As part of the international media launch and test drive of the all-new Porsche 911 Targa which we’re currently attending, AF was invited to a series of extra-curricular activities surrounding the famed German carmaker, and one of said activities was a visit to the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. I’m not sure if they planned it, but as we arrived at the Porsche Museum, an immaculate classic 911 Targa was parked right up front. I really couldn’t think of a better way to start a tour like this, seeing the actual classic before driving the new kid on the block. Nice one.
It has to be said that anyone with even a slight keenness on the brand really should make it a point at one time in their lives to visit this place, especially if you’re into Porsches from yesteryear. Apart from the brilliant displays of actual (working) models, there are also areas where you actually able to ‘feel’ these cars come to life. A series of ‘domes’ under which you stand automatically play the sound of various Porsches starting-up and accelerating off. It’s a ‘surround sound effect, and the platform you stand on actually reverberates (below).
There was also a special exhibition on Porsche’s involvement in Le Mans that even depicted ‘racers’ running to their cars, a’la a typical Le Mans start of yesteryear.
One of the things I liked best about this museum is the electronic guide, which looks like an old Sony Walkman. Attached to your hip and via a set of headphones, visitors are able to take their own time viewing the exhibits instead of keeping up with a group. Just hit a number that’s listed on the stand of a particular Porsche onto the unit, and the electronic guide tells you all about it, in whichever language you choose. Very clever.
I’m actually going to stop writing now, no one wants to read about a car museum, so do enjoy the photos. In addition to the photos of the cars, I’ve also captured the details of a particular car from the stand it sits on, so sit back relax and enjoy automotive nirvana.
