At a special event held in Port Melbourne, Porsche celebrated the 70 years that they have been in Australia. Over 450 VIP guests were invited to attend the exclusive event, which showcased cars from every decade since the 1950s and introduced the limited edition 911 GT3 70 Years Porsche Australian Edition. Also showcased were the all-electric Taycan and the new Macan.

Australia has long ties with Porsche and is one of their longest operating markets. Porsche was founded in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche, who expanded the reach of Porsche throughout the European market. However, WWII delayed Porsche’s expansion into the international market. Max Hoffman created the first overseas market for Porsche when he introduced the cars to the USA. Australia was a close second with Norman Hamilton introducing two Porsche sportscars on the 1st of November 1951. Hamilton was introduced to Ferdinand Porsche’s son Ferry through Richard von Frankenberg, a test driver for Porsche. Ferry had become the company’s CEO at the start of 1951 following his father’s death. From there, Porsche’s legacy in Australia began. Porsche Cars Australia Managing Director and CEO Daniel Schmollinger commented to the crowd in Melbourne this week, “Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to Porsche’s story and success in Australia”.

The 911 GT3 70 Years Porsche Australia Edition is exclusively available in Australia, and only a limited number have been released. The exterior paint colour of the sportscar references one of the two cars that Hamilton introduced to Australia; Porsche updated the original 1950s car colour, Fish Silver Grey, into the modern Fish Silver Grey Metallic. Moreover, Porsche have placed a commemorative badge with the Australian flag and ’70 Years Porsche Australia Edition’ on both sides of the car on the B-pillar, which is around the middle part of the car’s side. The car’s interior design offers classic luxury with leather used throughout the car. The full bucket seats are made from leather in Graphite Blue, and the seat inlays are covered in Madraskaro check fabric in Graphite Blue and Crayon. The dashboard and centre console’s trim is coloured with Fish Silver Grey Metallic. Furthermore, the storage compartment lid features an embossed ‘70’ logo. The car uses a GT3 multi-function sports steering wheel with a 12 o’clock marker in Crayon.

Enthusiasts will be excited to see such a history honouring car release. The 911 GT3 exemplifies the qualities of exclusivity and customization that Porsche’s consumers love. Matthias Becker,  Porsche AG Vice President Region Overseas and Emerging Markets, commemorated the release of the 911 GT3 by saying that “I am pleased to see that the occasion is being celebrated in style with this sensational special edition, a sportscar that links right back to the start of our journey in Australia…”

The 911 GT3 70 Years Porsche Australia Edition will retail in Australia from $494,300, and deliveries are expected to happen from late 2021.