When “Porsche By Design: Seducing Speed” officially opened last month we brought you coverage of the opening day events. Now, FLATSIXES.com contributor Ronald Sieber prepared the images and post below for those of you who haven’t or can’t attend. Ron has had the privilege of acting as a docent for the exhibit and has spent considerable time with these magnificent Porsches. His report follows the gallery below. Remember, you can click on any image for a larger version and when you’re ready to come back to the post simply click the “x” in the top left corner of your screen.
The Porsche exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh is a feast for the eyes, and viewing the photos and videos provided at the museum’s website prior to visiting will set the stage for a richer experience. The NCMA web address is:
http://ncartmuseum.org/exhibition/porsche-by-design-seducing-speed.
Ken Gross collaborated with Barbara Weidemann, Director of Publications at the museum, to set this show up, and the result is a fine collection of historically significant rolling sculpture. Raleigh is being treated to a rare close-up view of cars that almost never leave their cloistered homes, so this exhibit is special.
One example is the Typ 64, Professor Porsche’s 1938 Berlin-Rom racer. This is the only remaining example of three such cars, making its value somewhere north of priceless, and this is its first visit to the United States. Although it is technically not a Porsche, its shape forms a conceptual bridge connecting Professor Porsche’s “People’s Car” of 1936 to the Porsche Typ 356/2 that was the Porsche company’s first production car.
That very next car in the exhibit, the 1949 Gmünd-built Typ 356/2 coupe is so special that it is on display in its own room. So much has come from this Porsche’s sawdust-floor beginning in the village of Gmünd, Austria!
Beyond this point, the rooms open up to exhibit an intermixed group of rear- or mid-engined street and race prepared Porsches from the 1950s, 60s, and so on up to the exhibit’s latest model, the 2010 911 GT3 Hybrid. Although there is not a strict chronological progression in the arrangement, the variety presents some interesting comparisons and provokes lively discussions.
Porsche’s trademark body contours from the Typ 356, 550, and other early models inform the designs that are being produced today. Porsche’s dedication to lightness and efficiency and its focus on big power from small engines are apparent in each of the cars displayed.
Local members of the Hurricane Region PCA have served as volunteer docents for several events at this show, so visitors get their questions answered with alacrity. The crowds have been numerous and engaging. Car clubs, fine arts associations, business groups, and even schools are turning out for this event, and it promises to be a memorable occasion for the museum.
Appreciation for cars as an art form is evident within these halls; the lighting and staging uncover the essence of these automobiles. Porsche By Design: Seducing Speed will be on exhibit at the NCMA until January 20, 2014. This rare assemblage of Porsches from various points around the world is well worth the visit!
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