Porsche Just Took Over Austria’s Best Road

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is one of Detour’s favourite drives, and now it appears that Porsche is a big fan as well.

To mark the summer season for the FAT Mankei restaurant, which first opened in 2023, an incredible convoy of Porsches descended on Austria’s most amazing alpine road. FAT Mankei is described as “the ultimate rest spot to take in breathtaking scenic views along one of Austria’s greatest driving roads” and was the idea of Ferdinand Porsche, the namesake grandson of the company’s founder.

“The response we have received over the last two years has been nothing short of overwhelming,” he says. “When we established FAT International, the vision was to create a brand that encompasses all aspects of car culture, so when the opportunity came to establish FAT Mankei as a rest area and hang-out spot on arguably one of the world’s greatest driving roads, we could not say no. We have worked tirelessly to expand not only the parking and access, but also the frequency of events for those wanting to experience it first-hand. To welcome the Porsche community here across two days – and bring together a huge range of iconic cars from our history – is a surreal experience but one that should be embraced and shared with others.”

Back in the early days of Porsche, founder Ferry would often take cars up the Grossglockner to test their performance at altitude, and hundreds of fans of the marque followed in his wheeltracks over a unique weekend in the mountains. Enthusiasts were able to drive the Taycan Turbo GT, 911 GT3 RS and 911 GT3 through the Grossglockner’s hairpins, while a host of historic road and race cars were also on display. What’s more the original road legal Le Mans car, the Porsche 917K was joined by the new 963 RSP, Porsche’s modern take on the idea.

“The Grossglockner is a road that can be enjoyed at any speed, in any vehicle and by any driver or rider,” adds Porsche, but let’s face it, it’s better if you’re behind the wheel of something special from Stuttgart.

Photography Porsche

---