The tour features seven iconic models and rich cultural experiences.
Porsche, the renowned luxury sports car manufacturer, has embarked on a unique journey to celebrate a long and legendary 60 Years of the 911. This iconic event, orchestrated by the Porsche Museum, features a convoy of seven different year models of the 911, traversing through the scenic Rhineland-Palatinate region. The tour is both a celebration of Porsche’s engineering prowess and a cultural odyssey.
The Palatinate region, known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes, serves as the perfect backdrop for this event. The area is famed for its vineyards, contributing to almost two-thirds of Germany’s wine production, and boasts the largest contiguous forest area in the country, the Palatinate Forest. Hambach Castle, a symbol of German democracy and freedom of the press, stands as one of the many historical highlights on this route. This tour is a part of the Porsche Heritage Experience, a cultural initiative by the Porsche Heritage and Museum department.
Achim Stejskal, Head of Porsche Heritage and Museum, emphasizes the importance of connecting the past with the future. The tour aims to provide an immersive experience, allowing participants to witness Porsche’s heritage and traditions first-hand. After successful ventures in China and Hawaii, bringing this experience to Germany, especially in Porsche’s 75th anniversary year and the 911’s 60th, seemed fitting.
Participants from across the globe, including China, the US, and Sweden, embarked on this journey starting from the historic Hornbach Abbey. The abbey, with its rich monastic history dating back to the year 742, now serves as a unique hotel, blending history with modern luxury. Alexander E. Klein, head of the car collection and the Heritage Experience, highlights the focus of the tour – not just on Porsche cars, but on the creativity and heritage-conservation work of people.
The tour features seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and provides insights into local traditions and crafts. One such example is the visit to Georg Wiedemann’s Weinessiggut Doktorenhof, Germany’s smallest vinegar producer, where traditional methods meet modern innovations. An interesting aspect of this tour is the use of synthetic fuel, or eFuels, in all the participating Porsche 911s. This initiative, reflecting Porsche’s commitment to sustainability, demonstrates how classic cars can be part of the solution in reducing CO2 emissions. Karl Dums, a Porsche specialist, discusses the potential of eFuels in transforming existing cars into more eco-friendly models. The tour also celebrates local cuisine and offers breathtaking views, like those from the Kalmithaus on the Palatinate Forest’s second-highest mountain. The journey concludes in Speyer, home to the magnificent Romanesque imperial cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This Porsche Heritage Experience, blending automotive excellence with cultural richness, not only commemorates the 60th anniversary of the 911 but also showcases Porsche’s dedication to preserving and celebrating heritage. It’s a testament to the brand’s commitment to not just preserving history, but also carrying it forward into the future, making Porsche more than just a car manufacturer, but a custodian of culture and tradition.
