Description
No. 4 of the 918 made
Swiss specification model
Generously optioned
Dry stored since acquisition
The art of understatement is evidently not lost on the good people of Porsche. Quietly under-promising and then spectacularly over-delivering is a surefire way to produce very satisfied customers. Always has been; always will be. It has worked a charm for Stuttgart's sports car specialist for decades and continues to with the (whisper it) incredible 918 Spyder. Here is a car with hybrid-carbon fibre construction, a combustion engine and suspension set-up donated by a prototype racing car, and a petrol-electric 'plug-in' powertrain the likes of which the world has never seen.
Autocar.
Nowadays, in these increasingly environmentally-conscious times, even supercar manufacturers are expected to make at least a cursory nod in the direction of better fuel economy and reduced emissions; hence the arrival of 'hybrid' technology in this previously fossil-fuels-only sector of the market. This has had the effect of endowing the modern supercar with some green credentials, while at the same time bringing with it a welcome performance boost in the shape of an additional (electric) motor or motors.
In the 918 Spyder's case, Porsche combined a normally aspirated 4. 6-litre race-derived V8 engine producing 599bhp with two electric motors - one for each axle - delivering an additional 282 horsepower. The energy storage system is a 6. 8kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery positioned behind the passenger compartment. In addition to charging from the mains electricity supply, the battery is also charged by a regenerative braking system while the car is on the move.
The 918 Spyder was first shown as a concept car at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010, the resulting avalanche of enquiries convincing Porsche's management that it should be approved for production. The production version was duly unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013, and despite a starting price tag of 611, 000, all of the 918 units planned has been sold by December 2014. Production ceased in June 2015 as planned.
Anyone with the slightest familiarity with the marque cannot fail to have noticed that the 918 Spyder's styling references many of the famous racing Porsches of the past. Its competition connections don't stop there, for the 918's suspension and engine are derived from those developed for Porsche's RS Spyder sports prototype of 2005. Suspension all round is by aluminium wishbones and links, with adaptive dampers as standard and the same rear-steer system first seen in the Porsche 911 Type 997 GT3. The bodywork is made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), as are the two roof panels that easily unclip and are stowed in the under-bonnet cargo compartment to liberate the open-top driving experience; this is a Spyder, after all. Carbon fibre dominates the interior, with main controls grouped around the steering wheel and secondary systems accessed via two configurable colour touch-screens.
Although the 918 Spyder could manage impressive economy when in all-electric mode, for most customers the car's stupendous speed was of far greater importance. Somewhat surprisingly, Porsche's performance claims were regularly bettered by independent testers. Reviewed by Car & Driver magazine, the 918 Spyder achieved a 060mph (097km/ h) time of 2. 2 seconds, a 0100mph (0161km/ h) time of 4. 9 seconds, a 0180mph (0290km/ h) time of 17. 5 seconds, and raced through the standing quarter-mile in 9. 8 seconds.
The 918's in-gear performance is unrivalled, declared Autocar. What's so astonishing is not just the pace but also the flexibility afforded by its rampant electric motors' instant torque. Despite the weight penalty of its larger battery, the 918 Spyder matched the rival McLaren P1 through the gears. Reassuringly, it was found to ride, steer and - mostly - handle just like a 'normal' Porsche. Only 918 were made, making this delectable Spyder - the fourth to be built - one of the most exclusive and collectible of modern Porsches.
Built to Swiss specification and invoiced on 14th July 2014, the car we offer had been collected from the Zuffenhausen factory by our vendor 11 days previously. Copies of the original purchase invoice and vehicle specification are on file together with a photocopy of its old Swiss Carte Grise. The Spyder left the factory finished in Guards Red - a classic Porsche colour - with silver-piped Garnet Red leather interior, and was delivered with the following options:
Lift system front axle Stone guard film PDK transmission 918 Spyder wheels (20/ 21-inch) Interior pack, anti-reflection Fire extinguisher Electric seat height adjustment, passenger seat Cup holder Programmable garage door opener Electric comfort heating Porsche Car Connect including Porsche Vehicle Tracking System Lightweight bucket seats with seat padding Vehicle key painted and key pouch in leather Carbon floor mat with silver piping Seat belts with accent stripes in silver Personalised plate on passenger side
Since acquisition the Porsche has been kept dry stored as part of the vendor's extensive collection in the Middle East. Recommissioning may be required before it returns to the road. This stunning 918 Spyder represents a rare opportunity to purchase a very special and exclusive Porsche that has been described as the equal of - if not superior to - its hybrid hypercar rivals.
Please note that if this vehicle remains in Belgium, it will be subject to Import Duty at 10% (+VAT) and 21% Import VAT on the hammer price. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary for VAT rate and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered countries rate. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
Please note that this vehicle is offered without any original registration documents, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.
NOTICE COLLECTIONS, TRANSPORT AND STORAGE Purchases will only be released when cleared funds are received.
MOTOR CARS & MOTORCYCLES
All vehicles must be collected from the Bonhams|Cars Marquee by 12noon on Monday 9 October 2023. Customers must notify BY EMAIL ONLY to Suzanne Kress , using the button below, no later than 8pm on the day of the Sale.
Please note that if Suzanne Kress hasn't received your notification on Sunday evening, all vehicles will be automatically removed to a temporary storage facility by the logistics company EXCLUTRANS BV on Monday 9 October at your expense and risk.
ADMINISTRATION AND UPLIFT FROM THE VENUE
€185 + VAT per motor car/ motorcycle
STORAGE CHARGES
First 14 days
€25 + VAT per motor car/ motorcycle per day
Payment of the uplift & storage charges and transport must be arranged with EXCLUTRANS BV. Collection is strictly by appointment only and at least 24-hours notice must be given.
POINT OF CONTACT TO ORGANISE STORAGE FEES' PAYMENT & COLLECTION
THEO VAN DEN EECKHOUT – EXCLUTRANS BV
+32 9 232 01 71
using the button below
POINT OF CONTACT FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
JORIS EYSERMANS - FIBONACCI
+32 460 96 18 40
using the button below
POINT OF CONTACT REGARDING THE ORIGINAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS OF YOUR PURCHASE(S)
SUZANNE KRESS – BONHAMS|CARS
+33 1 42 61 10 11
Susing the button below
POINT OF CONTACT REGARDING PAYMENTS
CHERYL UGGLES - BONHAMS|CARS – CREDIT CONTROLLER
+44 the details below
using the button below
IMPORTANT CARS UNDER CUSTOMS BOND
Lots 103, 104, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 119, 124, 134, 145, 150, 151, 155, 169, 185, 186
• Please note that for lots which are subject to the normal local duty/ import tax on Hammer Price : as Bonhams|Cars is the guarantor of the customs duties and taxes clearance, these motor cars cannot be released to the buyer or his transporter immediately after the sale.
• For these cars, collection by the buyer or a third party is only possible if import taxes are paid.
• These motor cars cannot be released to the buyer or his transporter immediately after the sale.
• Please keep in mind that it takes a couple of days to clear customs.
• Please send us from now your clearance instructions.
For all enquiries relating to Customs, be they administrative or legal, please contact:
FIBONACCI
Joris Eysermans
+32 460 96 18 40
using the button below
