Pedro Rodríguez is no stranger to race enthusiasts. Even those who are born after the era of the Mexican champion must have heard tales of his illustrious career. Put it to you this way, he is known for the same reasons as the legendary Ayrton Senna. During his prime time, his approach was more or less like “Been there, conquered that”. With two Formula One Grand Prix wins, a victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and four triumphs in the 24 Hours of Daytona, Rodríguez had undoubtedly made sure the future generation won’t forget his name.
The 11 times World Championship of Makes (now known as the World Endurance Championship – WEC), is one of the most celebrated names in the Porsche Camp. Eight of his 11 championship wins were in the Porsche 917 KH with the distinctive Gulf Oil livery. He also helped Porsche to win the series in 1970 and 1971.
Rodríguez was a man of the circuits, and he even died there, on the Norisring street circuit in Nuremberg, Germany, 50 years ago, on 11 July 1971. Now, to honour Pedro, Porsche has designed a one-off 911 Turbo S sports car called the Porsche 911 Turbo S ‘One of a Kind’ Pedro Rodríguez. The special tribute has been commissioned by Porsche Latin America and Porsche Mexico.
Built working with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, as well as alongside Rodríguez’s family and the Porsche Museum the unique vehicle not only pays tribute to the legendary Mexican driver, but also the 917 KH with which he achieved glory. The Porsche 911 Turbo S ‘One of a Kind’ Pedro Rodríguez was recently unveiled during a Sportscar Together Day at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento Pegaso, in Toluca, Mexico.
The special edition 911 Turbo S has been finished in iconic Gulf blue exterior paint with an orange stripe running across it, in memory of Pedro Rodríguez. The wheels featuring an aluminium centre lock are also specially designed and painted in high-gloss black. The vehicle’s doors feature the numeric two painted in black inside a white circle.
“This car has unique elements that no other car in the world could have,” says Camilo San Martin, Director of Porsche Mexico. “This configuration, with these specific details and equipment, has been locked in the Porsche configurator, as well as in the production system, so that this car is literally unrepeatable.”
The plaque located on the B-pillar bears a silhouette akin to the Porsche 917 KH in the colours of the Mexican flag as well as the name and signature of Rodríguez. This same detail is reflected in the carbon mouldings on the lower door frames, which light up when opened. Similarly, the names of the eight races Rodriguez won with the Porsche 917 KH are engraved under the rear spoiler.
Inside the cabin, the ‘One of a Kind’ 911 features graphite blue leather seats with orange stitching with the 917 silhouette featuring on the front seat headrests. The centre armrest and the carbon fibre dashboard trim carries Rodríguez’s signature. The accompanying key of the vehicle also features the racer’s signature and is painted in Gulf blue. The car also includes a bespoke luggage set in graphite blue leather with orange stitching and details.
Porsche has plans to auction the 911 Turbo S “One of a Kind” Pedro Rodríguez later this year, and has pledged to donate its proceeds to various charitable causes.
“Pedro Rodríguez continues to be the Latin American driver who has given Porsche the most triumphs and joy,” explained George Wills, President and CEO of Porsche Latin America. “With this unique car in the world we want to pay tribute to a unique, irreplaceable driver, an idol of the past and a legend of today.”
