Based on the Porsche 911 Carrera S, the 50th Anniversary limited edition series was unveiled at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. Limited to 1963 models, a number representing the year the 911 was first shown to the world, the 50th Anniversary tips its hat to features and styling throughout the years to make it a truly unique piece of motoring art.
Initially named the Type 901 in 1963, Porsche presented the original model to the public at the IAA in Frankfurt which at the time was the leading international show for the automotive industry. Since then, the sports car icon has excited motoring enthusiast all across the world, and is now regarded as one of the worlds best sports cars. The 911 has become a sports car that fully embodies the authenticity of the Porsche brand and is embedded in the DNA in all Porsche models.
It's difficult to overstate how gorgeous the 50th Anniversary model is. Concocted by long-time Porsche designer Tony Hatter, the execution is brilliant. The 50th Anniversary 911 has the wide body from the Carrera 4S yet remains rear-wheel drive. The ride has been dropped GTS-style by 10mm and the combination of the dropped stance and wide hips is mesmerizing. That not only makes it look more muscular than a standard Carrera S, it also means that there’s a wider track and revised suspension settings. The front intakes and grille are black with chrome accents, as is a little two-bar strip where the AWD C4S has a red reflector. Then there are the massive, "cry from the past" Fuchs-style 20-inch wheels. It was available in three unique colors: Graphite Gray, Black Monochrome, and the attractive and vaguely retro eggshell hue we have here. Porsche calls the paint color Geyser Gray, and it carries a strong 1960s vibe.
Stepping inside the 911 50th Anniversary, the stars are the seats, which have gorgeously retro “Pepita” style houndstooth cloth center panels with side leather inserts. The leather on the dash and doors is finer than normal, and the aluminum trim has been brushed harder. The car is appointed exactly how you'd want an anniversary model. The gauges are a throwback with green lettering, white needles, and silver pointer caps, just like in the original 901. Now you could’ve opted for the track-friendlier PDK transmission for an extra cost, or the standard seven-speed manual gearbox which I have to say, is much more satisfying in every way imaginable.
The familiar 3.8-litre flat-six, which develops 430hp at 7500rpm, remained unchanged from the Carrera S and is good for a 4.5 second 0-100km/h time and a 300km/h top speed. Porsche Torque Vectoring, which includes a mechanical limited-slip differential, was an optional extra on the Carrera S but came as standard fit on the 50th Anniversary Edition. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), the brands impressive adaptive damping system, was also included. Another technical highlight of the car’s equipment is the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) with bi-xenon headlights and dynamic cornering lights.
While it sounds like a Frankenstein, this is a Porsche, so all the pretty bits add up to something better than expected. With such a limited quantity of these vehicles produced and sold worldwide, it is unlikely you will find another prime example such as the one at Porsche Centre Richmond near you anytime in the near or foreseeable future. This is a car that once you own, you never let go because not only is it truly unique in technical specifications, but primarily in its interior and exterior styling with nods to the original Type 901 and every 911 produced from there on in. Come by the showroom at Porsche Centre Richmond to marvel in the motoring magnificence that is the Porsche 911 50th Anniversary Limited Edition.