Still owned by Porsche, the millionth 911 is a special project celebrating over a half a century of Neunelfer production… and for one day only, we get to drive it

Written by Lee Sibley Photography courtesy Alisdair Cusick

Wooden accents in the modern-day cabin hark back to early 911 interiors

The unique wheels pay homage to the classic Fuchs five-spoke alloys that have long been associated with the 911

Adrive in a Porsche 911 is always a memorable experience, but for your humble author, today is certain to be more so than others. I’ve been to Zuffenhausen countless times in years gone by but, as I roll my own 996 Carrera into Porscheplatz, this is the first time I’ve done so with butterflies in my stomach.

My destination is the Porsche Museum, epicentre of the company’s history, lavishly presented to fans who flock here from all around the world. Today though, thanks to the team who curate this magnificent building and the gems inside it, I won’t merely be witnessing Porsche history… I’ll be driving it.

Porsche’s one millionth 911 is waiting silently for me in the foyer underneath the Museum’s dramatic structure, the car’s Irish green paintwork contrasting against the white walls and clean, concrete flooring surrounding it. Day trippers grab a photo before filing into the Museum; employees at Porsche shoot a warm smile towards this special 911 as they walk past, as if seeing an old friend.

Porsche usually has the one millionth 911 on show deep inside the Museum, but it’s been pulled off display so that yours truly can spend one magical day appreciating it in new ways on the roads around Stuttgart. And yes, I’m fully aware that makes me one of the luckiest so-and-so’s on the planet.

The millionth 911 ever produced is special for lots of reasons, and not just to Porsche. Rolling off the production line in May 2017, the car celebrates what was, at the time, 54 years of continuous production of a sports car, and all from the same spot right here on Porscheplatz. In that time, the 911 has become an automotive icon, garnering huge affection from enthusiasts everywhere. This single, brilliant, do-it-all sports car has won innumerable road test awards, amassed more than 30,000 competitive race victories, and even climbed higher in altitude than any other car on planet Earth (6,734 meters above sea level, in case you’re wondering). No other sports car can boast such success and longevity as the 911, while staying true to its original design.