The 911 Sally Special, a unique collaboration between Porsche and Pixar, is a real-life embodiment of the beloved animated character Sally Carrera from the movie Cars. This one-of-a-kind car, inspired by the 996-generation 911, was auctioned for charity, highlighting the spirit of giving back that resonates with both the film and the brands involved.
Bringing Sally Carrera to Life: From Animation to Reality
The project, initiated in November 2021, involved a reunion of the original Cars team, including Jay Ward, Pixar’s Creative Director of Franchise, and Bob Pauley, the Production Designer who initially sketched Sally Carrera. This team collaborated with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in Stuttgart and Style Porsche in Weissach, resulting in a truly special vehicle after ten months of dedicated work.
Dr. Sebastian Rudolph, Vice President Communications, Sustainability and Politics at Porsche AG, emphasized the importance of stories and personalities for cars, stating that the Cars movie brought these elements to life on the big screen. The Sally Special project aimed to extend that spirit beyond the screen, embodying values like friendship and support while raising funds for those in need.
Design and Features of the 911 Sally Special: A Unique Porsche for a Unique Character
The 911 Sally Special is not a mere replica of the animated character but a modern interpretation of Sally Carrera as a road-approved car. Based on the powerful 911 Carrera GTS, it boasts a manual gearbox, reflecting Sally’s passion for driving. The car features a custom Sallybluemetallic paint, meticulously applied by hand.
Sally’s signature pinstripe tattoo was a challenging detail to incorporate, but the team managed to translate this iconic feature onto the car’s design. The unique five-arm Turbo-look rims, a reimagining of Sally’s wheels, were specifically crafted for the Sally Special, bridging the connection to the original 996 design.
The interior, spearheaded by Porsche interior designer Daniela Milošević in collaboration with Pixar, reflects Sally’s personality through the use of Sallybluemetallic accents, custom Pepita houndstooth fabric upholstery in three colors, chalk-colored leather, and Speed Blue stitching. The design balances aesthetics with everyday usability, ensuring the car is enjoyable to drive regularly.
The Auction and its Beneficiaries: Supporting Girls Inc. and USA for UNHCR
The auction of the 911 Sally Special included a unique Porsche Design chronograph, also designed in collaboration with Pixar, featuring Sallybluemetallic accents and interchangeable straps. The proceeds from the auction benefited Girls Inc., empowering young women, and USA for UNHCR, supporting refugees from Ukraine.
The 911 Sally Special exemplifies the power of collaboration and creativity, transforming a beloved animated character into a tangible symbol of generosity and inspiration. This unique car serves as a reminder of the impact that storytelling and automotive passion can have on the world.
