Porsche has transformed a client's 911 GT2 RS into a singular road-legal masterpiece, reviving the iconic Flachbau silhouette of the 935. The project, led by Sonderwunsch and Manthey, blends historic design with cutting-edge engineering.
Porsche has delivered a striking answer to the demands of its most discerning clients: a one-off 911 GT2 RS that pays homage to the legendary 935 Flachbau, known as 'Moby Dick.' Developed over nearly three years, this project brought together the expertise of the Sonderwunsch department and Manthey, resulting in a car that stands alone in the world of bespoke automotive design.
The transformation began with a 2018 911 GT2 RS (991.2 generation) equipped with the Weissach package. The team, including specialists from Style Porsche, Weissach development, Porsche Motorsport, and Manthey, reimagined the car’s bodywork to echo the unmistakable lines of the 935/78 Le Mans racer. The result is a road-legal machine that fuses motorsport heritage with modern performance.
Design was overseen by Grant Larson, whose previous work includes the modern reinterpretation of the Porsche 935 for the brand’s 70th anniversary. On this Flachbau RS, the front fenders are notably lower, paired with slim LED headlights arranged in a stepped layout. The car is finished in Grand Prix White—a classic Porsche color first seen on the 911 in 1974—developed specifically for this project by referencing a historic model from the brand’s collection. Matte black accents and exposed carbon fiber elements add visual depth and technical flair.
Distinctive details set this car apart from a standard GT2 RS. The hood and roof feature inverted stripes, with a central U-shaped carbon fiber section reminiscent of the 935/78’s Martini livery. The rear wheels are fitted with aerodynamic discs painted in Grand Prix White, while the brake calipers are finished in black. The redesigned front wheel arches incorporate louvered vents to reduce internal pressure, requiring modifications to the fuel filler cap and underlying mechanism.
The front bumper has been completely reworked, integrating subtle black elements by Manthey. Aerodynamic enhancements include a new front splitter, the Manthey Kit’s lower structure, and a rear diffuser, while carbon fiber aero discs at the rear help minimize drag. At the back, a new S-shaped support wing—drawing inspiration from the 992-generation 911 GT3 R rennsport—sits five centimeters higher than usual and can be manually adjusted to three positions, allowing drivers to tailor downforce for track use.
In high and low downforce settings, the rear axle load increases by 2% and 3% respectively compared to a standard GT2 RS with the Manthey Kit. At 340 km/h in high downforce mode, the car generates a remarkable 554 kg of rear downforce, underscoring its track-focused credentials.
Inside, the focus on weight reduction is clear. Red Alcantara, black leather, and carbon fiber remain up front, but the rear section has been almost entirely stripped. The Porsche Communication Management system, audio components, and much of the sound insulation have been removed, resulting in a 31.6 kg weight saving over the original vehicle. Exposed metal painted in Grand Prix White, visible wiring, and carbon trim reinforce the car’s uncompromising character. The carbon bucket seats are embroidered with ‘Flachbau RS’ and a Nürburgring-Nordschleife outline, while gold plaques reading ‘Sonderwunsch’ and ‘Factory One-Off 2026 | Flachbau RS’ add a final bespoke touch to the dashboard.
Porsche subjected the car to rigorous validation, including digital crash simulations, airbag deployment tests, structural analysis, and CFD-based aerodynamic calculations. Three test vehicles were built and evaluated in lighting and wind tunnels, on public roads, and at tracks such as Mendig airfield, Nürburgring-Nordschleife, and Weissach.
This project highlights the growing trend of ultra-personalized supercars, where manufacturers cater to individual visions with technical precision and historical reverence. As seen in other recent collaborations—such as the unique Ferrari built for a private collector, detailed in this report on Ferrari's one-off CZ26—the boundaries of exclusivity and engineering continue to be pushed by the world’s top automotive brands.
For Porsche, the Flachbau RS stands as a testament to what is possible when tradition, innovation, and client ambition converge. The car not only revives a legendary silhouette but also sets a new benchmark for bespoke performance vehicles, blending the spirit of Le Mans with the realities of modern road use.
