It’s a bit of an understatement to say Porsche has a thing for the color blue. Since the company’s start in 1931, they’ve released well north of 70 unique shades that have adorned everything from the 356 to the Cayenne. But no car has benefitted from Porsche’s Eiffel 65 tendencies more than the 911. Ever since it started rolling off the line in ’63, the car has felt like it was meant to be coated in blue paint.
The best example in recent memory of this, perhaps, is the 911 Targa Design Edition, released last year in Etna blue — a flat, light-toned callback to an original paint chip from the 356. We liked the color at first sight, sure. But was it the best blue for the car? An argument in the Gear Patrol office ensued, and after a couple hours and a few broken bones, we ended up with the list of highlights and lowlights provided below — with context where necessary.
1. Oslo
Oslo is a great place. It’s the capital of the world’s fourth-happiest nation and home of the oldest ski museum in the world. It’s also the best 911 blue paint chip there’s ever been. It’s dark but not too dark, vibrant but not too vibrant, flat but not boring. It works best on air-cooled versions with lots of brightwork, but catch a 997 Turbo in Oslo and you’ll realize why it’s number one.
2. Aga
Like a navy blue suit, Aga’s part of the reserved old guard that helps keep pre-’70s 911s classified as timeless.
