Brodbeck, an assistant to Porsche’s CEO at the time, was a true preview of Porsche’s future, combining innovative design with eye-catching details that would eventually become available to enthusiasts worldwide.
A Bold Design Ahead of Its Time
The car’s most distinctive feature was its stunning color combination. The deep dark blue base was accentuated by turquoise highlights, tracing the contours from the front bumper, along the door sills, to the rear spoiler. This custom turquoise hue, which would come to be known as “Highlight,” was not only applied to the body but echoed throughout the car—from the spokes of its Fuchsfelgen wheels to the fully leather-upholstered interior.
This bold design didn’t just capture attention; it foreshadowed the Porsche Exclusive label, which officially launched in 1986. At the time, the idea of personalizing and customizing luxury cars was still in its infancy, but this one-off Carrera 3.2 was a beacon of what was to come.
The Man Behind the Vision
Tilman Brodbeck was no ordinary Porsche employee. As an aerodynamic expert, Brodbeck had worked on iconic features like the “Bürzel” ducktail spoiler for the Carrera RS 2.7. His passion for customizing cars came long before the era of modern luxury upgrades. He envisioned a unique 911 that combined personal style with Porsche’s renowned engineering.
Collaborating with Anatole Lapine’s design team, Brodbeck brought the vision of this unique Carrera to life. The Ewald Rempfer paint shop was tasked with the intricate paintwork, applying the turquoise highlights freehand under the supervision of Porsche Design studio engineer Reinhold Schreiber.
A Custom Interior to Match
The interior of this Carrera 3.2 was no less impressive. With velvet carpets dyed to match the turquoise accents and leather-wrapped details throughout, no corner was left untouched. The Recaro seats were the most advanced of their time, complete with inflatable side panels for extra comfort. Every detail was meticulously crafted, creating an interior as luxurious as the exterior was bold.
Turning Heads Around the World
During its time as Brodbeck’s company car, the one-off Porsche 911 turned heads wherever it went. From border crossings in Füssen to the winding roads of the Stelvio Pass, the car’s unique design drew admiration from onlookers. Its performance was equally as impressive, with Brodbeck recalling that it was the only car on the Stelvio whose brakes never overheated on the descent.
A New Chapter for the One-Off
After its time at Porsche, the Carrera 3.2 found its way to Sweden, where it was driven by two owners before being rediscovered by Porsche collector Ronny Pannhorst in 2017. The car underwent a full restoration at Porsche Classic, ensuring that every detail—from its mechanicals to its custom turquoise leather interior—was returned to its former glory.
A Legacy That Lives On
This one-off Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 stands as a remarkable piece of Porsche history. Not only did it serve as the daily driver for one of the brand’s most influential figures, but it also set the stage for the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur that we know today. This car’s story is a testament to the power of customization and how one man’s vision can inspire a brand to new heights.
This unique 911 Carrera 3.2 is more than just a collector’s item—it’s a living piece of Porsche’s commitment to innovation, design, and personalization. Its influence continues to be felt in every Porsche model customized through the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur program today.
Source: Porsche
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
