The dream of a sports car that had never existed before: Live show with many dreams celebrating 75 Years of Porsche Sports Cars.
The birth of the Porsche brand was exactly 75 years ago. On 8 June 1948, the Porsche 356 ‘No. 1’ received its general operating permit. For Ferry Porsche, this was a dream come true. The dream of a sports car that had never existed before. This is the entrepreneurial spirit that has characterised the sports car manufacturer to this day. For 75 years, Porsche has been ‘Driven by Dreams’.
Seventy-five years ago, on June 8, 1948, the Porsche 356 ‘No. 1’ received its general operating permit, marking the birth of the iconic Porsche brand. For Ferry Porsche, this moment was the realization of a dream—a dream of a sports car that had never existed before. This entrepreneurial spirit has been ingrained in the DNA of the sports car manufacturer ever since. Over the past seven and a half decades, Porsche has continuously reinvented itself, driven by dreams and a commitment to excellence.
To commemorate this significant milestone, Porsche organized a remarkable live show consisting of five acts, held at Porscheplatz in Zuffenhausen—the beating heart of the brand. The event brought together trailblazers, visionaries, and key figures from Porsche’s past and present, celebrating the brand’s exceptional success story. Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, kicked off the spectacular show, emphasizing the company’s commitment to pioneering spirit and passion.
Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, took the stage in a moment of great significance. Accompanied by former racing driver Mark Webber, he arrived in the very sports car that laid the foundation for the legendary Porsche lineage—the 356 ‘No. 1’ Roadster. Dr. Porsche highlighted Porsche’s ability to consistently surprise and inspire customers through captivating design, groundbreaking technology, and unwavering quality.
The live show unfolded through four subsequent acts—’Heritage,’ ‘Zeitgeist,’ ‘Performance,’ ‘Pioneering Spirit,’ and ‘Dreams.’ Each act featured speeches from notable figures such as Michael Mauer, Head of Design, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Head of Overall Vehicle Architecture, and brand ambassador Timo Bernhard. These speeches were accompanied by dazzling stage shows incorporating music, light, choreography, and thrilling driving action that showcased the essence of each act. Throughout the evening, the importance of dreams in shaping Porsche’s identity was reiterated—dreams that transformed into reality, thanks to courageous and passionate pioneers, and became the origin of unforgettable moments.
One of Porsche’s notable initiatives during its 75th anniversary celebrations was its collaboration with the non-profit organization ‘Make-A-Wish.’ As part of its social responsibility, Porsche, together with international Porsche companies, partnered with ‘Make-A-Wish’ to fulfill the dreams and wishes of seriously ill children and young people worldwide. In a symbolic gesture, Porsche donated €1,800,000 to make 356 wishes come true—a tribute to the first Porsche 356. By granting these wishes, Porsche aims to provide hope and positivity to children and their families during challenging times. The company plans to share the stories behind these wishes and their fulfillment with the public, showcasing the profound impact of these gestures.
Simultaneously, the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen unveiled a special exhibition titled ‘Driven by Dreams: 75 Years of Porsche Sports Cars.’
The exhibition takes visitors on a captivating journey through the evolution of the Porsche brand over the past 75 years. It delves into the pioneering spirit, engineering achievements, and courage that have defined the brand’s legacy. By showcasing the people behind the brand—individuals like Ferry Porsche, who believed in their dreams and transformed big ideas into reality—the exhibition immerses visitors in the world of Porsche.
Amidst the anniversary celebrations, Porsche achieved another remarkable milestone: the production of its five millionth vehicle.
A Nightbluemetallic 911 Targa 4 GTS became the five-millionth Porsche to roll off the production line at the headquarters in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. This achievement coincided with the 60th anniversary of the iconic 911, a car that has left an indelible mark on the hearts of sports car enthusiasts worldwide.
To encapsulate the essence of Porsche’s 75-year journey, the official book ‘Driven by Dreams: 75 Years of Porsche Sports Cars’ was released.
Produced in collaboration between Delius Klasing and Edition Porsche Museum, the book takes readers on a comprehensive journey through time. With over 400 pages, it offers insights into 75 inspiring stories of individuals whose dreams and ideas propelled them to achieve extraordinary feats. Featuring contributions from Porsche CEO Oliver Blume, Head of Design Michael Mauer, and other key figures, the book reflects on the past, present, and future of Porsche, projecting towards the brand’s centenary in 2048.
To engage with enthusiasts and fans worldwide, Porsche organized the ‘Festival of Dreams’ at the Hockenheimring, where visitors experienced the immersive world of Porsche.
The anniversary celebrations also extended to the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England, where Porsche took the leading role. Additionally, the Porsche Rennsport Reunion took place at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in California, offering a captivating display of Porsche’s sports car heritage.