Words: Jonathan Wells
“If you ask someone to draw a sportscar, the chances are high that what they draw will look a lot like a Porsche.”
So says Brittanie Kinch, the curator of ‘The Porsche Effect’, a new exhibition highlighting the importance of the brand’s iconic design on our modern culture. “Porsches draw on their heritage in a distinct way that makes them easily recognizable and cherished,” continues Kinch, exclusively speaking to Gentleman’s Journal. “This design continuity is what has defined Porsche over the past decades.”
With 50 cars making up the exhibit, Kinch explains how the museum established the exhibit’s thematic focus, then the team made a wish list of cars that aligned with the story. “In this case, the museum team wanted to develop a unique story that could not be experienced elsewhere. The show maps Porsche’s impact on contemporary culture through its vehicles, heritage, brand, motorsports presence, and family of owners and drivers.”
But, with so many beautiful cars, which is Kinch’s favourite?
“Its hard to establish a favourite. The 1939 Typ 64 from the Prototyp Museum in Hamburg is special due to its rarity, age and style. One of three ever constructed, hopefully this car will show visitors that all objects are capable of being art objects or examples of design and construction if they need to be. Automobiles are no different in my opinion.”
"If you ask someone to draw a sportscar, the chances are high that what they draw will look a lot like a Porsche..."
Gentleman’s Journal have chosen our 5 favourites below – including the Typ 64 – so see if you agree with our choices, and if they make you feel ‘The Porsche Effect’.
“That’s a statement that captures the essence of the Porsche style,” finishes Kinch. “Simple, functional, classic, sporty, memorable. A set of design elements that are so naturally ingrained into our mental awareness that its form is the first silhouette referenced when thinking of what a sportscar should look like, and does look like. That’s “The Porsche Effect.”
1939 Type 64
1951 Sauter 356 Roadster
1968 911 S Softwindow Targa Sportomatic
1979 911 Turbo
2016 991 GTS Club Coupe
Want to learn more? Read up about the evolution of the Porsche 911 here…
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