What's the news?
On Sunday July 28, a total of 1,208 Porsche 911s took to the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit to mark the 50th anniversary of the iconic coupé, setting a world record while doing so.
The original plan was to have a parade of 911 911s, but with massive interest from owners and fans alike the Porsche Club GB and Silverstone Classis organisations that had planned the event opened up the circuit to all comers.
The parade was led by Mark Porsche, son of 911 designer 'Butzi' Porsche and included a number of the most successful race car drivers from Porsche's illustrious history like Derek Bell MBE, Richard Attwood and John Fitzpatrick.
Porsche owners and enthusiasts made up the remainder of the colourful convoy, which consisted of most of the various 911 iterations featuring Carrera, RS, RSR, GT, Speedster, Targa and Turbo.
"Of course, the 911 means a great deal to me as it's my father's big design and it will always have a special place in my heart," said Mark Porsche. "It's been a family member over all the generations of the 911 series and I'm very proud to be here today to represent the Porsche family at this great event. I think that to have these 1,200 cars on track is the attention that the 911 deserves for its 50th birthday. I can't thank the Porsche Club GB enough for making this event possible."
Anything else?
Fresh from its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed the Porsche Cars GB 'Project 50' 911 race car - a 1965 'short wheelbase' 911 that will compete at selected Master Series and historic festival events - took to the track in the Piper Heidsieck International Trophy for pre-1966 GT cars, finishing fifth.
Project 50 will soon make its way to the Nürburgring for the OldTimer GP, held appropriately on 9 - 11 August.
Paul Healy - 31 Jul 2013