Now in production for 47 years, it is without question that the 911 has left its mark in the automotive industry. Whether one is a car enthusiast or not, it is a car that people immediately recognize the moment they see it. As Porsche’s flagship model, it is through this car that the marque displays its latest technological innovations since its introduction in 1963. So, what do you do to celebrate the birthday of one of the most successful sportscars the world has ever seen? You make commemorative editions to recognize the occasion.

For years now, Porsche has produced anniversary editions of the 911 to celebrate the years that this car has now been with us. What makes the anniversary cars different from the other limited edition 911s that we see is that these cars are made periodically, meaning that not every 911 generation got the anniversary treatment. With the 911’s 60th anniversary coming in 3 years time as of the time of writing, that is likely to be the year of the next variant of these cars. I wanted to go over all of the variants of these models that we have seen so far, and what makes them different from the models that you can get without issue in both the new and second-hand market, and whether their premium(if applicable) makes the cars worth going for. For ease of reading, the cars are listed in chronological order by model.

1. 1989 911(G-Model) 25th Anniversary Edition

Porsche began the anniversary tradition at the end of the G-Model’s life cycle in 1988, when the 911 turned 25. To sum it all up, it was just a 3.2 Carrera with cosmetic enhancements and some options as standard. Buyers had the choice of several exterior colours, which would be complimented by the Fuchs wheels being painted in that given colour as well. On the interior, the only choice was the Silk Gray leather interior, which contained a plaque on the dash indicating that the car was an anniversary edition. The cars were sold as 1989 model years, which was also the final year of the G-Model before the introduction of the 964, with a total of 300 cars built for the entire world. Despite the low production number, these cars are not at all more desirable than the standard Carreras, the reason being that the anniversary cars are just a cosmetic upgrade, as previously mentioned. Because of this, they follow that very same depreciation curve, though the plaque on the interior can allow owners some bragging rights.

2.1993 964 30 Jahre 911

Four years after the introduction of the 964, the 911 hit the big 3-0 in 1993, and yet again, Porsche celebrated the occasion. The 30th anniversary 964, like the aforementioned G-Model, is also a cosmetic upgrade, in the form of a Carrera 4 with the Turbo-Look widebody. With these cars, Porsche offered extensive personalization options through the Special Wishes program, so some of these cars are specified different than most. Though several exterior and interior colour were offered, the most common is Viola Dark Purple Metallic on Rubicon Grey interior, a combo that is very 90s. To remind you that your car is no ordinary Carrera 4, Porsche placed not 1, but 2 badges that signify that the car is a 30th anniversary edition; talk about showing off. Only 911 cars were made for the entire world, with most of them being sold in Europe. With the late-model widebody 964 Carreras already desirable in today’s market, this car acts as the cherry on top of the pie.

3.2004 996 Carrera 40 Jahre 911

With Porsche struggling financially in the mid-to-late 1990s, executives shifted the company’s priorities to models that were inexpensive to produce and would put an end to misfortunes. This meant putting a halt to special edition models, hence why the 993 was not treated to an anniversary special. Following the success of the 986 Boxster and the 9PA Cayenne, Porsche’s finances were back to a healthy state, so it was possible once again to produce limited edition models.

In late 2003, the 911(996) Carrera 40th Anniversary(or 40 Jahre 911 as stated in its badges) was introduced as a 2004 model. By then, everyone accepted the fact that water-cooled Porsches were now the norm, and while this car was expected to be an appearance package as was the case with the previous cars, the end result was quite the surprise.

This car was more than that, receiving not only cosmetic changes, but also mechanical upgrades over the standard Carrera. To start, the more aggressive Turbo bumper and radiators aided with engine cooling and aerodynamics. The engine was fitted with the X51 package as standard ,which bumps the horsepower of the 3.6L naturally-aspirated flat 6 to 341hp. With these cars, Porsche made sure to fix the engine’s infamous IMS bearing issue, and so, owners do not have to worry about their cars potentially seeing the shop. Both the North American and ROW market cars received their respective Sport Suspension options, meaning improved handling thanks to the lower center of gravity. Though the Tiptronic transmission was readily available on the 996, the anniversary cars were manual only.

