Porsche Showroom Posters - Part I

Mar/Apr 2021 edition
Issue #15, AutoMobilia Resource Magazine
Tony Singer

For a small company like Porsche, the amount of paper they produced in their early years is extraordinary. In addition to promo pieces, they created commemorative racing posters, as well as those for the dealer showrooms. One book surveys their output in the 1949-1974 era: “Porsche Showroom Posters – The First 25 Years.” This has recently been updated and produced in a limited edition of 550 copies.

​The vast majority of Porsche’s poster output were the race posters, which were given away at the dealers. The “showroom” posters were mainly for display at the dealership, and therefore are far more rare.
​Arbitrarily, by size, I’d like to share with you some of these creative gems.  In the 23"x33" format, there is the red 550 Spyder leading the yellow 356 Coupe, valued today at $4,200. 

The 50th anniversary poster, 1909-1959, celebrated two of Porsche’s creations with eye-catching graphics, and is under $1,600.

​The medium size of 30"x40" was utilized to promote, only in Europe, the Carrera RS, arguably the greatest 911. This poster features the “lightweight” version of the car, as well as the super-rare specifications. This is surely the “holy grail” of 911 cars and posters. Its value is under $19,000…  if one can ever be found. 
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The largest format that Porsche regularly used is 33”x46.5”, which we see in the late 356 era and throughout the 911. First is the “356 cut-away,” which shows so many of the unique features of the T-6 B Coupe, presently valued at under $3,300. 

​The 912 combines photography and strong graphics, at an uphill angle, as the 4-cylinder replacement of the 356, and is just under $2,000.  

​Another poster using the high contrast with black, is “Jeder…,” which was only released in Europe. The simple message translated is: “Each cube has six sides, but you can only see three. Also, a Porsche cannot show all sides when you see it in the showroom. Drive it, then it will show you its best sides.” A brilliant marketing message, and quite rare… under $1,600.

​​The 911S was introduced in July 1966, and this gentleman with his stunning red car, on a matte black background, jumps off the surface. Exceedingly rare, and just under $5,600. 

​Last is “Reliability on the Race Track; Safety on the Street,” released in 1969. This conveys the dual personality of the Porsche with simplicity and strong colors. Value: $1,615.  

“Porsche Showroom Posters – The First 25 Years” is available on eBay as well as from VintageAutoPosters.com. All posters are direct-scanned for spot-on color accuracy. Limited to 550 copies and priced well at $89.50, they likely will go fast.
TS

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