Porsche's Top 10 Pop Culture Moments
Sixty years deep, it looks like "Ze Germans" are here to stay.
Image via Complex Original
Fresh off its 60th anniversary of building some
of the most coveted cars in history, Porsche is gearing up to have a big 2011.
From a special edition 911 GT3 R Hybrid to celebrate its 1 millionth facebook
fan, to a just-announced Panamera S Hybid debuting in Geneva, the track-bred
manufacturer of lust-inducing autos is continuing to make its mark on modern culture;
something it’s been successfully doing for quite some time.
Not buying it? Take a look back at some of the most
influential Porsche moments in American culture, and try to deny that it's made itself a fixture everywhere from Hollywood to the music world. Place
your bets on where they might ‘pop’ up next!
Source: Porsche
10. "Legally Blonde"
If you’ve had to sit
through this chick-flick with your girl, or just have a thing for Reese
Witherspoon, you’ll know that fashionista and budding lawyer Elle Woods whips a
clean Boxster. Kudos for not having it painted pink, Robert Luketic!
(We'll spare you the video, since it may or may not be on your shelf.)
9. Porsche as Art
In 1953, a mere three years
after first hitting U.S. shores, a 1952 Porsche 1500 Super was tapped for an exhibit
in the Museum of Modern Art. Now that’s something we’d gladly make a donation
to see again.
8. "Risky Business"
Perhaps if Tom Cruise’s
character, Joel, didn’t get all cocky with the “Porsche. There is no substitute.”
line his father’s 928 might not have ended up in Lake Michigan. At least it won out
in a dope chase scene with a pimp named Guido before ending up in the drink.
7. The Newman Vs. Redford Wreck Feud
In their heyday, both Paul
Newman and Robert Redford perfectly embodied the “All American dude”. Newman,
an avid Porsche racer in the 70’s was not just a winning driver, but an owner
of many models. Redford, Newman’s own pal decided one day that he’d heard
enough driving stories from his friend, and decided to add to his collection.
The actor had a wrecked Porsche delivered to him as a gag. Newman, never one to
just sit and take it, had the car promptly crushed and deposited in Redford’s
living room. And you thought your pranks were good.
6. "Weekend at Bernie's"
Everybody’s favorite stiff guy (pause) owned a 911, but
more notably rocked a 911-inspired golf cart. Now that’s deadication!
5. Tag Heuer Carreras
Watch/Car collabos hardly
ever disappoint. And while you won’t see “Porsche” or the Stuttgart crest on
any Tag Carreras, the brand will attest to being inspired by the manufacturer
and its rich racing heritage.
4. Janis Joplin as Clientele
Sure, one of her best-known
hits is entitled "Mercedes-Benz", where she tells the good man upstairs her
friends all drive Porsches. Truth is JJ was actually a Porsche aficionado
herself. The raspy-voiced songstress owned a 1965 356C Cabriolet, which she
painted in a '60’s inspired psychedelic theme. The eye-catching drop-top can
still be seen from time to time at museums across the country.
3. "Gone in Sixty Seconds"
Using nothing but a brick,
car thieves boost a brand new 911 right off the showroom floor. After flying
through a plate-glass window and hollering “PWN3D!” at a would-be street racer,
it’s gone in 60 seconds. The best part of the scene, however, is that it
doesn’t involve Nicholas Kim Coppola, or Nick Cage, as the wannabe-black-superhero likes to be called.
2. Forza Motorsport 3
One fine day, a
presidential candidate may promise “A 911 GT3 in every driveway” (hint, hint
Barack!), but until then, at least there are video games like Forza Motorsport
3. With incredibly realistic controls—thanks in part to cooperation from the
brand—gamers can take the realism a step further with the officially licensed
Porsche steering wheel made by Fanatec, and have their fun until the ‘Great New Era’ arrives.
1. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – "Parents Just Don’t Understand"
Long before Will Smith became a follower of Xenu and started
forcing his kids down everyone’s throat (pause), he was the Fresh Prince, one of the earliest, universally loved hip-hop personas. Chances are good that
even your mom can drop the lyrics to “Parents just don’t understand” on point; which is probably why she hasn’t copped a Porsche with her
retirement savings.
Nice work on beautifully sculpting our culture, Porsche. Here’s to the next 60!