Porsche Exclusiv Manufaktur – the somewhat more expressive arm of the company that offers an increased level of personalisation and exclusive models, as well as Paint To Sample colours – has already brought us a number of classic-themed models such as the 911 Sport Classic and Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition. Designed to evoke nostalgia from the 1950s and ’60s, the department has continued the evolution of the range with the introduction of the 911 Spirit 70.
Quite obviously, this new model moves things forward into the vibrant, somewhat psychedelic 1970s with retro-style colours, and most noticeably the return of the Pasha trim. Based on the latest-generation 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet, what’s immediately apparent is the model’s bespoke Olive Neo paintwork – a deep green developed specifically for this model. Grey-gold Bronzite accents, including the front and rear lower sections and Fuchs-style Sport Classic wheels, provide subtle contrast. Black elements – the soft-top roof and windscreen frame – add further definition.
Three satin-black longitudinal stripes – to those familiar with the 1970s Porsche accessory catalogue known as Safety Stripes – run up the bonnet, continuing along the fabric of the roof. Side graphics, featuring Porsche script and a race-inspired lollipop roundel, complete the vintage look.
While talking to Porsche designer Thorsten Klein, he explained the desire to include these on the car: ‘This graphic caught my eye when I was a kid. I learned later that this was not something that has something to do with motorsport, but it was safety: every manufacturer was building these safety concept cars, and this was about visibility in traffic, but also visibility for pedestrians. Like every detail on the car, it’s an interpretation of the original rather than a copy, so we actually redesigned the font to better suit the 992-generation car.’
Attention to detail extends to the badging. A Porsche crest near-identical to the 1963 original sits proudly on the bonnet, while gold-coloured Porsche lettering and model designation at the rear reference 1950s 356 badges. A Porsche Heritage badge also features on the rear grille.
Inside things really get wild. The seats, door panels and glovebox lid are trimmed in a new black-and-Olive Neo Pasha fabric, recalling the moving chequered-flag designs of Porsche’s classic era. Unlike the original jacquard velour, this new textile uses flocked yarns to deliver better comfort and a more premium feel.
Boris Apenbrink, head of Porsche Exclusiv Manufaktur, explains that bringing Pasha back is not as simple as it sounds: ‘It really is more complex than it looks. If you think of this modern material and compare it visually with the old Pacha, of course it looks familiar. But obviously you cannot just put the old fabrics in the modern car. You have completely different specifications and requirements on durability, fire proof tests and everything. So every technical development of a new pattern is really a new material. It has nothing to do with the old stuff, but we want to make it feel and look right. You feel it and, of course, it is not like the old one – that was very thick and like something you would find on furniture. Today’s doesn’t feel like just a regular fabric from cheaper cars, it is soft and very sophisticated that reminds you of the good old times.
The instrumentation continues the retro theme, with white pointers and green numerals recalling early Porsche dials. Even the Sport Chrono stopwatch echoes this look, combining period-correct detailing with fully digital functionality.
Alongside the car itself, Porsche Design has created a matching Spirit 70 chronograph, exclusive to buyers. The watch mirrors the car’s Pasha theme and Olive Neo highlights, offering owners a further connection to their vehicle. A Spirit 70 Porsche Lifestyle Collection has also been announced, offering clothing, accessories and model cars inspired by the 1970s to complement the new model’s ethos.
The 911 Spirit 70 follows the successful launches of the 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition in 2020 and the 911 Sport Classic in 2022. ‘The limited-edition collector’s items are particularly desirable for our customers worldwide,’ said Alexander Fabig, Vice President Individualisation and Classic. ‘We are proud to present the third, highly exclusive model in this series.’
Under its specially finished skin, it’s basically a standard 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet features Porsche’s newly developed performance hybrid system, pairing a 3.6-litre twin-turbo flat-six with an electric motor and eTurbo technology. The result is a combined 398kW (541bhp) and 610Nm of torque, offering all the familiar 911 driving engagement with enhanced efficiency. European deliveries begin this month, with other markets to follow.
For more information, see porsche.com or if you have access to an Apple Vision Pro, take a look at the bespoke app.
