992 Targa first of four 'Heritage Design Editions'

As Porsche looks forward, so its limited-run cars look back - beginning with a 50s-inspired Targa

While 'Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur' might initially conjure up images of wheels painted to match Python Green paint, colour coded vehicle key pouches and Truffle Brown seat belts, it has also been responsible for some incredible limited editions over the years. Think 911 Club, 997 Speedster and Sport Classic, the gold 959s and the most recent 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series.

They've been doing it for decades, in fact, and now Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is embarking on its biggest project yet: the Heritage Design Editions. The cars aim to bring together "reinterpreted" historical interior and exterior design flourishes with the latest technology, satisfying those with a desire for something more classic in a Porsche line up where progress never really ceases. There will be four versions in time, the first is the Targa, based on the 450hp 4S and available to order now.

The most obvious change, for starters, is the Cherry Metallic paint, inspired by 356s and with gold accents to complete the retro vibe. Black, red, silver and Crayon are also available, but having seen it up close (via a Microsoft Teams call) the dark red really gives the HDE a glamorous look that elevates it above a regular Targa. And when paying £130k, something above a regular Targa is probably what's required.

Additional cosmetic tweaks include the white strakes on the bonnet (evoking the damage-covering white paint spears seen on early Porsche racers), the Fuchs wheels, the historic Porsche crest used in place of the modern logo and a 'Heritage' boot badge. Again linked back to the 356, it is inspired by the '100,000km' badge given to all owners back then on reaching the milestone.

Inside, those put off by the strawberry cheesecake combo of Bordeaux Red with Atacama Beige will be pleased to know that black and beige will also be available. There isn't any choice, however, on the seat material: corduroy is back. Another nostalgic reference in the Targa Heritage Design Edition, the cords are said to "bring the fashion style of the 50s back to life." And though it sounds a bit naff, the view from the laptop screen made corduroy look... well, pretty good in all honesty. Again, it's something to lift this Targa clear from the others; ditto the limited edition plaque (again in gold), the embossed centre armrest and the green-backlit dials. Porsche is intentionally referencing the 356 here again, though it's very easy to see 911 R as well - which is cool.

One more thing, too - the watch. Available exclusively to buyers of the Heritage Design Edition, the chronograph is somehow also 356-themed and costs £10,650. Best really like Bordeaux Red...

Anyway, watch aside, the Heritage Design Edition - and the Pure Heritage Design pack that's coming for regular 911s - is an interesting development for Porsche sports cars. As mentioned, there will be four in total; the video conference confirmed that all will be coming in the current lifecycle, a manual-only version is pretty likely and all will hark back to a different era. With this Targa inspired by the 1950s, the other Heritage Design Editions will focus on the 60s, 70s and 80s. Porsche is only too aware of its heritage (and the money to be made from it) and reiterated to PH that the cars are all about balancing modernity and tradition - particularly when it comes to satisfying customers not totally sold by the firm's electrified future.

Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur will likely be kept busy by the result. A 992-example production run is already confirmed, with around a third to go to North America and half to be sold in Europe; China, apparently, cares far more for the modern and futuristic than the throwback special. For customers in the UK and Ireland, orders are open from today - prices start at £136,643.

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Water Fairy

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