The Moonstone Obsession: A Collector's Journey into Porsche's Rarest Hue

A unique passion for a rare Porsche color, Moonstone, has driven Justin Roeser of San Antonio, Texas, on an extraordinary journey. His quest to collect vehicles in this elusive shade, which shifts from white to purple or pink depending on the light, has led him to acquire three of the mere 223 cars originally painted in Moonstone in 1979 and 1980.

The Allure of Moonstone

Moonstone, a polarizing and rare Porsche color, was applied to only 223 cars worldwide across the 911 (G-Series), 924, and 928 model ranges in 1979 and 1980. Its mysterious nature stems from its ability to appear white, purple, or pink depending on lighting and weather conditions. For Justin Roeser, this unique hue has become a lifelong obsession, leading him to meticulously track down and acquire these rare vehicles.

Roeser's Moonstone Collection

Justin Roeser's dedication to the Moonstone color has resulted in an impressive collection of three highly sought-after Porsche models:

• Porsche 924: This was the first Moonstone vehicle Roeser acquired, purchased sight unseen after spotting it on Instagram. Of the 223 Moonstone cars, 196 were 924 models, making it the most common, yet still rare, in the collection.

• Porsche 911 SC Targa (G-Series): Discovered through a German classified ad, this 911 SC Targa was built in 1977, predating Moonstone's official designation as a standard color. Only 18 911 models were delivered in this color, making it a significantly rarer find.

• Porsche 928 ("Oli"): Roeser's latest acquisition, "Oli," is one of only nine Porsche 928s ever produced in Moonstone. This particular car, with an automatic transmission, was initially passed over by Roeser but later became the final piece of his Moonstone puzzle.

Uncovering the Origin Story

Driven by his passion, Roeser embarked on a 10,000-kilometer journey across Europe with his newly acquired 928, "Oli," to uncover the origins of the Moonstone color. His quest led him to Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, where he met Vlasta Hatter, a designer who was part of the Porsche team that created Moonstone in the 1970s.

Hatter revealed that the inspiration for Moonstone came from the lilac plant, known as "Flieder" in German, which displays various shades of purple. The color was developed using special pigments, no longer permitted today, which contribute to its unique, shifting appearance. Despite efforts to market it, including the more intriguing English name "Moonstone" to evoke a gemstone, the color was not well-received by sales teams or customers at the time. Interestingly, the Chairman of the Executive Board, Ernst Fuhrmann, was an early adopter, driving one of the first models before it entered series production.

Key Takeaways

• Moonstone, a rare Porsche color from 1979-1980, changes appearance based on lighting.

• Justin Roeser owns three of the 223 Moonstone Porsches ever made.

• The color's inspiration came from the lilac plant, as revealed by its original designer.

• Moonstone was ahead of its time, with its unique pigments now restricted.

• Roeser's journey highlights the deep connection collectors can form with their vehicles and their history.

A Journey of Discovery and Connection

Roeser's European adventure with "Oli" was not just about uncovering history but also about forging new connections. He met another owner of a Moonstone 928, visited the Deutsches Fahrzeugmuseum to see a Moonstone 924 Turbo, and even experienced a breakdown in Italy that serendipitously led him to a MotoGP race. His travels culminated in a "Croissant Rally" in France, solidifying his bond with his car and fellow enthusiasts.

For Roeser, the search for Moonstone has become a profound personal journey. He notes the coincidence that Moonstone was launched in 1979, the year he was born, suggesting a destined connection to this extraordinary color.