Porsche 911 Turbo Celebrates 50 Years with Iconic Tartan Upholstery

To honor this milestone, Porsche has introduced a new lifestyle collection, paying homage to the origins of its tartan interiors. As part of the celebration, Porsche has revealed a stunning computer-generated rendering of a 911 Turbo wrapped entirely in tartan inside and out.

While the tartan design is often associated with Scotland, it found a unique place in Porsche's history. The inspiration behind Porsche's use of tartan came from Anatole Lapine, Porsche’s chief designer at the time. Known for his work on the front-engined 928, 924, and 944 models, Lapine is also credited with shaping the iconic 911 G-Series. His signature tartan trousers served as the inspiration for the distinctive interiors that would later become a hallmark of the brand.

The first glimpse of tartan in a Porsche appeared in the 1973 911 RSR Turbo concept, a precursor to the 911 Turbo production model. When the 911 Turbo hit the market in 1974, Porsche offered three unique tartan interiors: Black Watch (a combination of blue, green, and black), McLaughlin (a red and blue tartan), and Mackenzie (featuring beige, red, blue, white, and olive green).

Louise Piëch’s 911 Turbo and its Lasting Legacy

In 1974, Porsche presented the first-ever 911 Turbo to Louise Piëch, the daughter of Porsche founder Ferdinand Porsche, for her 70th birthday. This model featured a silver exterior with brick-red leather seats and McLaughlin tartan accents. This specific car later inspired the Porsche Design P’8478 Turbo No.1 limited edition sunglasses, retailing for €530 ($585).

Introducing the 50 Year Turbo Collection

To further commemorate this anniversary, Porsche has launched the "50 Year Turbo Collection," which includes a range of clothing and accessories that reimagine classic tartan patterns for modern enthusiasts. Some notable items include the Heritage Weekender 992 50Y Turbo bag, priced at €490 ($541), the Collector’s Cup No. 8 50Y Turbo for €32 ($35), and a variety of T-shirts and jackets, all featuring matching tartan accents.

The Latest Tribute: 911 Turbo 50 Years Edition

Porsche’s latest tribute to its tartan heritage comes from the 911 Turbo 50th anniversary edition, which debuted last month in Monterey. This limited-edition model, with a production run of only 1,974 units, is priced at $261,100 in the US. This special edition seamlessly blends Porsche's rich history with modern design, making it a coveted piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

As Porsche continues to celebrate the legacy of the 911 Turbo, its iconic tartan upholstery remains a symbol of the brand’s innovative design and commitment to craftsmanship. Whether through its cars or lifestyle products, Porsche ensures that the spirit of tartan lives on.