Old timers would probably have had a hard time believing it in 1963, but despite all odds, Porsche's legendary 911 sports car series is celebrating its golden anniversary this year.
While many things have changed in the world and, of course, in the 911 itself, since then, there are two basic elements that have defined all generations of the series: the trademark design and shape of the car, and the mounting of a flat-six engine behind the rear axle, which has its roots in the original VW Beetle.
For its Golden Jubilee, Porsche has crafted a special commemorative edition of the 911 Carrera S, with production appropriately limited to exactly 1,963 examples.
Set for a world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September (the same venue hosted the debut of the original 911 in 1963), the 911 Carrera S 50 Years Edition will go on sale in September, with UK pricing set at £92,257 (we’re still waiting for prices in other countries, including the U.S.).
While based on the regular, rear-wheel drive Carrera S with the 395hp (400PS) 3.8-liter flat-six engine, the special anniversary 911 wears the 44mm wider rear body of the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 models. It will be available in two unique colors to this model - a darker Graphite Grey and a lighter Geyser Grey metallic, plus a regular black shade. Besides the ‘911 50’ badge finished in two-tone 3D-style on the rear lid, the special edition features high-gloss window frames, SportDesign exterior mirrors and ‘Fuchs’ style 20-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, styling touches that bring to mind the original 911 include the green labeling on the instruments with white pointer needles and silver caps, and the snazzy fabric pattern that evokes the ‘Pepita’ tartan design from the 1960s on the center section of the leather trimmed sport seats that can be specified in Agate Grey or Black with decorative stitching. Looking at these seats makes us wonder why we don't get more fabric upholstery options for modern day cars.
Other highlights for the special Porsche model include ‘911 50’ logo on the seat headrests, the rev counter and the aluminum door sill plates, and the Porsche Exclusive trim on the gear lever and door panels.
The 911 50 Years Edition also comes with a sports exhaust system, a specially tuned version of the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) to compensate for the wider rear body, Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with rear limited slip differential, a 4.6-inch color touch-screen for the info- and navigation system, automatic climate control and Bi-Xenon headlights.
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