This weekend, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will feature a striking visual departure from the standard racing aesthetics. Two Porsche 963 race cars will take to the track at Laguna Seca sporting a special, one-time Apple Computer livery —a design that bridges decades of automotive and technological history.
A Nod to Racing Heritage
The aesthetic is not merely a modern marketing exercise; it is a deliberate homage to a piece of motorsport history. The design draws direct inspiration from the 1980 Porsche 935 K3, a customer-owned racing machine that famously carried the Apple logo during the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
By reviving this look, Porsche is connecting its modern GTP-class machinery to its golden era of endurance racing. The new livery features:
– The iconic, colorful Apple logo positioned prominently on the roof.
– Bold, multi-colored accents sweeping across the fenders, hood, bumpers, and the car’s fin.
– A high-contrast palette that plays against the 963’s white body and black accents.
Celebrating Dual Milestones
The collaboration serves as a dual celebration of two major corporate anniversaries arriving in 2026:
1. Porsche’s 75th Anniversary, marking seven and a half decades of automotive engineering.
2. Apple’s 50th Anniversary, celebrating half a century since the company’s founding.
This partnership highlights a long-standing relationship between the two brands. As noted by Apple’s Vice President of Apple Music, Sport, and Beats, the connection dates back to that original 1980 appearance, representing a shared history of innovation and creativity.
Why This Matters in Modern Racing
In an era where racing liveries are often dominated by heavy corporate branding and complex sponsor decals, a “retro” throwback offers a refreshing sense of storytelling. It transforms a race car from a mere mobile billboard into a moving piece of cultural history. This move leverages nostalgia —a powerful tool in both the tech and automotive industries—to engage long-time enthusiasts while creating a visually stunning spectacle for new fans.
“That moment [in 1980] marked the beginning of a shared passion for innovation and creativity that continues to define our collaboration today.”
Event Details
The two specially liveried Porsche 963s will compete in the GTP class during the fourth round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship on May 3.
Conclusion
By blending 1980s nostalgia with cutting-edge racing technology, Porsche and Apple are celebrating more than just anniversaries; they are reinforcing a decades-old bond through a visually striking tribute to their shared history of innovation.
