• 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 0–60mph (0–97km/h) time of 2.2 seconds, a 0–100mph (0–161km/h) time of 4.9 seconds, a 0–180mph (0–290km/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.