Road Test: Porsche 911 50th Anniversary 2dr PDK

Apart from the GT3, I’d have this over any current 911. It shouldn’t appeal – I like my 911s slim-hipped and simple, yet this one teams the 4WD’s 44mm wider body with the rear-wheel-drive Carrera S undergarments. And it’s a trim-only special edition, for Pete’s sake, and they’re always awful. And Porsche sees fit to charge £11,000 more for it. 

But sometimes these things just gel. Yes, even when they have chrome coatings on the front inlets and rear intake slats and are painted a shade that Porsche calls Geyser Grey but is actually white viewed through a 50-year sepia tint. Because that’s what this car’s celebrating – 50 years since the 911 first appeared. So they’ll make 1963 of them, and you can also have it in fetching dark grey with these lovely Fuchs-style alloys. Which, historic accuratists will point out, weren’t available until 1966. 

Who cares? Inside there’s gorgeous sawtooth woven upholstery, and the whole car feels more special and interesting than other 911s, and drives just as precisely and engagingly as ever. Especially with the seven-speed manual. Entirely appropriate. Superb engine, ace to live with, the only thing I’d lose is the 50th Anniversary badging, as it’s unnecessary tinsel on a car that speaks for itself. Well done, Porsche – this one’s magic.