Porsche’s own-brand resto turns black and gold premium

IF PORSCHE is having a bring-a-plate party to celebrate its 70th anniversary, expect its in-house Classic workshop will turn up with arguably one of the most desirable vehicles in the company’s seven-decade history.

Dubbed the Classic Project Gold, the mysterious car is being gradually detailed in a series of short films that appear to suggest the German car maker is restoring an example of its final air-cooled model – the 993.

Over the course of three videos, Porsche has so far revealed a pristine shell stripped to bare metal, the classic hollow-spoked wheels black lacquered and laser-etched to reveal a fine gold stripe, while the theme continues inside with black leather upholstery contrasted by saffron stitching.

Tantalisingly, the most recent instalment reveals the iconic Turbo moniker embroidered into the seat headrests, confirming the no-expense-spared vehicle will be of the rare forced-induction variety.

What still remains to be seen is whether Porsche will stray far from original specifications. An ultra-original car would be desirable on one level and would honour the 993 generation, but its gloss-black wheels and gilded embellishments suggest the car maker is creating its own custom rig. Think Singer Porsche by Porsche.

Amid the growing number of outfits that are modifying and restoring classic Porsches to dizzying standards, perhaps this is Porsche demonstrating that the ultimate ‘restomodder’ is in fact the company that first breathed life into the car.

At this stage, a single ghostly profile detailed in – you guessed it – gold on a black background, is the only indication of how the finished car will look. The line sketch shows the 993 remit of the iconic whale tail spoiler hinting at a more purist restrained approach by the restoration team.

The fourth instalment in the film series will air on August 10, with the finished vehicle expected to debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 24.