4 MEMORABLE SPECIAL EDITION CARS

Special edition releases have long provided the most dedicated collectors and brand enthusiasts with the opportunity to showcase their passion. From the wacky to the wonderful, this article will look at 4 special edition car releases that we just had to share.

Porsche 911 Sally Special

In collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios, Porsche recently revealed arguably one of their most wholesome creations yet, the 911 Sally Special. Inspired by Sally Carrera, a character from the movie Cars, this 911 was a one-off special whose development journey brought together members of the original Cars production crew including Bob Pauley, the Production Designer who first drew Sally for the film. The vehicle is built upon the 911 Carrera GTS and is painted in a custom paint specifically designed for this project, named ‘Sallybluemetallic’. Porsche also honoured Sally’s infamous tattoo, subtly printing it on the car’s rear. In keeping with the character’s kind and caring nature, Porsche developed the car with the aim of helping those in need; the Sally Special was auctioned at this year’s Monterey Car Week, with proceeds donated to two noble causes: Girls Inc and USA for UNHCR.

David Brown Marshall Mini

Earlier this year David Brown Automotive revealed a limited edition remastered Mini, inspired by British audio company Marshall. Celebrating the amplification specialists’ 60th anniversary, the release boldly adopts Marshall’s iconic black and gold colour scheme, with no corner left untouched by this glorious palette. The Marshall-inspired Mini comes equipped with an 8-speaker system courtesy of Marshall themselves – one would expect nothing less – as well as an infotainment display and electric windows, adding a modern touch to this Mini’s retro aesthetic. The restomod also features a leather-lined boot housing a Marshall DSL1 Combo amp, so rockers are ready to shred wherever they are!

Volkswagen Polo Harlequin

Was this special edition pieced together from an array of stray VW body panels? Not quite, though we wouldn’t blame you for thinking that it was. The patchwork Polo made its debut in 1994 and was never actually supposed to enter production; Volkswagen originally used the Harlequin to promote a new modular system for the third generation Polo, with this subsequently sparking demand for the unconventional vehicle to be made available for purchase. VW eventually put the car into production, moving 2500 units in the UK. Playfully named after the colourfully dressed performers from the Commedia Dell’arte theatre form, the Harlequin has amassed a cult following of VW enthusiasts with an appreciation for eccentric design. In 2021 the German automaker even created a one-off commemorative sixth-generation Harlequin celebrating the Polo’s history.

Nissan Gold Leaf

During the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Nissan offered British athletes an added incentive to strive for gold. Nissan-sponsored athletes who secured first place in their respective sports were awarded special gold editions of the Nissan Leaf upon their return from Rio. The vehicles were wrapped in gold vinyl and had ‘Rio 2016 Gold Medallist’ printed on the bonnet and the front doors. Gymnast Max Whitlock and rower George Nash were two of the British Olympians presented with the car.