Porsche New Zealand celebrated its 50th anniversary as an official distributor with a massive display of over 200 cars at the Auckland Viaduct Events Centre on Sunday, September 20.
Models from every era of Porsche were represented, including big electric SUVs and a bonus tractor, showcasing the company’s diverse range of vehicles.
A special anniversary 911 GT3 and a 917 KH racing car were on display, with the 911 GT3 featuring a unique “Paint to Sample” Yachting Blue Metallic finish.
The event marked the first public showing of the 50th-anniversary 911 GT3 Touring, commissioned by Porsche NZ from the factory’s Sonderwunsch department, with a price tag of $584,000.
Celebrating 50 Years of Porsche in New Zealand
The day started early for Porsche Club NZ participants and media at the Sir Colin Giltrap Raceway in Wiri, South Auckland, with a selection of classic models on display.
Sir Colin Giltrap, the founder of Giltrap Group, played a significant role in bringing Porsche to New Zealand, and his legacy was honored with the special anniversary model featuring his signature on the dashboard.
The 50th-anniversary 911 GT3 Touring is based on the 911 GT3 with Touring Package from the latest 992.2 generation, with each car finished in the unique Yachting Blue Metallic color.
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A Unique Tribute to Sir Colin Giltrap
The special anniversary model features bespoke Sonderwunsch elements, including woven blue Pepita cloth seat inserts and “50 Years Porsche New Zealand” anniversary embossing on the headrests and throughout the cabin.
Sir Colin Giltrap’s contribution to Porsche in New Zealand began when he saw a Porsche Speedster at the Sydney Trade Show in 1957, leading him to buy his first Porsche, a 356 A 1600 Super Coupe, in 1959.
By 1974, he was running a successful Auckland dealership and made a strong case to Porsche’s export manager to convert his NSU import licence into a Porsche one, paving the way for the company’s growth in New Zealand.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, Porsche Club NZ counts close to 2000 active members, which demonstrates the community that has formed around the marque over the past 50 years.
Porsche NZ general manager Greg Clarke noted that “Fifty years is a long time in any market, and it means even more in one as small and as far from Stuttgart as ours,” highlighting the significance of the anniversary celebration.
The event was a huge success, with crowds packing the Auckland Viaduct Events Centre, and the special anniversary models on display serving as a unique tribute to Sir Colin Giltrap’s legacy and the company’s history in New Zealand.
The special anniversary 911 GT3 Touring, with its unique features and bespoke elements, is a fitting tribute to Sir Colin Giltrap’s legacy and the company’s history in New Zealand.