Daily Slideshow: These '80s and '90s Gemballa Porsches Will Take You Back
Because there's nothing that screams '80s and '90s like these wild custom Porsches!
33 Years of Porsche Tuning Excellence
Gemballa is one of the oldest Porsche tuners in existence, getting their start way back in 1981. Since then, they've produced a huge variety of bespoke cars based on virtually every Porsche model, as well as a handful from other manufacturers. The German tuner has remained prominent on the scene today by bringing a host of innovations to market over those 33 years. We thought it would be fun to take a look back at how the styling of their many Porsche creations has evolved over that time frame. So break out your Member's Only jacket, flip on some David Bowie, and enjoy!
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Success Comes Quickly
Gemballa actually got their start in 1979 fashioning custom interiors for BMW and Porsche models. Not only with loads of leather and other exotic fabrics, but also using state-of-the-art audio and video equipment. The company did so well that by 1981, they were incorporated and began to focus on producing aero for the 911, 924, and 928. That includes the use of flat-nose fronts, as well as pioneering the use of LED lighting as early as 1982.
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Innovation Keeps Coming
In 1983, Gemballa developed its first steering wheel controls for audio systems, something that virtually every car has today. But it was two years later, in 1985, when the company finally gained world fame with its Avalanche model, based on the 911 and 930. And the very next year, Gemballa completed another world-first by using a rear-mounted camera and TV screen to replace the door mirrors.
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Staying Ahead of the (Wind) Curve
In 1989, Gemballa develops its first 964 "Turbo-look" cars following extensive testing. Work continues on developing things like upgraded air conditioning systems, multi-media, and even fax machines incorporated into automotive builds. Extensive aerodynamic testing remains a focus, however, especially as the Porsche 964 evolves over the years.
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Extremo Performance...and Cost
To make good use of that aero, Gemballa introduced its first twin-turbo conversion for the Porsche 911 in 1994, alongside a host of aerodynamic and technology packages for the Porsche 993. To show off what they had learned so far, Gemballa built what they called the "Extremo," a promotional vehicle with a million dollar price tag.
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Winds of Change
In 1997, Gemballa rolled out their technology and aerodynamic packages for the Porsche 996. They also made another big move, literally, moving their headquarters to the current Leonberg location in 1998. And they couldn't ignore the latest (and very important) Boxster, introducing a variety of packages for Porsche's savior almost as soon as it rolled off the assembly line.
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At the dawn of the new century
As the '90s came to a close, Gemballa introduced their beastly GTR to the world. But the 996-based ride was only the next iteration of what continues to be a successful lineup today. Through the nearly two decades that have passed since Gemballa continues to push the envelope in regards to what's possible in the world of Porsche performance. And we imagine that trend will continue for many decades to come!
>>Join the conversation about the Gemballa Porsches of the Past right here in Rennlist.com.
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