British Legend Edition 911s celebrate Porsche's Le Mans-winning Brits

Two of Goodwood’s all-time favourite people have been known from time to time to steer Porsches to victory at Le Mans which is the raison d’etre behind the ‘British Legends Edition’ 911 Carrera 4 GTS, launched today.

Not only Richard and Derek, but Nick Tandy too, representing the trio of Brits who have won the 24 Hours classic for Porsche – first off with Richard in the 917 in 1970, then Derek (a Porsche-borne winner in 1981, 1982, 1986 and 1987), and new-boy Tandy who won in 2015. As Porsche says, British drivers have played an important role in delivering the marque’s unrivalled total of 19 wins in the French classic.

And that’s what the new limited-edition 911 models are all about. They are GTSs but each bespoke with added touches that reflect the drivers, and the cars they won in at Le Mans.

Richard Attwood’s 911 is Guards Red after his ‘Porsche Salzburg’ red-and-white liveried 917 that delivered Porsche’s first-ever victory at La Sarthe in 1970. Derek’s car is blue after the Rothmans blue, white, red and gold livery of his 956 of 1982. And Nick Tandy’s white, black and grey 919 is recalled by a Carrara (as in the marble) White metallic finish on his British Legends Edition.

Each of the all-wheel-drive cars gets a Union flag symbol combined with the driver’s signature, Alcantara interior trim, centre-lock wheels and body graphics that include the number of the Le Mans winner.

Mechanically they are standard 444bhp GTS models but with standard Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, Sport Chrono package including dynamic engine mounts, switchable, modified sports exhaust system, LED Dynamic Light System Plus and the SportDesign package with an extended rear spoiler. Each car can be had either as a manual or PDK. Prices go from £122,376 – so around £21k more than a standard GTS – and the cars are available to order now.

As the video makes clear, the British element behind Porsche’s success at Le Mans is not just with the drivers but with the number of cheering British fans who make the pilgrimage every year. If you are going to Le Mans next year to mark the 48th anniversary of Richard Attwood’s win there, then what better transport than a Richard Attwood edition 911 GTS?