What Is It Like To Drive The £188,000 Porsche 911 Spirit 70?

The best way to test drive the retro-inspired Porsche 911 Spirit 70? A psychedelic drive back in time across the Isle of Wight, of course.

Test Drive: Porsche 911 Spirit 70

JT: The ferry must have worked overtime when the Isle of Wight Festival took place in 1970. They say more than 600,000 hipsters made the short crossing to watch Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell and music legends like Jethro Tull go crazy in a field.

JT-P: Jethro Tull? Didn’t that band feature Ian Anderson wearing tights and a codpiece, while playing the flute standing on one leg?

An enduring image. I interviewed him recently – apparently the codpiece was never washed, which no doubt helped keep his fans at a safe distance. Moving on, the 1970 festival was the biggest on the island, before an Act of Parliament banned such large gatherings.

And if you were a rock star legend, you might have bought a new 911 sports car. Porsche had just won its first Le Mans race in 1970, so 911 sales quickly took off. Which is why we are driving to the Isle of Wight in a seventies-inspired car featuring some very funky seats?

Indeed, iconic Pascha check trim and lashings of decals have been applied to the latest 911 cabriolet. It’s the third of four limited edition 911s, each marking a decade in the life of the world’s most enduring sports car.

Groovy. Although, at £188,000 you might also expect a time machine to transport you back to the era of flared trousers and high waistbands.

True, but it is a fairly exclusive vehicle. Just 1,500 will be built. Various colours are available but our Olive Nero car did look sensational on the Red Funnel ferry from Southampton. I’m not entirely sure about the decals but if you are intending to make a statement, this is the motor.

The Isle of Wight Festival will return next summer, but our journey was more of a cultural adventure. It only takes 45 minutes to sail across the Solent. Enjoy a coffee in the Signature Lounge as Cowes comes into view on the bow.

First stop, Osborne House. Former island getaway for Queen Victoria, this sprawling property houses an eclectic mix of royal artefacts. It’s busy and you may want to escape the crowds in the walled garden.

An alternative, quieter property is Farringford at Freshwater Bay on the west coast. This Gothic mansion was home to Alfred, Lord Tennyson; he wrote his famous ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’ in the library.

A fantastic tour in a beautifully restored building. Another epic walled garden to explore and, nearby, make time to visit Dimbola Museum and Galleries. This was the home of pioneering photographer, Julia Margaret Cameron, renowned for her portraits.

The house was a gathering place for Bohemian types, from Tennyson to Lewis Carroll. It also boasts a great exhibition on the Isle of Wight Festival. Plus a scrummy tearoom.

Or you can enjoy afternoon tea at, well, perhaps the home of afternoon tea, The Royal Hotel in Ventnor. Queen Victoria came here to enjoy a break in the splendid gardens, helping to popularise a great British tradition.

The Royal is like stepping back in time. Ventnor has lost much of its Victorian charm but the hotel remains a favourite with loyal guests. Islanders also travel here to enjoy a slap up supper.

The Gallybagger cheese souffle is legendary – finish with a slice of rhubarb and custard cheesecake.

If you must dine with a sea view, head back up the west coast to The Hut at Colwell. Perhaps the Isle of Wight’s best kept secret, this beachside seafood restaurant has everything, including a view to die for.

As landlubbers, we arrived in our retro green machine. However, during the summer, many ‘salties’ arrive by boat and ferry to a jetty by the restaurant’s own launch. It’s a must-visit location for an epic sunset.

Once a rustic beach bar for locals, The Hut now packs in punters from the mainland who enjoy the adventure of getting there as much as the food. Non-drivers can start with a signature Painkiller cocktail (rum, coconut and assorted fruit juices), move on to a scallop and pork belly starter, pig out on assorted lobster and finish on treacle tart.

Yummy. Not quite what festival-goers enjoyed in 1970! I think soap was in scarce supply too.

Especially unpleasant for Ian Anderson and his codpiece…

Sail with redfunnel.co.uk (from £67 return with a car), stay at royalhoteliow.co.uk and eat at thehutcolwell.co.uk

Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.