What is the Porsche tartan collection?

How the historic tartan pattern made its way into the latest Porsche anniversary collections

September 6, 2024

Porsche Style Department trim cards for Louise Piech's 911 Turbo Nr. 1

Tartan is a symbol of tradition, craftsmanship and timeless style. But what does a fabric with deep Scottish roots have to do with Porsche? From an exclusive design option on the first 911 Turbo model in 1975 to its role in the latest Porsche Collection, this is the story of tartan at Porsche

Tartan is traditionally associated with Scotland, where the distinctive criss-cross patterns of different clans symbolise identity, belonging and pride. For Porsche, tartan represents these same values, carrying with it a legacy of quality and design excellence. Fifty years ago, the first Porsche 911 Turbo was launched, starting out with three exclusive tartan patterns. Although the tartan fabrics were later replaced by other designs and materials, this was the beginning of an enduring association between Porsche and tartan.

Car door interior covered in McLaughlin tartan fabric — The McLaughlin tartan was a design highlight of the 911 Turbo Nr. 1. Now, it makes a comeback in the Porsche Design Turbo No. 1 Collection

It all began with Anatole Lapine’s tartan trousers

The introduction of tartan to Porsche interiors came from an unlikely source: a pair of tartan trousers worn by Anatole Lapine, chief designer at Porsche at the time. Inspired by his bold style choice, the design team decided to explore how this classic pattern could add a unique flair to the interiors of their cars. Unfortunately, the traditional Scottish mills couldn’t provide the durability required for the car’s interior fabric. So it wasn’t until Dorothea Müller-Goodwyn – Porsche stylist from 1970 to 1975 – found a supplier in Germany that Porsche finally found a fabric suitable for series production. One that met the requirements for lightfastness and abrasion resistance, while still capturing the spirit of traditional tartan.

Tartan interior on the new Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years anniversary model — To celebrate 50 years of Turbo, the new 911 Turbo 50 Years anniversary model features a classic tartan fabric similar to that of the original Turbo models, reinterpreted for the car’s modern interior

A historic debut for the Porsche tartan fabric

At the 1973 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Porsche unveiled the 911 RSR Turbo concept car, which featured an upholstery fabric inspired by the Black Watch tartan in a blue, green and black pattern. Two more patterns were soon added to the collection: the McLaughlin (also known as MacLachlan) tartan in a bold red and blue, and the Mackenzie tartan in shades of beige, red, blue, white and olive green.

The tartan interiors quickly became a distinctive feature of the Porsche high performance models, most notably in the 911 Turbo ‘No. 1’ gifted to Louise Piëch for her 70th birthday in 1974. This car featured a unique combination of silver bodywork and brick-red leather seats with McLaughlin tartan accents, showing how tartan could be both classic and daring in the Porsche world.

Woman modelling Porsche Turbo No. 1 Collection — From the road to the runway, the evolution of Porsche tartan fabric has been nothing if not extraordinary. Here, the Porsche Turbo No. 1 Collection shines, contrasted against the classic Porsche Turbo No. 1 which used to belong to Louise Piëch

The “Louise” Turbo, which was named after her, was given a few unique features with her in mind. For example, only the side windows and the rear window were tinted. This allowed Louise, who was a passionate painter, to see the landscapes in their natural colours through the windscreen on her trips up into the Austrian mountains. The interior of this special 911 Turbo model featured the now legendary tartan pattern. This covered practically the entire interior and also inspired the Porsche anniversary Lifestyle Collection.

Porsche Turbo No. 1 Collection — A highlight of the collection is a stylish pair of sunglasses featuring the iconic tartan fabric colours

The 911 Turbo 50 Years as a modern nod to tradition

The tartan legacy now continues in the special edition 911 Turbo 50 Years, a model that beautifully blends Porsche heritage with modern innovation. The interior of this limited edition is inspired by the Dress Mackenzie tartan, but reinterpreted with a new colour scheme for the 18-way adaptive Sports Seats Plus seat centres and interior door panels.

The tartan accents are complemented by the signature Turbonite colour, which appears in subtle decorative stitching on the dashboard, floor mats and door sills, along with trim strips, the PDK gear selector and seat belts. This seamless integration of tradition and modernity makes the 911 Turbo 50 Years a striking tribute to the brand’s past – and a direction for its future.

Now, tartan takes centre stage in the Porsche 50 Year Turbo Collection

To celebrate 50 years of Turbo performance, the Porsche tartan has made its way off the road and into fashion with the Porsche 50 Year Turbo Collection. This exclusive collection features clothing and accessories that reinterpret the classic tartan for a modern audience.

A highlight of the collection is the special edition Porsche Design P' 8928 Turbonite eyewear, inspired by the Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years anniversary model. To underline this major celebration and make the cars even more unique, all new Porsche Turbo models feature an exclusive version of the modernised crest in the colour Turbonite.

Porsche 50 Year Turbo Collection sunglasses — The epitome of modern style and sophistication, these exclusive sunglasses from Porsche Design feature an innovative interchangeable lens mechanism – complete with a square aviator shape and lightweight 100% titanium frame

For those who want to travel in style, the collection also includes a travel bag. The piece allows Porsche fans to carry the brand’s heritage with them wherever they go, whether in the driver’s seat or on the road.

Consumption and emission information

911 Turbo 50 Years (WLTP): Fuel consumption combined: 12.5 – 12.3 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 283 – 278 g/km; CO₂ class: G.

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