In 1972, F.A. Porsche and his brother Hans-Peter founded Porsche Design, a brand that could carry the principles of the automaker beyond the world of cars. Their first product was a black watch released 50 years ago that has now inspired a follow-up chronograph, a limited-edition 911, and the restoration of a classic vehicle. The latest special edition 911 is called the Edition 50Y Porsche Design. Limited to just 750 examples, the model is based on a 911 Targa 4 GTS and features an all-black exterior and classic Sport-Tex seat center panels. The second hand on the Porsche Design Subsecond clock, offered as part of the Sport Chrono Package, is painted red as a nod to the past.
The new 911 Edition 50Y is powered by the
same twin-turbo flat-six as the Targa GTS producing 473 hp and comes
with an 8-speed PDK transmission as standard and a 7-speed manual as an option.
Power is sent to all four wheels, with Porsche claiming a 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, with the help of Launch Control.
Available at European dealerships in
April, the new limited edition sports car will cost € 185,606 (US$ 210,372). Buyers can also purchase a special new version of the
Chronograph I that features the edition number and a wheel-shaped winding rotor
as a nod to the car. The watch will be called the Chronograph 1 – 1972 Limited
Edition and it will feature a historical logo and lettering. Limited to just
500 examples, it is available through Porsche Design. The cars that the
original watch inspired, meanwhile, will be available through the automaker.
The restored car, a 911 S 2.4 Targa from
1972, has been worked on for two years. When the restoration began, the model
was missing quite a few parts and was in pretty bad condition. That was okay,
though, because Porsche Classic was planning to modify it anyway. The team
painted the car the same colors as the legendary Chronograph 1 that was designed
in 1972, with black dominating both the interior and exterior. Porsche Design
lettering can be seen on the outside while the roll bar and side stripes have
been finished in Platinum satin. The “Targa” lettering, meanwhile, has been
painted on in matte black and the grille over the engine features a “Porsche
Design 50th Anniversary” badge with a reproduction of F.A. Porsche’s signature.
Porsche Design will also release a Limited
Capsule Collection in the fashion, shoes and sportswear, and luggage and
accessories ranges. A special collection of sunglasses is also planned. Finally,
the Porsche Museum will celebrate the design house’s 50th anniversary with a
special exhibition running until July 11, 2022. Featuring information about
F.A. Porsche’s life his design philosophy, and more, it will span five decades
and many product ranges.
