Adorned with the British fashion designer’s Artist Stripe, the vintage 911 celebrates 70 years of the German marque on the track at Le Mans
Always game for a colourful collaboration, Paul Smith has lent his signature Artist Stripe to all manner of objects, from bicycles to Globe-Trotter suitcases. Now the latest thing to receive the multicoloured Paul Smith treatment is a classic Porsche 911.
The Artist Stripe colour scheme appears on the exterior and interior bodywork of the car, and is continued inside with a green roll cage and a vibrant petrol-blue racing seat. As a characteristic finishing touch, Paul Smith’s signature sits atop the balsa wood gear knob.
The unique 911 is the personal project of James Turner, founder of historic Porsche specialist Sports Purpose, in collaboration with Tuthill Porsche who were responsible for the build and the immaculate paintwork.
‘I have always been a fan of Paul Smith,’ says Turner. ‘When I had the opportunity to build my own racecar, it was an obvious request to make. I am absolutely thrilled with the result and hope that fans of Paul Smith, Porsche and racing worldwide will enjoy seeing it out and about in the future.’
In its first competitive outing, over the weekend of 6-8 July, the bespoke 1965 Porsche raced in the Le Mans Porsche Classic – an appropriate place for the special Porsche to begin its racing career, as the marque holds the historic record of 19 outright victories in the Le Mans 24-Hour race. The car will also appear at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed as part of Porsche’s 70th anniversary celebrations.
