Dreamweaver: Porsche reissues iconic interior trim
Disappointed you can't find the cobalt blue for your 964? Porsche has you covered...
It is quite possible that no firm takes its legacy as seriously as Porsche. It has a lot of it, of course, and its respect for tradition is as plain as the long-running nose on the 911’s face. But mostly it’s to do with the sanctity of profit-making, which (until very recently) the firm was very good at. No rival, save perhaps for lower-volume carmakers in England and Italy, does a better job of encouraging buyers to put their hand in their pocket - and keep it there for years.
The manufacturer’s latest wheeze is an especially good one: the reissue of iconic fabric patterns that were, until now, not available in what it likes to call ‘Porsche quality’. Which of course means that while Pasha and Pepita and the like could be successfully copied in the aftermarket, it wasn’t Porsche doing the copying. Well, no longer: the fabrics, including Black Watch tartan and pinstripe velour, are available to order again from franchise dealerships and online.
“By reissuing these fabrics, we are closing a gap, because most customers want to restore their historic or more recent classic cars to their original condition as closely as possible," reckons Ulrike Lutz, Director Classic at Porsche. "It was particularly important to us in this project that we maintain our quality promise with the fabrics. Unfortunately, there are many imitations on the market that are either not at all suitable as seat fabric or lose their appearance after a short time. That's why we want to offer our customers a tested original alternative again."
While you’ll hear no argument from us about the cult status of some of Porsche’s finer designs (Pepita is looked cool six decades ago; it’ll look cool six decades hence), the firm would obviously not be bothering if its back catalogue consisted solely of tired-looking 986 Boxsters. No, Porsche has invested much time and effort because there are seven-figure 911s to care for and people with sufficient resources to spare no expense doing it.
The attention to detail, needless to say, is bewildering. Clearly, the company had its own archives to refer to, but it also went to the trouble of acquiring additional copies of rare stock items, including an untouched 911 seat from 1975 upholstered in green tartan. "Stored in a light-proof cupboard, and therefore perfectly preserved, this new-old-stock item was gold dust for us," suggested Product Manager, Lukas Werginz.
Because the new fabrics are considered Porsche Genuine Parts, they naturally have to meet modern standards, meaning fire resistance, light and colour fastness and abrasion resistance have all been brought up to snuff. And because they’re available in 1.5 by 2 metre sizes, you’re also free to get imaginative with applications - just in case you’re not painstakingly restoring a 356. Though Porsche definitely hopes you are…
or maybe just a bit for the study...And whilst there are probably some trimmers out there using sub standard, not-fit-for-purpose materials, there are also plenty of professional re-trimmers using very high quality stuff to do what the owner asks...
I went tartan. and 3 years/15,000 miles later, its still in really good nick.
And whilst there are probably some trimmers out there using sub standard, not-fit-for-purpose materials, there are also plenty of professional re-trimmers using very high quality stuff to do what the owner asks...
I went tartan. and 3 years/15,000 miles later, its still in really good nick.
And whilst there are probably some trimmers out there using sub standard, not-fit-for-purpose materials, there are also plenty of professional re-trimmers using very high quality stuff to do what the owner asks...
I went tartan. and 3 years/15,000 miles later, its still in really good nick.
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