Porsche is doing up their 70th birthday like it’s their last, with a proper tribute to Moby Dick announced a week ago and a classically styled 911 Speedster concept that’s been cruising through many a daydream — if only they’d put it into production, we’ve collectively lamented.
Apparently they heard us.
In a reverse surprise party, the German marque revealed a second version of the open-top, old-school model this week at the Paris Motor Show. And more importantly, they confirmed it’s going into production. (This is the part where you jump up and sound the noisemakers.)
The most obvious change from June’s original concept vehicle is the Guards Red paint job in place of the white and storm gray racing livery. It’s a reference to the 1988 911 Speedster of the G-Model generation, according to the press release. It’s also a surefire way to cause a scene, according to yours truly.
These calculated design elements will ensure the 1,948 models being produced will be gobbled up by Porsche’s devoted fanbase, that number referencing the date the first Porsche 356 “Number 1” received its operating license: June 8th, 1948. And it goes much, much further than paint, with this Speedster being the first to include Porsche’s optional “Heritage Design Packages.”
Here, we see cross-spoke wheels akin to the 911 RSR and GT3 R, concical “Talbot”-shaped mirrors, tinted day-time running lights and the dead-center fuel tank cap. As with the first concept, the body is based on the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet and the chassis and engine are from the 911 GT3 (that is, a 4.0-liter flat-six putting out 500 HP).
No price has been announced, and unfortunately production won’t start until 2019, after the anniversary year is over.
But it’s officially out of your dreams. Now it’s only a matter of time before you can get into this car IRL.
All images courtesy Porsche AG
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