Image: Porsche
Image: Porsche
Image: Porsche
Image: Porsche
Image: Porsche
Image: Porsche
Image: Porsche
Image: Porsche
Before you get your chequebooks out, this drop-top 911 Panamericana Special will remain a one-off as an ode to a 1952 Porsche 356 S Cabriolet that won the American race all those years ago.
Image: Porsche
Porsche has been busy over the past week, revealing two 911-based models. The first of which was the Carrera T, which embodies a more driver-centred approach and the latest is the 911 Panamericana Special.
Based on a 911 S Cabriolet, Porsche has given the 911 Panamericana Special some additional tweaks to make it a worthy tribute to its antecedent. But before delving into the updates, it is worth knowing the history behind the significance of the model it honours.
The Porsche 356 S Cabriolet signalled the first entry for the up-and-coming German manufacturer (at the time) into the Carrera Panamericana. The year was 1952 and the first-time entrants won their class with Prince Paul Alfons von Metternich and Baron Manuel Antônio de Teffé at the helm. The race within the confines of the Mexican borders was the central American version of the Targa Florio which is why the one-off model was commissioned by Porsche Latin America and Porsche Mexico.
Image: Porsche
To ensure historical accuracy to its predecessor, Porsche enrolled the knowledge and skillset of Herbert Linge who was a race team mechanic of the time, sharing his memories to help with the creation of the 911 Panamerican Special. In addition to this, old footage of the car from the racing event was reviewed and the final result is an honest modern-day reiteration of the historic model.
The exterior of the 911 Panamericana Apseical wears the same Gentian Blue Mettalic as its predecessor while the retractable fabric roof is finished in Graffiti Gray. Up front are a pair of 20-inch rims while the rear sits on 21-inch Turbo wheels with grey centre cap details. To cement the link, the modern iteration wears the same racing number on the doors of the winning 356 form all those years ago.
Image: Porsche
Inside is a Crayon grey leather interior with “La Carrera Panamericana” embroidered onto the headrests while a racing helmet has been etched in just below. The dashboard includes a plaque with the inscription “911 Carrera S – La Carrera Panamericana 1952” which can also be found along the bottom of the door sills, puddle lamps and key case.
The car will be auctioned in 2023 with a portion of the proceeds planned for a good cause so these images may be the closest we ever get to seeing the one-off.
Keyword: The 911 Panamericana Special is a tribute to a 70 year old Porsche 356