How many classic Porsches have you seen with a seemingly extraneous lock cylinder aft of the driver’s door? It’s a common sight on 944s and 924s, and occasionally crops up on other models. These archaic anti-theft systems are often broken, and are easily defeated. Indeed, the 944 system can be defeated without tools. Thankfully, Porsche is continuing to look out for the security of classic models. The currently-available GPS-based system used on current models is now being adapted to classic Porsches. The system is not yet available, but Porsche has one in development which includes GPS and smart-phone assisted monitoring for your classic Porsche.
Beyond a Basic Alarm
Even the best cared for, locked away Porsches are not always completely safe. Guy Newmark’s Million Mile 356 was stolen from his locked garage several years ago. While it was quickly recovered with the help of fellow enthusiasts, GPS tracking would only have expedited the process and helped save Guy the stress, waiting and hand-wringing he no-doubt suffered while waiting for his Porsche to be found.
The new system is sophisticated, and integrates several methodologies for securing your Porsche. The basic anti-theft system will trigger an alarm if the vehicle detects a theft attempt. If the alarm does not deter the thief, several other measures are then activated, including a nation-specific security center and GPS tracking.
How the System Secures Your Porsche
For instance, if the system detects that your Porsche’s battery has been disconnected, the alarm system will send an alert to the owner’s phone and to the international security center via the Porsche Classic app. If the owner confirms that the battery disconnect was unauthorized, the system then notifies the local authorities. An integrated GPS sensor tracks the vehicle’s route, and provides responders data to help track the vehicle.
Additionally, a wireless command which can be triggered from the app can prevent you Porsche from being started (think of it like a 993 immobilizer on steroids). Owners can use the app to set boundaries, a “Geofence” for the car, which can allow vehicles to be safely test-driven by a stranger. If the established boundaries are crossed, then you and authorities will be notified.
The system is not currently available, but is being developed for integration in classic models ranging from the 356 to the Carrera GT. 6-volt Porsche can be adapted using an available voltage-converter, also in development.
As the system is still in development, pricing information hasn’t been released. We will update as more information is released. Porsche says the system will become available in Europe beginning in the Spring of 2018. A North American release date has not yet been announced.
