Porsche 911 Spirit 70 Cabriolet Unveiled: A Bold 1970s-Inspired Heritage Design

Porsche has just rolled out the third installment in its exclusive Heritage Design series, and it’s a head-turner in every sense. Dubbed the 911 Spirit 70, this limited-run cabriolet pays homage to the spirited era of the 1970s and early 80s with a heady blend of nostalgic design cues and modern hybrid performance. It follows in the tread marks of the 50s-inspired Targa 4S Heritage Edition and the 60s-infused 911 Sport Classic, each a nod to a different decade in Porsche’s rich legacy.

Built on the underpinnings of the newly updated 992.2 Carrera GTS Cabriolet, the 911 Spirit 70 gets the full T-Hybrid treatment. This means a punchy 3.6-liter flat-six paired with an electric motor, generating 541 horsepower and funneled exclusively through Porsche’s lightning-quick PDK dual-clutch gearbox.

Only 1,500 units will be produced, and while Porsche offers a full spectrum of paint colors, the headline act is Olive Neo Green. Expect it to account for around 70% of orders, because let’s face it, Porsche knows exactly what gets collectors reaching for their wallets.

A Retro Masterpiece with a Price to Match

Starting at a cool £187,700, the Spirit 70 commands a premium of over £40,000 compared to the base GTS Cabriolet. That price tag puts it dangerously close to the track-hardened GT3 RS, though this heritage drop-top is cut from a very different cloth. It’s not about lap times—it’s about storytelling, craftsmanship, and nostalgia wrapped in leather and Pascha fabric.

The Spirit 70 doesn’t introduce performance upgrades over the base model; instead, Porsche invested its engineering brainpower into meticulous design touches. Even the steering wheel’s vintage Porsche crest—embedded on the airbag hub—demanded fresh crash testing. Then there’s the red Sport Response button, now black for that retro vibe, which added a hefty five-figure sum to the development budget.

Roof Stripes, Safety Stripes, and Seventies Swagger

One of the most talked-about features is the fabric roof, adorned with precisely aligned retro stripes that cascade over the bonnet, reminiscent of the “safety stripes” Porsche offered in the '70s to help drivers spot slower cars ahead on the autobahn. These stripes are customizable in hues like amber, red, or orange, reinforcing the model’s bold aesthetic.

Inside, the cabin explodes with Pascha trim—a psychedelic checkerboard pattern that covers everything from seat backs to the glovebox lining. It’s a dramatic departure from the typical leather-and-Alcantara look, and one that required even more crash safety validation due to its unique placement. In short, this is a car where visual impact matters just as much as mechanical prowess.

You might wonder why a tribute to the '70s doesn't come with a manual gearbox. Porsche did consider it, but practicality—and market preferences—won out. According to Boris Apenbrink, Head of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, most customers who demand high-end specs prefer the seamless convenience of PDK.

“Our clients say they like manuals,” Boris says, “but when it comes to their dream build, they usually pick the automatic.”

That’s why the Spirit 70 sticks with the upper-performance hybrid drivetrain and dual-clutch setup. Porsche has learned from previous Heritage models, noting that limited-run GT cars often end up heavily personalized. That’s where the Sonderwunsch program comes in—Porsche’s custom shop now serves a clientele that’s increasingly blending performance with bold design statements.

What’s Next in Porsche’s Heritage Lineup?

While the Spirit 70 is all about the ‘70s, Porsche fans already have their eyes on what’s next. The final model in the Heritage Design quartet is expected within two years and will shine a spotlight on the 1980s. Unlike the open-top Spirit 70, the upcoming car may echo the mechanical upgrades of the 911 Sport Classic—possibly even reintroducing a manual gearbox.

And Porsche might not stop with the 911 platform. There’s talk of expanding the Heritage series to other models, like the Taycan or even the Cayenne. As Boris explains, “We know we can’t just wrap a Taycan in Pascha and call it heritage. It needs to tell a story and have a link to the car beneath the surface.”

The Cayenne, especially early E1 models dressed for off-road adventures, is becoming an underground favorite among collectors. Don’t be surprised if Porsche taps into that enthusiasm in future Heritage releases.

Final Thoughts

The Porsche 911 Spirit 70 is more than just a styling exercise—it’s a love letter to an era of bold design, bright colors, and big personality. It blends the past and present in a uniquely Porsche way, offering collectors a chance to own not just a car, but a piece of brand heritage reimagined for modern roads.

Sure, it’s not cheap. But for those who understand the Porsche legacy, this limited-edition drop-top is less about numbers and more about soul.