Porsche is honoring its legendary automotive heritage with an extraordinary creation: the 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special. This one-of-a-kind vehicle commemorates the 70th anniversary of the official Porsche team’s historic participation in the first era of the Carrera Panamericana, Mexico. As the final piece of a special trilogy celebrating the brand’s success in this emblematic Mexican race, drawing inspiration from the iconic 550 Spyder, it will also be auctioned for charitable causes. As a perfect addition, TAG Heuer pays tribute to this legendary race through the release of the limited TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana.
A one-of-a-kind vehicle
Porsche Latin America unveiled the 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special, a one-of-a-kind vehicle commemorating Porsche’s most significant success during the 1954 Carrera Panamericana Mexico. This edition is considered Porsche’s most successful among the brand’s three participations since 1952. Hans Herrmann, piloting a 550 Spyder, secured an impressive third place overall and clinched victory in the Sport category for cars up to 1500 cc. This remarkable achievement elevated Porsche’s status in global motorsport and proved so memorable that—combined with the experiences of 1952 and 1953—it inspired the iconic “Carrera” naming.
Using the 718 Spyder RS as a foundation, Porsche aimed to recreate the spirit of the historic mid-engine 550 Spyder with its lightweight construction—the first vehicle designed for racing that outperformed rivals with larger engines. A Porsche Latin America team, collaborating with Exclusive Manufaktur experts at Porsche’s headquarters in Germany, developed this model. Their joint effort completed a trilogy of cars created through Sonderwunsch, Porsche’s exclusive personalization program. This trilogy celebrates the 70th anniversary of three remarkable Porsche participations in the Carrera Panamericana.
“From the beginning to the modern era, La Carrera Panamericana Mexico is far more than a competition for Porsche. One only needs to look at the 911 Carrera or the Panamera—both named to honor the events that unfolded here in Mexico 70 years ago. The Sonderwunsch Inspiration cars represent exceptionally special projects, and Mexico was entrusted with three consecutive ones: the 911 Carrera Panamericana Special, the twin 718 Cayman GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Specials, and this year’s 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special”, said Tobias Eninger, CEO and President of Porsche Latin America. “The latter celebrates the legendary 550 Spyder, with which Hans Herrmann achieved remarkable feats. Each car commemorates a successful moment that individually resonated through the years, but collectively, transformed Porsche into an iconic brand.”
Celebrating Porsche’s Success in Mexico
In 1954, during the final edition of “golden era” of the Carrera Panamericana Mexico, Porsche cemented its legacy in this legendary rally. The brand achieved its best result to date, showcasing the exceptional capabilities of its sports cars in one of the most grueling races in those times. Porsche fielded a team of four official 550 Spyders, driven by an international quartet: Mexico’s Salvador López Chávez, Argentina’s Fernando Segura, Guatemala’s Jaroslav Juhan, and Germany’s Hans Herrmann. The race spanned five intense days, covering over 3,000 kilometers from the southern Mexican Border at Tuxtla Gutiérrez in the state of Chiapas, to the northern border at Ciudad Juárez in the state of Chihuahua.
The Porsche 550 Spyder featured the first race use of the 1500 cc four-camshaft engine, which was groundbreaking technology. Combined with the lightweight aluminum bodywork, this engine enabled the car to reach speeds exceeding 200 km/h, allowing it to outperform heavier vehicles with engines more than three times its size. This victory was not just Porsche’s first as an official team; it also led to the Fuhrmann engine being dubbed the “Carrera Engine” and later inspired the name of Porsche’s most exclusive model line.
Completing the trilogy: the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special
The Porsche 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special distinguishes itself through aesthetic enhancements, exclusive equipment, and historical nods. Centenaire silver adorns nearly all aerodynamic elements, including the carbon fiber components from the Weissach package. This striking color extends from the NACA ducts on the front, through the fascia and lower air intakes, to the rear spoiler in Gurney Flap format. The Magnesium wheels are complemented by high-gloss black ceramic composite brake calipers (PCCB), offering a contemporary twist.
Nostalgic touches pay homage to Hans Herrmann’s class-winning 550 Spyder, which features Carmine Red stripes on the rear fenders, yellow “55” numbers on the doors, and a rear engine cover. The front showcases the TAG Heuer shield in Seal Grey, while the taillights are red. A 718 logo on the front grille adds a finishing touch.
The interior is predominantly black, with leather adorning the door panels, ventilation system grilles, and instrument panel. Genuine leather inserts enhance high-contact areas, while a Spyder RS Panamericana Special print graces the passenger molding. Full bucket seats in Carmine Red leather feature Carrera Panamericana embroidery on the headrests. Illuminated door sill protectors display the Sonderwunsch inscription and Mexican flag colors on the driver’s side, with the 550 Spyder silhouette on the passenger side. The red leather also wraps the steering wheel.
Exclusive Sonderwunsch floor mats and a TAG Heuer shield on the central armrest complete this extraordinary interior. A special feature of the car with the racing number 55 is the uniquely designed and fully integrated watch mount under the center armrest. TAG Heuer designed this component and thoroughly implemented through the Porsche saddlery exclusively for the 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special and is not available to buy. The compartment provides a perfect solution to safely secure the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana under the center armrest adorned by an embossed TAG Heuer logo.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana, with its dynamic case and signature aesthetics, is limited to 255 numbered examples. The ’55’ is a reference to the winning Porsche 550 Spyder. Featuring TAG Heuer’s signature Glassbox design, the watch seamlessly blends the fine-brushed, polished steel case with the curved sapphire crystal, offering a distinctive silhouette. This exceptional racing chronograph is not just a showcase of TAG Heuer’s sophisticated design and expertise in watchmaking complications. It symbolizes the Porsche partnership, a thoroughly modern creation that honors TAG Heuer and Porsche’s history of innovation while offering an assertive design.
About Carrera Panamericana
The Carrera Panamericana Mexico, launched in 1950 by the National Automobile Association, celebrated the completion of Mexico’s Pan-American Highway section. This legendary race spans two distinct eras: the “Golden Age” from 1950 to 1954, featuring world-renowned drivers and companies like Porsche, and the “Modern Era,” which began in 1987 and continues uninterrupted to this day. Porsche has participated in every edition since joining the race in 1952, cementing its place in the mythical event’s history.
The Carrera Panamericana’s impact on Porsche’s legacy is profound. It inspired the “Carrera” name that became a product specification for the 356. Shortly after, Porsche introduced cars such as the Carrera GTS (904) and Carrera 6 (906), which were street-legal race cars. This naming tradition eventually led to the Carrera RS (911) and later models like the 911 Carrera GTS.
A special presentation in the heart of Mexico
To celebrate its participation in the thirty-seventh edition of this iconic rally, Porsche unveiled the 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special at a gala event in Mexico City. The presentation featured key figures, including Tobias Eninger, CEO and President of Porsche Latin America; Karen León, Director of La Carrera Panamericana; and Eduardo León, Honorary President of La Carrera Panamericana. Porsche’s official team drivers—Benito Guerra Jr., Diego Cándano, and Fernando Gómez Urquiza—also graced the occasion with their presence. Continuing a meaningful tradition, Porsche announced that this exclusive model will be auctioned for charity in 2025. The proceeds will support non-profit organizations, highlighting Porsche’s commitment to both automotive excellence and social responsibility in Latin America.
Above content © 2024 Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee
