Being a “friend of the family” has its distinct advantages, especially when that family surname is Porsche. Here is a very special, built-to-order example of the already rare 2011 911 Speedster, delivered with a number of distinct differences than the rest of the production run. It is serial no. 002 in the limited series of 356, of which only 100 came to the U.S.

This latest version of Porsche’s iconic open, rear-engined two-seater was unveiled in late 2010 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Porsche Exclusive, the automaker’s in-house customization department. It was to mark the revered history of the Speedster, which was first produced in 1954 and later reprised in both the 1989 Carrera and 1989 964 series. The new Speedster was based on the 997.2 GTS and featured a shortened and raked windshield reminiscent of its predecessors, along with widened front fenders and Turbo-like rear quarters from the Sport Design Package. The Speedster’s doors were of aluminum, as was the double-humped tonneau that concealed both the rear storage area and a folding fabric “emergency” top.

This variant was powered by a 408-hp, 3.8-liter Variocam-Plus Type MA101 engine mated to Porsche’s seven-speed PDK Doppelkupplungsgetriebe transmission, which directed power to a limited-slip differential. The new Speedster also boasted the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche Carbon-ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) as standard. Spoked black alloy wheels with polished rims were fitted with high-performance 235/35ZR19 and 295/30ZR19 tires. Equipped with Sport Chrono-Plus, the Speedster was capable of brilliant performance: 0–60 could come up in just over four seconds, and a maximum of 190 mph on the track.

If you were among the fortunate few to secure a place on the waiting list, you could order your new 997 Speedster in either Pure Blue or Carrara White, both with a black cloth top. The Speedster’s standard interior with its adaptive sports seats was trimmed in black leather with matching Blue or White accents. However, only a select few cars were painted and trimmed to order, as in this instance.

Ordered directly from Porsche Exclusive by an individual described as a “close friend of the Porsche family,” this exciting car was delivered in Code 99, “paint-to-sample” Custom Metallic Black, complemented by a full black leather interior, without accents, and in which nearly every tactile surface was trimmed in hide. External highlights included tinted front lights, black headlight rings, a black windshield frame, and other black trim. Special sill covers announced to those entering the car exactly what they were getting into, and the Speedster logo also appeared on the parking brake lever and seatback upholstery. A long list of desirable convenience and comfort items, both standard and optional, made its way into this car, making it truly one of a kind. Nearly all 997 Speedsters quickly vanished into private collections, and that was the case here.

Having enjoyed careful, long-term environmentally controlled storage from its time of delivery, this is virtually a new car, as fresh from the assembly line as possible, and truly a “collectible among collectibles.” Serial no. 002 is supplied with extensive original documentation, including a specification sheet, along with its correct spare, jack, and tools, and has been driven a mere dozen miles at the time of cataloguing.

From one friend to another, this is a very special Porsche.