by A weird custom Porsche Cayenne cabriolet sold for a ridiculous price
In the world of automotive solutions, real oddities sometimes happen, and this case is one of them. Someone in California looked at the first-generation Porsche Cayenne and decided: “You know what it’s missing? Turning it into a cabriolet wagon with artificial wood trim.” And, most strangely, this idea was brought to life.
The result is this modified 2005 Porsche Cayenne S, which just sold at auction for a modest $11,315. In the modern used car market, for that kind of money, you can barely buy a falling-apart buggy, but it was enough to purchase one of the strangest Porsches in recent years. True, upon closer inspection, the price begins to look more justified.
Who created this car?
The conversion was done by Newport Convertible Engineering, a company known in California for its projects involving creating convertibles. This SUV started its life as a regular Cayenne S but lost most of its roof. The conversion added a complex soft top and left a silhouette reminiscent of a Chrysler PT Cruiser that had a weird night with a Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. The exterior became even stranger thanks to fake wood appliqués on the sides and rear doors in the style of retro station wagons.
Under the hood is a genuine first-generation Porsche Cayenne S. This means a naturally aspirated 4.5-liter V8 producing 340 hp (254 kW) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This is a reliable powertrain, but let’s be honest, this example is far from perfect.
Problems and shortcomings
The listing notes tears in the soft top, worn upholstery, paint damage on the door handles, corrosion under the body, and an illuminated airbag warning light. It also reports a ticking noise from the hydraulic lifters at idle — not the sound you want to hear from a German V8 with 143,000 miles on the odometer. Even if everything were in perfect condition, this car would not have become more beautiful or practical than it originally was. The C-pillar looks particularly dreadful.
Financial success for the seller
However, despite all the absurdity, this was a big win for the seller. According to one participant in the Cars&Bids auction, this car was offered for $4,800 last month. Selling for more than double that amount brought a serious profit.
Additional context
This case shows how non-standard automotive projects can find their buyers, even if they look strange. Although the technical condition and aesthetics leave much to be desired, the story of this Porsche Cayenne reminds us that there is always room in the market for unique, albeit dubious, creations. It is worth noting that similar conversions often lose value due to their unconventional appearance and potential reliability issues, but this sale proves that sometimes even the strangest ideas can turn a profit.
