Over the past 75 years, the Porsche factory in Stuttgart, Germany, has churned out timeless and classic cars — and some of the most rare and exquisitely maintained from that roster will be showcased by Cobble Beach Classics at the 2023 Canadian International AutoShow.
Cobble Beach Classics is consistently among the most anticipated features of the AutoShow. Presented in partnership with Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance — a show of elegant and rarely seen automobiles, often viewed as art, held each September on the shores of Georgian Bay just north of Owen Sound — this year’s exhibit will offer a unique perspective on three-quarters of a century of Porsche, showcasing 16 historically significant classic Porsche models, headlined by a 1969 Porsche 917 Long Tail Chassis 005.
“With its smooth, flowing lines and distinctive ‘frog eye’ headlights, the Porsche brand is instantly recognizable,” says Rob McLeese, Founder and Show Chair of Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance. “From the first Porsche that rolled off the assembly line in 1948, it is a car that has made a difference. We are excited to showcase a selection of some of the most popular and rare Porsches ever produced.”
The 917 Long Tail is a restoration of the 005 car that debuted at the 1,000-kilometre race at Spa on May 11, 1969, where it showed incredible speed to capture the pole in its first race at one of the most historic tracks in the world. The car has since been restored with most of its original parts, and normally calls California home. The vehicle’s owner, racer and entrepreneur David Seabrooke, is an enthusiast of the Porsche brand, and hailing originally from Peterborough, Ont., was very excited to see his classic vehicle showcased on ‘home soil’ taking its place as one of the AutoShow’s true ‘Hero Cars’ of the Show.
The Cobble Beach Presents 75 years of Porsche exhibit will also include:
- 1952 356 Pre A
- 1964 904
- 1988 911 Turbo Slantnose (930)
- 1984 928S
- 2004 996 GT3 RS
- 2021 911 Targa Heritage design
- 1987 959
- 1962 356 Roadster Janis Joplin tribute car
- 1959 Speedster
- 1970 911 ST lightweight
- 1981 924 GTR
- 1996 993 Twin Turbo
- 2006 Carrera GT
- 2022 Taycan GTS Sport Turismo
- 2015 918 Spyder
Cobble Beach Presents 75 Years of Porsche exhibit will be showcased in the 700-level gallery room in the South Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.