Outstanding technology and consistent design have made Porsche sports cars an automotive legend - not only as coveted luxury cars on the road, but also on the world's great racetracks. The list includes illustrious names such as Daytona, Le Mans, Bathurst and the Nürburgring. Under the motto "70 years of Porsche sports cars", the Porsche Museum is looking back at revolutionary models, ground-breaking developments and bold victories at Retro Classics in Stuttgart. For fans of the Zuffenhausen brand, the Stuttgart classic car fair also offers a whole lot more.
Success story: "70 years of Porsche sports cars"
It was the beginning of the "Porsche era": On June 8, 1948, the 356 "No.1" Roadster designed by Ferdinand "Ferry" Anton Ernst Porsche was registered, the first automobile to bear the Porsche name. Barely two months later, Herbert Kaes took the wheel of the 356 at the city race in Innsbruck - and won. This was to be the beginning of a long series of international racing successes, such as at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Porsche is still the most successful manufacturer today. The Porsche team also took overall victory there in 2017.
According to Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, the 1948 prototype already reflects "all the values that characterize the brand to this day". The 2018 anniversary year at Porsche is therefore under the motto "70 years of Porsche sports cars": from Los Angeles to Stuttgart to Berlin, numerous activities are honoring the pioneering achievements that have led to a brand identity and loyalty that spans generations - the much-cited Porsche effect.
An overview of the past seven decades of sports car history is also provided by an exhibition at the Porsche Museum, which is presenting an entertaining and informative supporting program at Retro Classics alongside various racing and road vehicles. Visitors can look forward to exciting short guided tours on all days of the fair or autograph sessions with racing legends such as Walter Röhrl and Hans Herrmann (Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25, both at 2:00 pm). Numerous dealers and clubs will also be represented in the "Porsche Hall".
Indestructible: "Austro-Daimler Motorspritze"
Porsche's engineering history goes back even further: as early as the turn of the century, Ferdinand Porsche was developing pioneering vehicle technology, such as the "Lohner-Porsche", the world's first hybrid and all-wheel drive vehicle. From 1906, the "Oesterreichische Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft" produced aircraft engines, passenger and commercial vehicles under his direction, including the "Austro-Daimler Motorspritze", which can be admired at the stand of the Allgemeiner Schnauferl-Club (ASC). The exhibit from 1912, which is being shown for the first time outside the Porsche Museum, was used by the volunteer fire department of a small community in the Austrian Burgenland until the 1960s.
Porsche of yesterday, today and tomorrow
"Nobody needs it. Everyone wants it." The advertising slogan from 1976 still applies. Anyone looking for a historic or modern classic with the "Stuttgarter Rössle" in its coat of arms will find more than enough at Retro Classics: Suppliers such as Glinicke Classic Cars, Dreikommazwei, Boxer Motor & klassische Automobile, Speedialists and Lentes & Neimann will be presenting a wide range of exclusive automobiles from Porsche. A special example from the NEO CLASsICS® segment will be presented by Frankfurt-based specialist Probst Motorsport (Hall 1): the 400 hp, 1000 kg Porsche 911 Retro in ST design. The exclusive car based on a Carrera Type 964 is sure to set the pulses of all Porsche enthusiasts racing - another typical Porsche effect.
Other suppliers specializing in the Porsche anniversary brand can be found in Hall 4 in the immediate vicinity of the overall Porsche presentation!
Further information can be found on the website.