First introduced in 1963, the Porsche 911 has become a true icon of the motoring world, capturing the imagination of automotive enthusiasts through its colorful history. To many though, the 911 is more than a car. It is a cultural emblem. The Museum of Modern Art recently added a 911 to its collection in its Department of Architecture and Design.
This year, ahead of the much-anticipated debut of the fully-electric Taycan — currently being teased under the motto “Soul, electrified” — Porsche sought to honor the lasting influence of the 911 in style. After all, no other model embodies the soul of this sports car brand as much as the 911.
So, to celebrate this timeless icon, the German marque looked to the particularly fervent Porsche community of Thailand by embarking on a 280km road trip featuring all eight generations, driven by their actual owners, against the stunning backdrop of the country’s southern coastlines. The timing and location seemed especially right, with the latest and 8th generation 911, the 992, making its inaugural appearance in Asia at the recent Bangkok International Motorshow.
Joining the soulful drive, Curves Magazine founder Stefan Bogner and Singaporean street photographer Lee Yik Keat, were tasked with capturing the stylish lineup of 911s using fellow German brand Leica’s similarly timeless cameras. What a treat they were in for: From a 912, 911 Club Sport and 964 Speedster, to a 996 GT3 RS, a pristine 997 Turbo and a 993 RS, the journey was graced by some true classics.
Some may think of such rare cars as vintage pieces meant to be housed in a collectors museum. But not the owners, who strongly feel that a Porsche is meant to be driven – regardless of its age. That spirit is evident by the fact that 70% of all Porsches ever built are still on the road today. And what a sight to behold this was, seeing the 7 previous generations of the 911 being joined by the all-new 992 Carrera S, making its maiden voyage in the country.
Beginning in the southern city of Surrat Thani on the Gulf of Siam, the road trip snaked through lush jungles, limestone karsts and vast plantations, before ending at the breathtaking Phang Nga Bay, which famously served as a backdrop in the James Bond film, The Man With the Golden Gun.
What was evident throughout this journey, was that the soul of Porsche is not limited to its cars. It is about the memories and experiences they create, the sense of community they forge, and the timeless bond across generations that is fostered. The 911 is ultimately a symbolic exemplification of all this.
Watch the short film above, and stay tuned for more news of the 992 and the upcoming launch of the Taycan.