2004 Porsche 911 and Boxster S Anniversary Editions

Car companies love conjuring commemorative/ anniversary/pace-car editions intended to celebrate some birthday or event in a model's history, real or imagined. These packages usually fall short of the occasion, composed of little more than a "special" paint color, embroidered floormats, and the obligatory badging. Seldom are these not-so-special editions more desirable than any other.

Porsche does this gig better than most, not only brewing up an interesting mix of equipment and trim, but adding performance hardware, sequential numbering, and other features that make these celebratory cars legitimately special. Several have, in fact, become highly sought collectibles.

The 911 premiered at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1963 as a 1964 model, and Stuttgart is marking the moment with an amped-up version of the Carrera. Just 1963 (get it?) 40th Anniversary 911s will be built. Notice that we didn't say Carrera, as this car will be badged, for the first time since the launch of the 996 platform, as a 911. They're all painted GT Silver and carry the X51 power pack option, upping the horsepower from 315 to 345; this alone runs $13,990 on a standard Carrera.

Also included on the 40th Anniversary model are the normally optional sport suspension, shot-blasted and polished 18-inch wheels, GT3 rocker panels, and Bi-Xenon headlamps. Interior refinements include splashy aluminum doorsills, upgraded leather, heated sport seats, and aluminum-finished instrument rings and door pulls; several other interior pieces are painted body color. Lest we forget those badges, the one on the console denotes each car's place in the build of those 1963 units.