This summer, the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace will showcase a true gem in automotive history—the original 1973 Porsche 911 Turbo Prototype. Known as the first road-going 911 to sport the ‘Turbo’ moniker, this car is a cornerstone in the legacy of performance vehicles.
From August 30th to September 1st, attendees can witness this iconic prototype, chassis number 9113300157, which first dazzled audiences at the 1973 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. This particular model set the stage for the turbocharged revolution in performance cars, paving the way for the 930 Turbo, which later became the fastest production car in Germany upon its debut in 1975.
Crafted from a 911S, the prototype was a collaborative effort by Porsche’s Style Porsche design studio and chief engineer, Helmuth Bott. Interestingly, the prototype displayed in Frankfurt wasn’t equipped with the turbocharged engine due to its incomplete status. Instead, Porsche cleverly simulated the turbo components with wooden mock-ups painted to appear functional.
Despite these stand-ins, the prototype captivated the Frankfurt crowd and marked a significant moment for Porsche, heralding new advancements in design and performance. The concept car not only introduced the ‘Turbo’ badge but also featured design elements later incorporated into the ‘G-Model’ 911, previewed the RSR racer, and the exceptionally rare 3.0 RS road car. It boasted an aggressive new design with enlarged Fuchs wheels and expanded bodywork highlighted by a striking ‘whale tail’ rear wing, enhancing both cooling and aerodynamics.
After its initial reveal, the prototype toured globally, gracing shows from Paris to Tokyo, and eventually Melbourne, before retiring to the Porsche factory in Stuttgart. It was there that racing driver and Porsche importer for Australia, Alan Hamilton, discovered the car and brought it to Australia. The prototype served briefly in competitive racing and changed hands among enthusiasts before its export to the United States in 2010. Returning to Europe six years later, it remains in pristine condition, now equipped with a genuine turbocharged engine.
This year’s Concours will feature not only this remarkable 911 but also 60 other exceptional cars from renowned collections worldwide. The event will also include the Levitt Concours, celebrating top female enthusiasts, the 30UNDER30, spotlighting young collectors, and the Club Trophy, showcasing premier models from national car clubs.
Beyond the cars, the event promises luxury with champagne from Charles Heidsieck, gourmet picnics by Fortnum & Mason, and exquisite displays of art, jewellery, and fashion. A. Lange & Söhne will display some of its finest timepieces, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.
Tickets for the Concours of Elegance 2024 are now available at www.concoursofelegance.co.uk/tickets, offering an unparalleled opportunity to immerse in automotive excellence and luxury lifestyle.
