Happy 50th birthday Porsche 911!
The most iconic sports car in the world celebrates a milestone in a big way
Fifty years. Normally, that’s the time when age begins to take its toll; when the body doesn’t feel as lively, as agile, and as quick as it once was. However, the people at Porsche look at 50 very differently. Fifty makes one faster, stronger, and better than ever before; and judging by the iconic 911 sports car, Porsche seems to have discovered the fountain of youth.
Last Sunday, PGA Cars, Inc. the exclusive distributor of Porsche in the Philippines, joined the entire world in celebrating the 50th birthday of the 911 with a special morning run of Porsche vehicles from the Porsche Centre in Greenhills, San Juan to Tagaytay Highlands. The high-speed convoy was composed of no less than 50 various Porsche vehicles driven by proud owners including a first-generation 1963 911 Targa. At Tagaytay Highlands, Porsche owners, enthusiasts, and special guests were treated to a Porsche display highlighting the seven generations of the iconic 911 as well as a fellowship brunch that also introduced the new Porsche Philippines Aftersales Service Manager Andy Doyle. PGA Cars, Inc. Chairman Robert Coyuito, Jr. himself was on hand to welcome guests to the intimate gathering.
For five decades, the Porsche 911 has been viewed as the iconic sports car, transforming it from a simple automobile into a well-loved cult item. It has served as the centerpiece of the Porsche brand and every automobile from Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen from the Boxster to the Panamera carry a piece of 911 DNA in it. And virtually, no other car can look back on such a long tradition and continuity as the Porsche 911.
Since its launch at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany in 1963, more than 820,000 Porsche 911 have been produced. Originally conceptualized as a replacement to the 356 sports car, the 911 has seen seven generations since: 901 (1963), G-Series (1973), 964 (1988), 993 (1993), 996 (1997), 997 (2004), and 991 (2011).
The success of the Porsche 911 is always attributed to its uniqueness in the automobile world. It combines apparent opposites such as sportiness and everyday usability, tradition and innovation, design and functionality. Throughout the years, Porsche has developed a car that transcended age. Irrespective of which 911 you see, they all imbue a familiar feeling. The driver is always greeted by five-round instruments and an ergonomically-set driver position. From there, the driver peers out and sees the low hood framed by two distinctive “wings.” And of course, everyone recognizes the characteristic engine: the flat-six engine located at the back.
The Porsche 911 evokes emotions in both its owners and car enthusiasts like no other sports car. It’s a sports car with a distinctive design and a powerful yet efficient engine. It’s a vehicle that’s committed to fast and precise driving with characteristics inherited from Porsche’s motor racing and its rich history. For over 50 years, the Porsche 911 has given its owners a very special experience and judging from the wide smiles of all those who attended the 911’s birthday bash; it looks to continue that way for more decades to come.