Porsche is marking the 50th anniversary of its use of tartan fabrics in the interior of its iconic 911 Turbo, a design element that has come to symbolize both tradition and craftsmanship.
First introduced as an option in 1973, these distinctive patterns blend the rich history of tartan with the luxury and performance of Porsche sports cars.
The story of tartan in the 911 Turbo begins with Anatole Lapine, Porsche’s chief designer at the time, who donned a pair of tartan trousers and sparked the idea to integrate the Scottish fabric into the car’s interiors.
Despite initial setbacks in finding the right supplier, Porsche eventually partnered with the Berger company in Dettingen unter Teck, a town near the Swabian Mountains, to create fabrics that met the necessary quality standards of lightfastness and durability.
At the 1973 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Porsche unveiled the 911 RSR Turbo concept with seats upholstered in Black Watch tartan.
A year later, Louise Piëch’s 911 Turbo ‘No. 1’ featured McLaughlin tartan, while the Mackenzie tartan joined the line-up in 1974. These patterns remain timeless, reflecting both Porsche’s commitment to craftsmanship and its ability to blend tradition with cutting-edge design.
The integration of tartan into Porsche’s design is part of a broader Heritage Design strategy.
Today, the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and Style Porsche design departments continue to reinterpret classic elements in modern models, creating special editions that evoke the brand’s rich history while embodying its forward-looking ethos.
Source: Celebrating 50 Years of Tartan: A Timeless Classic in Porsche 911 Turbo Design
Subscribe today for the freshest car news delivered to your inbox
