Porsche 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special
Porsche 550 Spyder
A road race set in Mexico
The Carrera Panamericana Mexico was a road race held in Mexico from 1950 to 1954, with many automakers taking part. This event was where Porsche gained fame in its early days.
The Carrera Panamericana Mexico, a public road race held in Mexico, was first held in 1950 to commemorate the completion of Mexico’s Pan-American Highway. From 1950 to 1954, many works teams, including Porsche, and famous drivers participated. It was revived in 1987 and has continued to be held to this day.
Porsche has a strong connection with the Carrera Panamericana, and the “Carrera” name, first used in the 356 model name, was inspired by this event. Now, Porsche Latin America has created the 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Speciale, inspired by the 1954 550 Spyder, as the final part of a trilogy paying homage to the iconic Mexican race.
The 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special is scheduled to be put up for auction for charity in 2025. TAG Heuer has also announced a limited edition chronograph inspired by this special model: the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana.
A tribute to the 1954 550 Spider
Porsche Latin America’s third Carrera Panamericana-themed special model, the 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special, was created in collaboration with Sonderbarsch and is based on the 1954 550 Spyder.
Porsche Latin America has created a special model, the 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Speciale, to commemorate the brilliant success of the Porsche 550 Spyder in the 1954 Carrera Panamericana Mexico.
In 1954, Hans Herrmann drove a 550 Spyder to an incredible third place overall and won his class in the sports cars under 1500 cc category – an incredible result that not only significantly elevated Porsche’s status on the global motorsport scene, but also inspired the iconic “Carrera” model name, which continues to this day.
This time, Porsche Latin America collaborated with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur’s customization program “Sonderwunsch (Special Request)” to create a third special model based on the 718 Spyder RS, aiming to recreate the spirit of the 550 Spyder. The result is the 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special.
The Carrera Panamericana: the foundation of Porsche’s success
Carrera Panamericana Mexico marked the beginning of Porsche’s global success in motorsport. Pictured here are Tobias Enninger (left), CEO of Porsche Latin America, and Camilo Sanmartin (right), Director of Porsche Mexico, at the launch event in Mexico City.
Tobias Enninger, CEO and President of Porsche Latin America, commented on the completion of the 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special:
“From the earliest days to the present day, the Carrera Panamericana Mexico has meant more than just a race to Porsche. Look no further than the 911 Carrera and Panamera, both of which are named in homage to the event that took place in Mexico 70 years ago.”
“Creating special models at Porsche is a very special project, and Mexico has been the recipient of this for three years in a row. First, we created the 911 Carrera Panamericana Special, then the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Special, and this year we have the 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special.”
“Each special model commemorates a memorable moment of success over the years. The 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Speciale pays homage to the legendary 550 Spyder, where Hans Herrmann achieved great things. We believe that it is these brilliant successes that have made Porsche what it is today.”
The exterior is unified in Centenar Silver.
The exterior is finished in Centenal Silver, with the exception of the carbon fiber components, while the Carmine Red stripes and yellow racing numbers create a striking contrast.
The 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Speciale is available in the exclusive Centenaire silver exterior paint, inspired by the 550 Spyder. This silver is used on almost all aerodynamic parts, including the front NACA ducts, lower air intakes, and rear spoiler, with the exception of the carbon fiber components of the Weissach package.
Silver magnesium wheels, combined with high-gloss black ceramic composite brake calipers, add a contemporary touch. The TAG Heuer logo on the hood, carmine red stripes on the rear fenders, and the yellow “55” racing number on the doors and rear engine cover pay homage to Hans Herrmann’s 550 Spyder, which finished third overall and won its class in 1954.
A watch mount that perfectly fits your Tag Heuer
A dedicated watch mount for the TAG Heuer-developed Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana is located on the cockpit’s center console.
The interior is based on black, with real leather used for frequently touched components such as the steering wheel, door panels, ventilation grille, and instrument panel. The passenger seat molding features a special “Spyder RS Panamericana Special” print.
The headrests of the crimson leather full bucket seats feature Carrera Panamericana embroidery, while the illuminated door sill protectors feature the Sonderwunsch logo and Mexican flag on the driver’s side and the silhouette of a 550 Spyder on the passenger side.
The center armrest features a specially designed watch mount, specially designed for the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana, to perfectly accommodate this beautiful chronograph, which will be produced in a limited edition of 255 pieces.
