More than 27,000 people attended.
Over 27,000 fans converged on the Dubai Design District to celebrate 75 years of Porsche sports cars and 60 years of the iconic 911 at the annual Icons of Porsche festival. The event, marked by a blend of classic cars, arts, and culture, featured the first public display of the new Panamera and a special unveiling of a Sonderwunsch tribute to the original 911 Turbo.
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Manfred Bräunl, CEO of Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, described the event as a display of "passion and strength of the region's Porsche community." This year's edition was the largest yet, drawing record crowds and featuring an array of Porsche's finest models, both classic and modern.
Attendees witnessed the regional debuts of the third-generation Panamera, the 718 Spyder RS, and the Vision 357 Speedster concept. The all-electric Mission X hypercar concept and a 911 S/T were also showcased. However, the centerpiece was the unveiling of the 911 Turbo Sonderwunsch, a bespoke car paying homage to the first-ever 911 Turbo.
Adding to the spectacle was a giant inflatable 911, which entered the Guinness World Record books as the ‘largest inflatable vehicle’. Measuring almost 20 meters in length and towering over six meters tall, this replica of the first-generation 911 was a visual highlight of the festival.
The 911 Turbo Sonderwunsch project, a collaboration between Style Porsche, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, and the Porsche Middle East and Africa regional office, was inspired by the “911 Turbo Nr. 1” commissioned for Louise Piëch, Ferdinand Porsche's daughter. This unique car, featuring a narrow-chassis 911 Carrera body and distinctive Tartan fabric in the red interior, exemplified the festival's theme of honoring Porsche's rich heritage and innovative spirit.
Patrick Gallas, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur Manager, revealed that the idea for the 911 Turbo Sonderwunsch project began a year ago. The aim was to create a modern iteration of a truly unique car. The original 911 Turbo, owned by Louise Piech, was the chosen inspiration, showcasing Porsche's commitment to blending tradition with contemporary innovation.
Icons of Porsche 2023 in Dubai was not just a car show but a cultural phenomenon, celebrating the enduring legacy of one of the world's most renowned car manufacturers. It was an event that showcased the past, present, and future of Porsche, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of car enthusiasts and the history of automotive festivals.
Source: Porsche
