Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years marks half century

If there’s been one thing missing so far from Porsche’s 50th celebrations of the 911 Turbo, it’s the special edition model. Well not any longer – here’s the Turbo 50 Years, introduced at Monterey Car Week and with a design that evokes the iconic original. 

Those expecting more power from a Turbo special will be disappointed, though given the 50 Years is based on a Turbo S – 650hp, 590lb ft, stomach-churning acceleration – it would seem churlish to complain too much. It also retains the standard eight-speed PDK and four-wheel drive, rather than going full old-school like the rear-drive, manual Sport Classic.  Instead, this model is about paying design homage to that game-changing original, with what Porsche is calling ‘timelessly elegant and contemporary styling elements.’ So all 1,974 units will get the side graphics as standard (intended to bring to mind the RSR Turbo), the option of Turbonite paint on a 911 for the very first time, unique badges like the Targa Heritage Design Edition and the Turbo S Exclusive Design wheels. 

Inside is where the party really gets started, however, as it’s intended to ‘recall the zeitgeist of the 1970s’ with Mckenzie tartan on the centre of the seats, Turbonite accents, Turbo 50 logos all over (including for the clock) and an aluminium plaque. The image of a turbo is projected onto the ground via the LED projector every time the door is opened, which might be the coolest or lamest feature ever on a Porsche 911 limited edition. 

Those wishing to really lean into the ’70s vibe will want the optional Turbo Heritage Design Package, bringing ‘numerous additional exclusive design and equipment features that hark back to the 911 Turbo models of the 1970s.’ So that should mean Aventurine Green metallic paint (though buyers can plump for another colour), then a white satin finish graphic with selectable car number, Porsche logo and another turbo logo, the classic Porsche crest on the bonnet and centre caps, silver or white wheels and gold badges. There’s even more tartan and leather inside, plus green-backed dials and this historic crest once more. 

This being a Porsche 911 special edition, moreover, buyers will be offered a watch to go with their car. Like the dash of the vehicle, the chronograph features a black dial with elements in Turbonite, and the car number from the 1,974 built will correspond with that of the timepiece. It’s equipped with the COSC-certified Porsche Design WERK 01.200 movement with flyback function – hopefully that makes some sense to a few of you. 

Exactly how many 911 Turbo 50 Years will come to the UK isn’t clear, though there’s definitely an allocation as it’s on sale right now: £200,600, before the watch or the Heritage Design Pack, and neither will come cheap. But as with so many of these things, it’ll probably be worth getting into if you can: there were 1,250 Sport Classics made, priced from £214k, and they’re on PH from £300k. Or an early 992 Turbo S is now from less than half that amount. Deliveries of the 50 are due to kick off in the autumn.