Sally Carrera, the charming and intelligent Porsche 911 from Pixar’s animated movie “Cars,” has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. But for car enthusiasts and fans of the movie alike, a common question arises: What Car Is Sally In Cars actually based on in real life? The answer is more fascinating than you might expect, extending beyond the screen to a unique, real-world vehicle that embodies Sally’s spirit.
In the film, Sally Carrera is depicted as a 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera (Type 996). Her design beautifully incorporates the iconic features of this generation of the 911, known for its friendly demeanor and approachable style. Voiced by Bonnie Hunt, Sally is portrayed as a successful lawyer who trades the fast lane of Los Angeles for the tranquility of Radiator Springs. Her character is defined by her kindness, intelligence, and passion for her town, making her a beloved figure in the “Cars” universe.
The connection between Sally Carrera and Porsche goes beyond animation. In an extraordinary move, Porsche and Pixar Animation Studios collaborated to bring Sally Carrera to life in the form of a unique, street-legal Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, named the “911 Sally Special”. This wasn’t just a replica; it was a reimagining of Sally for the modern era, built with the same passion and attention to detail that defines both Porsche and Pixar.
This remarkable project, initiated in November 2021, reunited key members of the original “Cars” team. Jay Ward, Creative Director of Franchise at Pixar Animation Studios, and Bob Pauley, the Production Designer who initially drew Sally Carrera, teamed up with experts from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and Style Porsche. For ten months, this dedicated team worked to create a truly one-of-a-kind factory special, the 911 Sally Special.
The 911 Sally Special is based on the high-performing 911 Carrera GTS, known for its agility and speed. Staying true to Sally’s character, the special edition is equipped with a manual gearbox, reflecting her love for driving engagement. However, the customization goes far beyond performance. The exterior is finished in a bespoke “Sallybluemetallic” paint, a unique color hand-applied specifically for this project, mirroring Sally’s animated hue but with a real-world depth and richness.
One of the most distinctive features of Sally Carrera in the movie is her subtle “tattoo” – a delicate pinstripe design on her rear. The 911 Sally Special also incorporates this detail, adding another layer of connection to the animated character. Furthermore, Porsche designers reinterpreted Sally’s iconic Turbo-look rims, adapting the five-arm design to the current 911 generation’s 20/21-inch wheel dimensions. These wheels are not only visually striking but also serve as a direct link to the 996 generation 911 that inspired Sally.
The interior of the 911 Sally Special is just as thoughtfully designed. Daniela Milošević, a Porsche interior designer, worked closely with Pixar to extend the Sallybluemetallic accents into the cabin. This special blue is used both for prominent features and subtle details, creating a cohesive and delightful interior environment. The upholstery features a custom Pepita houndstooth fabric in three colors, combined with chalk-colored leather and Speed Blue stitching, adding a touch of playful elegance while maintaining everyday usability.
Beyond the car itself, the 911 Sally Special experience is further enhanced by unique additions. A special Porsche Design chronograph, also designed in collaboration with Pixar, mirrors the car’s Sallybluemetallic accents and features interchangeable straps. The auction of the car also included a range of bespoke items, such as an indoor car cover, a wheel rack with an extra set of Carrera Exclusive Design wheels, a book documenting the car’s development, and original design drawings.
The 911 Sally Special is more than just a stunning vehicle; it represents a bridge between the imaginative world of animation and the tangible artistry of automotive engineering. It was auctioned by RM Sotheby’s in August 2022 during Monterey Car Week, with all proceeds donated to charity. A portion benefited Girls Inc., supporting young women, and the other portion went to USA for UNHCR, aiding refugees from Ukraine.
This project exemplifies Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program, which allows for the creation of highly individualized, one-off vehicles. The 911 Sally Special stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and the enduring appeal of Sally Carrera, answering the question of what car is Sally in Cars with a real-world embodiment that is both beautiful and impactful.
