Porsche is a company synonymous with fabulous liveries and colour schemes, and, among a rich back catalogue, perhaps no livery is more eye catching or memorable than the ‘hippy’ colour scheme applied by Anatole Lapine to a pair of Porsche 917s in 1970. From the moment the first green and blue example took to the circuit—commissioned by Hans-Dieter Dechent of Martini Racing—the wild sports cars became an instant fan favourite. But while they received a rapturous welcome wherever they raced, and would go on to become emblematic of one of the greatest periods of motorsport, their iconic liveries would remain confined to the race track—at least in factory-sanctioned form.

That all changed when Porsche started production of the 918 Spyder. Buyers of top-of-the-range Weissach Package-equipped 918 Spyders had the option of having their painted car customised with a factory-applied wrap evoking a historic Porsche livery, including a Martini livery, the ‘Salzburg’ livery (a red and white scheme matching the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning 917), and a matte black wrap. A handful of owners decided to go one step further, forgoing the wrap and having their desired livery painted onto their new 918 Spyder.

Arguably the most iconic livery to ever grace a Porsche 917 was conspicuous by its absence from the 918’s extensive options list and would have remained a pipedream were it not for a trio of enthusiastic owners with a deep passion for Stuttgart’s racing history. Each commissioned Porsche to finish their 918 Spyder in the iconic ‘hippy’ livery made famous by the firm throughout the 1970 endurance racing season. The first two examples were delivered to US customers and reflected the historic liveries of two psychedelic Works 917s, with chassis 229 finished in the green and purple of Willi Kauhsen and Gérard Larrousse’s 2nd-place Le Mans contender and chassis 857 in the red and yellow of Siffert and Ahrens’ ‘Shell Oil’ 917K. The example offered here—chassis 680—is entirely unique, being the only car of the trio to be finished in an all-new livery based on that iconic design, as well as being the only example to be delivered new to Europe.

Serial no. 680 of 918 cars produced, this Spyder’s ‘Psychedelic Design’ colour scheme is one-of-a-kind, with a base colour not of Guards Red but Paint-to-Sample Rosso Corsa (322) from archrival Ferrari. The standard Weissach Package magnesium wheels are painted white, while inside, the 918 is trimmed in Indian Red leather to sample with Bianco Leda piping. The result beautifully combines Porsche’s racing history with a sharp modern aesthetic, perfectly suited to the hypercar’s flowing lines and outrageous performance.

The Porsche’s fabulous exterior is matched by a spectacular specification and attention to detail, with countless highly desirable CXX options selected. While most 918 Spyders left the factory with various Acid Green details, this special example includes silver brake callipers and a white steering wheel centre marker, while the boot and firewall have been trimmed in black quilted fabric, the rear window is made from thicker glass, and gas boot struts sit alongside a carbon-fibre boot prop. Even the keys and their respective pouches have been painted two-tone white and Rosso Corsa. Other important options include the front axle lift system, the ability to heat the interior during electric drive mode, and a more useful 7.5-metre-long charging cable. Finally, the car was signed by Frank-Steffen Walliser, the project manager for the 918 Spyder who was responsible for the model’s development.

Commissioned via Porsche Zentrum Bern in Switzerland, this fascinating 918 has remained in the care of its original owner from new, having been driven less than 800 kilometres since completion. After being collected by its first and only owner directly from the factory in Zuffenhausen, the 918 has remained well-preserved in its current home in Switzerland, where it has been seldom driven. As such, the car remains in excellent condition both inside and out. The last service was carried out by Porsche Service Center Gstaad on 19 July 2023 at 760 kilometres, which included fitting four new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres, new spark plugs, fresh gearbox and engine oil, and other minor items, and totalled 12,497.65 CHF.

Within the scope of 918 Spyder production, serial number 680 is unique in more ways than one and offers a truly tantalising opportunity to purchase what is arguably the finest and most lavishly specified 918 Spyder in existence directly from its original owner.