Now for the cosmetic upgrades. As previously mentioned, these cars were fitted with the Turbo bumper, and when you look at the overall profile of the car, it looks more aggressive than the standard Carrera. Only a single exterior colour was offered on the car, which was GT Silver Metallic(the same shade seen on the then-new Carrera GT). Looking inside, again, a single colour option was offered which was Dark Grey Natural Leather, an interior that is of higher quality and luxurious compared to the standard offerings. Some interior bits were painted in GT Silver, such as the center console, the rings of the cluster, and the rear of the Sport Seats(which were standard). Of course, you got a special badge to remind you what 911 you were in, also indicating your car’s number. Though outdated now, the PCM unit was fitted with alongside a Bose sound system.

Only 1,963 examples were made, the number reflecting the year that the first 911 was unveiled, with units being evenly spread between continents. This car can be seen as a “greatest hits” edition of the 996 Carrera, given how loaded this car is from the factory, in addition to having the rare X51 option. Though these cars are not a common sight in the second-hand market, they do not command premium prices. They normally tend to hover at 996 C4S prices, meaning that you should also look at that car as an option. That being said, the anniversary cars are definitely worth taking a look at if one is in the market for a 996.

4.2014 991.1 50th Anniversary Edition

In 2013, the 911 was now on sale for half a century, and so with that came the latest iteration of an anniversary 911. As the 997 had already come and gone by 2013, the 991 was the car that got the 50th birthday badge. It also clarified how often Porsche planned to bring out these models, which is every 10 years. Just like the 996, this car was upgraded aesthetically and mechanically over the cars in the regular 911 lineup.

The 991 50th Anniversary Edition is a Carrera S but with the wider body from the 4S. Standard is the Powerkit, which increases power to 45hp, making it 30 more than the standard Carrera S, as is PASM and the Sport Chrono Package, so that you are getting the most out of the car performance-wise. To further add to the driving experience, these cars come with the Sport Exhaust System, which makes driving the car in Sport mode quite the addiction due to the crackles and pops it produces when you let off the throttle. It was possible to get this car with the 7-Speed PDK or the then-new 7-Speed Manual that made its debut with the 991.

The exterior of the car was made as a throwback to the 1960s, so a lot of details reminiscent of the era are seen. Customers had the option of 3 exterior colours: Graphite Grey, Geyser Grey Metallic, and Black Monochrome, which give the car the vintage look that Porsche was aiming for, complimented by chrome grilles in the rear as well as the window trim itself being made from the same material. To top things off on the outside, new 20-inch wheels meant to replicate the classic Fuch wheel were created for this model, which would later be seen in the limited edition GTS Club Coupe. The rear badge of this car goes retro as well, being in the classic 911 typeface that is now ironically used in the 992.

It is the car’s interior that is the coolest, in my opinion. There were two colour options available: Agate Grey and Black. The most attention-grabbing detail is the seat inserts, which are made from houndstooth, a material made famous in the 60s and 70s. Again, details are seen in the PCM, instrument cluster, and dash indicative of this limited edition model. Out of the more recent 911 interiors, this one is probably the best one.

Like the 996, only 1,963 cars were made, which to this day are easily available, with most examples having low mileage. That being said, these cars do command a hefty premium, with the average asking price being approximately $115,000 USD. With similar mileage 991 Carrera S models being in the $70-80K range, it is the question of whether 30 more horsepower and a fancy exterior and interior matter to you. I should also mention that with a budget as big as the formerly mentioned number, one should take a look at the many cars that are possible to buy at that price point.

While I find it an ethical procedure by Porsche to periodically recognize how long they have sold its flagship model. With the G-Model and 964 cars being nothing more than appearance packages, you are better off looking at the regular models, unless you are seriously seeking those cars for collection purposes. The 996 I find is the car that offers the best value for money. As a “revision” to the Carrera, it offers a complete package in the sense that it is more powerful and unique than the latter, and is still a fun car to drive. Finally, Porsche’s latest iteration in the form of the 991 is a car whose numbers have already been surpassed by other 991 models selling at the same price point such as the GT3 and Turbo models. If the car’s unique cosmetic features are a must for you, then looking at aftermarket options is your best bet. That is, unless you are building a collection of Porches as I mentioned with the air-cooled cars. The next of these cars is only 3 years away, and with the 992 being more throwback than ever, it will be interesting how it compares to the last model.

Best Regards,
Juan Reyes-Abreu

Credit goes to:
-Gooding & Co, Chequered Flag International, and Luxury And Expensive for images of the air-cooled cars.