Porsche Then & Now: 70 Years of Excellence

October 27, 2018 – February 3, 2019

In the 1940’s, Ferry Porsche decided any car that merely got you from here to there, did not go far enough. In the auto industry’s seemingly endless pursuit of the perfect sports car, he decided to build it himself. The first 356 left the Gmünd, Austria factory in 1948, built upon the fundamental belief that a sports car should exemplify superior power to weight ratio, designed “for every driving enthusiast.”

The phenomenal success and development of the 911 is one of the crowning achievements of Porsche’s design and philosophy. Keeping loyal to the iconic silhouette since 1963, the 911 has evolved from a simple 2+2 touring car, into one of the most road and track capable cars in the world. The 911 is the epitome of a sports car.

Engineering advancements in Porsche’s road cars often derive from the company’s motorsport experience, dominating in many world class races over the years, including the Targa Florio and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Advancements like the ceramic brake discs seen on the 2002 GT2, or the electric motors assisting performance exemplified by the 2015 918’s revolutionary hybrid powertrain prove Porsche’s on-track advancements translate seamlessly into Porsche road cars.

This exhibition highlights Porsche’s 70 years of excellence. From the early air-cooled 39 horsepower, 4 cylinder 356, to today’s advanced water-cooled 700 horsepower 6 cylinder 911 engines, the visceral experience of driving keeps Porsche in a league of its own - there truly is no substitute