Rolf Sprenger 1941 - 2021
Rolf Sprenger: A Pioneer in Porsche's Bespoke Engineering
Rolf Sprenger was born in Stuttgart, a city synonymous with automotive excellence. From an early age, he was captivated by the sleek and powerful sports cars that graced the streets, dreaming not only of riding in a Porsche 356 but of one day owning one himself. His passion for Porsche was more than a fleeting childhood fascination—it was the foundation for a lifelong journey dedicated to automotive innovation and exclusivity.
Engineering Beginnings and Early Career
Pursuing his passion, Sprenger studied Mechanical Engineering at the Konstanz University of Applied Engineering. His career began at Bosch in Stuttgart as an automobile test engineer. His expertise soon led him to London, where he worked with Simms, contributing to the development of diesel fuel injection systems. Despite receiving a job offer from Mercedes-Benz, Sprenger chose a different path, spending a brief period at NSU before joining Porsche in July 1967. He started in the motor test department in Zuffenhausen, marking the beginning of a remarkable tenure with the iconic sports car manufacturer.
Porsche: A Career Shaped by Innovation
Initially reporting to senior engineer Hans Klauser, Sprenger quickly made an impression. Recognizing his talent and dedication, Porsche’s management promoted him to lead the ‘Werksreparaturabteilung’—the factory repair department—at just 28 years old. His primary responsibility was to fulfill the unique requests of Porsche customers worldwide, a role personally entrusted to him by Ferry Porsche. This position placed him at the intersection of engineering and customer personalization, working closely with influential figures such as Ernst Fuhrmann and Peter W. Schutz.
Sprenger’s enthusiasm for turning customer dreams into reality led him to propose a dedicated department focused solely on bespoke modifications. In 1978, his vision materialized with the official establishment of Porsche’s special requests department. This division evolved into what is now celebrated as the ‘Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur’—a program that continues to set the benchmark for custom-built Porsche models today.
Legacy of Bespoke Porsche Creations
Throughout his career, Sprenger played a crucial role in the development of some of Porsche’s most unique and limited-edition models. Among his many contributions, he oversaw the creation of the ultra-rare Porsche 993 Speedster—of which only two were ever produced. One was gifted to Ferdinand Alexander “Butzi” Porsche for his 60th birthday in 1995, while the other found its way into the collection of comedian and Porsche enthusiast Jerry Seinfeld.
Another extraordinary project under Sprenger’s leadership was the one-of-a-kind street-legal Porsche 935, commissioned in 1983 by Saudi businessman Mansour Ojjeh. This exceptional vehicle, based on the Porsche 930 Turbo, remains a testament to Porsche’s ability to push the boundaries of performance and exclusivity. Though Porsche never disclosed the original cost, it is believed that Ojjeh paid the equivalent of three brand-new 911 Turbos for this singular masterpiece.
A Lasting Influence on Porsche’s Heritage
Even after retiring, Rolf Sprenger remained deeply connected to Porsche. He became a key consultant for vintage car restorations, leveraging his unparalleled expertise in the brand’s history and engineering. His strong personal ties with the Porsche family endured, and he continued to attend prestigious events such as the Strähle Swap Meet, Porsche Rennsport Reunion, and the Porsche Race Car Classic, organized by the late Steve Heinrichs.
Beyond his contributions to engineering, Sprenger co-authored the definitive work on the Porsche Carrera alongside Heinrichs, further solidifying his legacy as a guardian of Porsche’s rich heritage.
Photograph from 2007 Interview
Rolf Sprenger and His Impact on Porsche Sonderwunsch
The Visionary Behind Porsche Customisation
Rolf Sprenger is a name synonymous with bespoke Porsche customisation. As the driving force behind the Porsche Sonderwunsch (Special Request) programme, Sprenger played a pivotal role in allowing customers to create truly unique and personalised vehicles tailored to their individual tastes. His innovative approach to customisation helped elevate Porsche from a high-performance automotive brand to one that also catered to exclusivity and personal expression.
The Birth of Porsche Sonderwunsch
The Porsche Sonderwunsch programme traces its roots back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, a period when Porsche recognised the growing demand for custom-built cars. While Porsche had always been associated with performance and engineering excellence, Sprenger’s vision was to push beyond factory specifications and offer customers the opportunity to modify everything from exterior finishes to interior materials and even mechanical components.
Sprenger's role in Sonderwunsch was instrumental in refining the programme, ensuring that Porsche maintained its legendary performance while allowing for extreme personalisation. His work enabled customers to transform their Porsches into one-of-a-kind masterpieces, further strengthening the brand's appeal among enthusiasts and collectors.
Iconic Creations Under Sprenger’s Leadership
During Sprenger’s tenure, the Sonderwunsch programme was responsible for some of the most sought-after and unique Porsches ever produced. Some of the most notable projects included:
1. The Flachbau (Slantnose) 911
One of the most famous Sonderwunsch commissions was the 911 Flachbau (Slantnose), inspired by Porsche’s 935 race car. The aggressive aerodynamic redesign of the front end, pop-up headlights, and bespoke bodywork turned this into an instant collector’s item.
2. Bespoke Interiors & Colour Combinations
Under Sprenger’s guidance, Porsche offered an almost limitless selection of interior materials, from exotic leathers and rare wood trims to personalised embroidery and unique colour combinations. Customers could specify details down to the smallest stitch, making each car a true reflection of its owner’s personality.
3. Performance-Oriented Custom Builds
Sprenger also oversaw custom-built performance models, including one-off turbocharged 911s, lightweight builds, and race-inspired configurations, many of which would later influence factory models such as the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur programme.
Legacy and Influence
Rolf Sprenger’s work laid the foundation for what is now Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, the modern incarnation of Sonderwunsch. His pioneering spirit in vehicle personalisation remains a core part of Porsche’s philosophy today. Customers can still commission bespoke designs, limited-edition specifications, and unique performance modifications, all thanks to the groundwork laid by Sprenger’s leadership.
His impact extends beyond Porsche enthusiasts; his vision for tailor-made, high-performance luxury vehicles influenced the entire automotive industry. Today, brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce offer bespoke services, but it was Porsche, under Sprenger, that perfected the art of factory-backed customisation.
Rolf Sprenger was not just an engineer; he was an innovator who understood the emotional connection between a driver and their Porsche. His work in Sonderwunsch has left an indelible mark on the brand’s history, ensuring that the pursuit of individuality and exclusivity remains a defining characteristic of Porsche ownership.
For collectors and Porsche aficionados, a Sonderwunsch Porsche is more than just a car—it’s a statement, a work of art, and a reflection of its owner’s vision, all made possible through the pioneering work of Rolf Sprenger.
