Driving a classic Porsche is undoubtedly a unique experience, with the elegance and sleek exteriors of a vintage marque, the incredible attention to detailing and style, and the feel of a powerful sports machine built for luxury.
However, for many drivers, the lack of convenience can be a niggle without the in-built GPS navigation, compatibility with smartphones and music libraries, or hands-free communications that make it easier to catch up with tasks, answer calls safely and access entertainment on the road.
In this guide from Porsche OEM parts specialists Design911, they highlight some of the latest tech that provides the best of both worlds, introducing modern systems into vintage cars with zero need to disturb original panelling and interiors.
Guidance on Updating a Classic Porsche to Integrate With Modern Electronics
We speak with countless clients who collect vintage Porsche models or have spent years lovingly restoring a heritage car and for whom compromising on the features that were incorporated in the vehicle when it first rolled off the production line would be unthinkable.
That said, there is no question that analogue dashboards have limitations, and it’s increasingly difficult to find old-school tapes for decks or accept that charging a device or being able to respond to calls is a sacrifice worth making. Revolutionising your Porsche interior with these subtle yet powerful updates allows owners to keep original features while integrating conveniences that make driving a pleasure.
Against this background, we developed a Porsche adaptor that slots perfectly into an original cigarette lighter. This transforms a largely redundant yet authentic feature into a truly useful USB adaptor that is compatible with every modern device and does not require any modification to the timeless interior of your car.
With the precision engineering we stand for, we’ve created not only a USB adaptor that works in any Porsche vintage but have also put design expertise into thinking about the aesthetic and visual appeal of each charger—using a design that mimics that of the original classic Porsche cigarette lighter.
However, once you pop open the cap, you'll find a ready-to-go USB-A and C port cleverly concealed beneath this convincing exterior. Here, you can connect a phone, tablet, or any device and benefit from charging as you drive.
The Design Details Within the Porsche Lighter Port to Charging Cable Device
Our sourcing experts and customer service teams inspired the manufacture of this innovative device, noting that so many off-the-shelf and generic models worked, but in a limited way, or were suited to some Porsche models but not others.
Even a cheap and cheerful charging device becomes less attractive when you need to exchange and return it multiple times, only to end up with an unreliable, wobbly, and less-than-elegant feature that clashes with the smooth, seamless lines of your dashboard.
Design911 decided we wanted to make something absolutely perfect and up to the sky-high expectations Porsche drivers have for all things luxury, automotive and convenient:
A highly compatible solution that would integrate easily into a broad range of Porsche models, with our charging device compatible with everything from the 911 SC manufactured from 1974 onwards to the Boxster and 996.
A modern device that wouldn’t prove a distraction, require any fiddly installation, or command any alterations to the original interior. The device fits perfectly into the original lighter dock and remains solid and robust with no rattling or loose fitting.
A way for Porsche enthusiasts to preserve the driving experience and the retro charm of a classic cabin with no wires in sight. Each device has a cap that resembles the original period feature, performing with purpose without any further connections or leads.
Another hugely important aspect was to create a device that wouldn’t impact the value, collectability or appeal of a vintage Porsche, appreciating the enormous amount of time, effort and investment restoration connoisseurs spend on every tiny detail.
Rather than acting as a replacement, the charging port can be interchanged with the original and is discreet enough to pop in the dash as a backup if you find your battery swirling down to zero on a longer drive or to keep on hand if you're planning to use it daily, with the original available should you ever decide to sell.
Alternative Ways to Modernise a Classic Porsche
Of course, if you feel that your original Porsche would be more fun to drive with leather seating, a cutting-edge stereo system, powerful air conditioning or additional features to bring the cabin into the modern era, there is nothing holding you back.
We stock an extensive range of performance upgrades, interior and entertainment gadgets and features, and highly modern LED headlights and taillights, which fit into the original buckets while providing advanced illuminations suited to the modern road.
Porsche drivers might also opt to upgrade their suspension, customise the bodywork or interior, or even retrofit an engine with a supercharged alternative packed with modern tech. The newly opened Design911 Porsche Warehouse Workshop is on hand to advise on any such projects, from minor repairs to major restorations, and can recommend the best parts and components based on your aspirations.
A lot might depend on the age, model, and mileage of your Porsche since some very rare models are worth a considerable amount to the right collector. We'd suggest you proceed with caution if you're considering stripping out original parts that are no longer in production, would be impossible to replace, or would substantially impact the valuation of your car.
However, the joy of Porsche is all about celebrating the thrill of the open road, the experience of driving a machine built for speed, and the inherent style and grace that classic and vintage Porsches are known for the world over.
For the purist, our cigarette lighter to USB adaptor is precision-engineered to provide the practicalities of present-day charging functionality while preserving and respecting the originality and focus on design excellence that many Porsche lovers appreciate.
Read more about Design911 - Design911, Leading Porsche Parts Supplier & Repair Specialist, Makes Landmark Move With Employee Ownership Transfer
About Design911
Design911 has established itself as the market leader, offering trade and retail customers a full range of OEM and aftermarket Porsche parts for general servicing and rebuild as well as restoration and tuning for the UK, European and world-wide markets. The Design911.co.uk website now sports a Porsche parts finder to help you get the exact aftermarket Porsche part your need. The company's impressive 34,000 sq. ft Essex headquarters comprise sales department, warehouse, workshop and body shop, as well as a showroom of classic Porsches for sale. We pride ourselves that we will be the company that can supply 'every part for every Porsche'.
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Source Company: https://www.design911.co.uk
