Porsche is a titan among automotive manufacturers, known for relentlessly pursuing excellence and innovation. With a history filled with motorsport success and engineering prowess, Porsche has solidified its position as a leader in the industry. However, behind the scenes of every successful company lie countless ideas that never see the light of day. Let’s look at 15 cars that Porsche imagined but never built.

Porsche 984

The Porsche 984, a compact sports car with a mid-engine layout, was intended to give the Mazda Miata a run for its money. Designers planned a mid-engine layout, optional all-wheel-drive and a hard top to ensure exceptional handling and balance. Financial concerns ultimately led to the project’s cancellation. The car would have featured a lightweight body and a modest engine.

Porsche 989

In the late 1980s, Porsche developed the 989, a four-door luxury sedan that aimed to combine sports car performance with sedan practicality. Shifting priorities and budget constraints slowed its development despite significant progress. This 989 was poised to be a flagship model, and its cancellation remains a significant ‘what-if’ in Porsche’s history.

Porsche 754

Ferry Porsche rejected the rear parts of his son Ferdinand Alexander’s design of the 754 due to its four-seat layout, preferring a 2+2 configuration. Its rear design was scrapped, which led to the creation of the 901. Then, it debuted in 1963 with a shortened wheelbase of 2.2m from the 754’s 2.4m.

Porsche FLA

When Porsche wondered if a car could be eternal, the FLA was the answer. Originally named Forschungsprojekt Langzeit-Auto, which stands for ‘long-term research project.’ The FLA aimed to create a car that could last 20 years and 300,000 km, a stark contrast to many cars at the time that deteriorated within five years. In collaboration with the German government’s Ministry for Research and Development, the FLA debuted at the 1973 Frankfurt Motor Show, sparking significant discussion.

1966 Porsche 911 Roadster Bertone

Bertone created a convertible version of the Porsche 911 called the 911 Roadster Bertone. This model featured a luxurious interior and was showcased at the 1966 Geneva show. Regardless of generating interest, no firm orders were placed, likely due to Porsche introducing its new 911 Targa model soon.

Porsche 911 HLS

Just three years after launching the 901 coupé, later renamed the 911, Porsche collaborated with the University of Aachen. The company then developed the HLS, a concept vastly different from the 911 with a pointed nose and canopy instead of doors, though it retained standard 911 mechanical parts. This prototype never made it to production, but 911 expert Manfred Hering purchased it in 2014 for restoration.

Porsche 960

Dubbed the Porsche 960, Porsche considered a mid-engine supercar to compete with Ferrari and Lamborghini. It was envisioned with lightweight construction and a powerful engine. However, Porsche felt it would detract from their core sports car lineup, leading to its abandonment.

Porsche 995

Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research and Technology tasked Porsche with envisioning a future sports car. The goal was to create a four-seat sports car focusing on fuel economy, safety, and noise emissions. Porsche’s design, resembling a 928, housed a 2.2-litre four-cylinder, 16-valve engine with a five-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It was expected to reach 125mph and achieve over 32mpg in fuel economy.

Porsche Tapiro

Porsche joined forces with Giorgetto Giugiaro and Ital Design to create the Tapiro, a wedge-style design that debuted at the Turin Motor Show in 1970. Built on a Porsche 914/6 platform, the Tapiro had a claimed top speed of 152mph, featured aerodynamic efficiency, and had dramatic gullwing doors. After being sold to a Spanish customer, more were never made.

Porsche C29

The Porsche C29, an aerodynamic study vehicle from 1982, laid the foundation for the iconic 959 supercar of the 1980s. Although the C29 was not produced, it was a prototype for the 959, debuting at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show. The C29 underwent extensive wind tunnel testing in 1982, refining its shape to achieve a drag coefficient of 0.31Cd. This research led to innovations like the flush-fitting windscreen and underbody plastics that contributed to the 959’s top speed of 197mph.

Porsche 542

In alliance with Studebaker to create a smaller, more efficient four-door saloon car, Porsche built four prototypes of the 542. These cars were designed with innovative engineering, such as a 3-litre V6 engine and independent suspension. However, Studebaker, facing financial difficulties and market uncertainties, opted for more conventional models, thereby shelving the 542.

Porsche Murene

A collaboration between Jacques Cooper and Paul Bracq, the Porsche Murene was a sleek coupe based on the 914/6. Even with its innovative features, such as a double-hinged rear glass section, Porsche showed no interest in commissioning the car after its debut at the 1970 Paris show. Left in storage, the Murene was eventually restored by Heuliez in the 2000s and sold at auction in 2012.

Porsche 935 Street

Upon introducing Porsche’s exclusive program, customers were offered extensive customization options, the first of which was the 935. Ordered by Mansour Ojjeh, whose company TAG sponsored the Williams Formula One team, the car featured an uprated engine and 935 race-style bodywork. It achieved a top speed of 178 mph and 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds. Along with its racing-car features like a roll cage and race harnesses, the 935 Street also included luxurious touches such as a wooden dash panel and central locking.

The Porsche 917 

Porsche 917 was envisioned to focus on affordability, featuring a streamlined design and efficient engineering. It featured a balanced chassis, innovative aerodynamics, and a range of smaller, efficient engines to maintain performance standards while reducing costs. The 917 concept remains a fascinating “what could have been” in Porsche’s history.

The Porsche 928 H50

In a bid to create a four-door version of the Porsche 928 to explore the potential of expanding the model’s market, the 928 H50 was designed by Harm Lagaay. The H50 was built with an extended wheelbase and additional rear doors, maintaining Porsche’s sleek, sporty design. Despite its innovative design, the project was halted due to concerns over market demand and the high cost of production.