A lot has happened over the past 70 years. World events have shaped our daily lives. Technological advancements have made communication easier than ever. And trends have come and gone, only to come back stronger than ever.
But some things have rightfully remained consistent. Like the fact that, 70 years since its debut, Porsche is still a coveted sports car.
The iconic car maker first hit the streets in 1948, when the Porsche Type 356 No. 1 Roadster was introduced in Austria. It wasn’t long before the young manufacturer attracted international attention with a victory at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans race. From there, success continued, both on the track and with everyday drivers.
New models rolled out, including the legendary Porsche 911 in 1964. Back then, the rear-engine auto put out 130 horsepower. These days, the 911 GT2 RS puts out 700. So… there have been some advancements over the years. And not just when it comes to the motor, as the brand’s racing pedigree has been translated into comfortable SUVs with room for five, power everything, touchscreen displays and a bevy of airbags.
Over the years, Porsche became a style icon, regularly appearing in movies from Top Gun and Risky Business to Gone in 60 Seconds and Bullitt. Remember that Friends’ episode where Joey pretended to have a Porsche? Hey, it’s understandable—everybody wanted one. That iconic style was even captured in this handsomely-illustrated book, which celebrates 70 years of Porsche sports cars, should you want to spruce up your coffee table with some light reading.
But to experience the cars in person is a different thing entirely. Ideally, that’s done behind the wheel. Feel the leather in your hands. Feel the ergonomic driver’s seat hug you as you hug a curve on a track where speed limits don’t apply. Or, and this is probably more realistic, just head to a dealership. Porsche Grapevine the new Park Place Dealership opens on July 23, so that’s a good place to start. You know Park Place. It’s where you go to buy nice cars from nice people. And now you’ve got a brand new place to do so. They’ll have all the bells, whistles and actual cars you want, so head out there on July 23—or anytime thereafter—to kick some tires. And then take one of the new 2018 models out for a spin, because kicking tires only get you so far. 
There’s the bedroom poster-worthy 911 Turbo and the 718 Boxter convertible. Then there is the family-friendly, four-door options, like the Panamera, Macan, and Cayenne. You’ve got plenty to choose from, but you can’t go wrong. Because whichever car you choose, it’s still a Porsche.
