Bizarre Porsche Cayenne Convertible with Fake Wood Sells for Over $11,000

A highly unusual custom Porsche Cayenne S convertible, featuring faux wood paneling and a soft top, recently sold at auction for $11,315. This unique conversion, performed by Newport Convertible Engineering, transforms the first-generation SUV into a drop-top wagon, blending luxury with a retro aesthetic.

Key Takeaways

• A 2005 Porsche Cayenne S was converted into a convertible with a soft top.
• The vehicle features faux wood graphics on its exterior.
• It sold for $11,315 despite numerous cosmetic and mechanical flaws.
• The conversion was done by Newport Convertible Engineering.

A Unique Conversion

This one-of-a-kind Porsche Cayenne S convertible is certainly a head-turner, though perhaps not for the reasons Porsche intended. The vehicle, originally a 2005 model, underwent a significant transformation, losing its roof and gaining a retractable soft top. The most striking addition is the faux wood paneling applied to the sides and tailgate, giving it a distinct retro station wagon appearance.

Performance and Condition

Beneath the unconventional styling, the Cayenne S retains its original 4.5-liter V8 engine, producing 340 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. However, the vehicle's condition is far from perfect. The auction listing highlighted several issues, including tears in the soft top, worn upholstery, peeling clearcoat on the door handles, underbody corrosion, and an illuminated airbag light. Additionally, a noticeable lifter tick was reported at idle, adding to the list of concerns for potential buyers.

Notable flaws and warning signs

Soft top wear

Exterior·Convertible roof

The roof showed tears, raising concerns about weather sealing and overall finish quality.

Cabin deterioration

Interior·Upholstery

Worn upholstery suggested meaningful interior age and use beyond the eye-catching exterior conversion.

Body and trim issues

Cosmetic·Finish

Peeling clearcoat on the door handles and underbody corrosion added visible and structural concerns.

Mechanical and safety alerts

Engine·Airbag system

An illuminated airbag light and a reported lifter tick at idle were among the most serious warning signs.

Auction Results

Despite its numerous flaws and questionable aesthetic choices, the custom Cayenne convertible managed to fetch a price of $11,315. Interestingly, the vehicle was reportedly offered for sale just a month prior for a significantly lower price of $4,800, indicating a substantial profit for the seller at the recent auction. The sale highlights the unpredictable nature of the collector car market, where even the most unusual modifications can find buyers.

Price comparison from prior offer to auction sale

Sale moment	Price	What it suggests
Earlier reported offer	$4,800	A much lower market reference point only a month before the auction.
Recent auction result	$11,315	The unusual build still attracted a buyer willing to pay a substantial premium.
Difference	$6,515	A sharp jump that underscores how unpredictable niche collector demand can be.