Porsche is joined by Sun Nan to celebrate the birthday of a legend in the illustrious grounds of the Forbidden City

BEIJING and SHANGHAI--Nov. 7, 2013: At first glance, they are three digits - nothing more than a logo. And yet, the three digits of "911" represent a legendary sports car concept that has stood the test of time. For 50 years, the Porsche 911 has been the world's iconic sports car and this esteemed history was celebrated in style with a prestigious gala event at the Forbidden City in Beijing, within the walls of the world-famous Taimiao.

To celebrate the centerpiece of the Porsche brand on its 50th Birthday, special guests from across the Porsche world were in attendance. Hosting the evening was the Chief Executive Officer of Porsche China, Mr. Deesch Papke. "I can still remember the first time I heard a 911, and the first time I drove one," he said. "These are memories that run deeper than simply driving a performance car - because when you drive a 911, you are driving a piece of motoring folklore: you are seated in a piece of history, as well as a symbol of the future."

To further elaborate on this historic sports car, Mr Achim Stejskal, the Head of the Porsche Museum, was present. Many of the most famous 911 models now reside at this iconic location and the historic impact of this incredible sports car was most evident when he noted, "More than 820,000 units of the 911 have been produced at our factory in Zuffenhausen since 1963. No other sports car in the world has ever been so well-received by automobile enthusiasts."

On arrival at Taimiao, guests were greeted by a display of an exclusive new Porsche 911 model, released especially for this occasion: The new Porsche 911 50th Anniversary Edition. Boasting the famed six-cylinder Boxer engine located in the rear, like all the ancestors before it, this new special edition uses a seven-speed PDK transmission and displacement of 3,800 cm3 to unleash 294 kW (400 bhp), acceleration to 100 km/h in only 4.3 seconds and a maximum speed of 298 km/h. However, spine-tingling performance is only the start of the features that offer homage to the heritage of the 911.

The exterior of the Porsche 911 50th Anniversary Edition is noticeably 44 millimeters wider at the back than the 911 Carrera S, allowing greater road holding especially at high speeds and when cornering fast. Moving to the interior, high-quality materials have always been the hallmark of the 911 and this new special edition is no exception: a classic interior package blends leather and aluminum to a stylish effect that only Porsche can achieve. The seats are an undoubted highlight, using an iconic material and pattern from the first 911 models: the so-called "Pepita" - a two-tone woven textile with a small diamond pattern that is unmistakably Porsche. Celebrating the birth date of the 911, the production run of the 911 50th Anniversary Edition will be strictly limited to 1,963 vehicles - the likes of which will never be seen again.

As the night drew to a close, the acclaimed Chinese performer Sun Nan provided a memorable performance for guests and closed by singing "Happy Birthday" to the Porsche 911. Mr. Deesch Papke and five Porsche Centre General Managers then took turns to cut the birthday cake that marked the occasion.