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, Pedro Rodríguez is undoubtedly the most successful Mexican racing driver of all time. During his illustrious career he walked away with 11 titles in the World Championship of Makes – now known as the World Endurance Championship (WEC) – and he helped Porsche to win the series in 1970 and 1971. Eight of his 11 wins were in the Porsche 917 KH with the distinctive Gulf Oil livery.
Now, 50 years after he lost his life at the Norisring street circuit in Nuremberg, Germany on 11 July 1971, Porsche Latin America and Porsche Mexico have commissioned a special tribute. Working with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, a unique car has been built – the Porsche 911 Turbo S 'One of a Kind' Pedro Rodríguez, which was unveiled during a Sportscar Together Day at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento Pegaso, in Toluca, Mexico.
“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."
Distinctive details and design
In paying tribute to a racing driver who was a one-off himself, the unique 911 created in his memory had to have a distinctive design and details. “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.”
As well as working with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, Porsche Latin America and Porsche Mexico worked alongside Rodríguez’s family and the Porsche Museum to create a car that not only pays tribute to the legendary Mexican driver, but also the 917 KH with which he achieved glory.
The Gulf blue 917 KH as inspiration
Painted in iconic Gulf blue with an orange stripe running across it, the ‘One of a Kind’ is based on the 911 Turbo S. The specially designed wheels are painted in high-gloss black, with an aluminium centre lock and the doors feature a black number two in a white circle.
Another distinctive element is the plaque located on the B-pillar, which bears a silhouette of the 917 KH in the colours of the Mexican flag and the name and signature of Rodríguez. This same detail is reflected in the carbon moldings on the lower door frames, which light up when opened. Similarly, the names of the eight races he won with the 917 KH are engraved under the rear spoiler.
Inside, the 911 is fully upholstered in graphite blue leather with orange stitching and while the 917 silhouette features on the front seat headrests, Rodríguez's signature can be seen on the centre armrest and on the carbon fibre dashboard trim.
The car's personalisation even goes as far as the accompanying key, which not only features the signature of the two-time world endurance champion but is painted in Gulf blue. The car also includes a bespoke luggage set in graphite blue leather with orange stitching and details.
The Porsche 911 Turbo S "One of a Kind" Pedro Rodríguez will be auctioned off later this year. The proceeds will go to various charitable causes.
