Christophorus Moments: Long-Distance Pioneer

“Around the World in 28 Days.” When Christophorus reported on this record-setting feat 50 years ago, Gerhard Plattner was still largely unknown. It was only later that the journalist established himself as a long-distance driving expert, earning numerous entries in the Guinness Book of World Records. The 1976 journey marked the beginning of his extraordinary series of global adventures. Shortly after the debut of the Porsche 924, Plattner and former racing driver Rudi Lins set off eastward from Innsbruck on their circumnavigation of the globe, determined to return to their point of departure. Exactly 672 hours later, the 924 rolled back into Innsbruck, completing what was then the fastest round-the-world drive ever achieved by automobile. The driving time amounted to 18 days, covering 22,312 kilometers on the road – plus more than 20,000 kilometers of air travel spread over 10 days. At the time, Christophorus reported: “Without so much as the slightest scratch and (…) in such condition that, after the final inspection, the chief technical steward remarked, ‘You could set off immediately on a second trip around the world.’” The journey marked the beginning of a remarkable partnership between Porsche and Plattner. By 1992, Christophorus had published another 18 stories chronicling the Austrian’s adventures. Whether driving 28,000 kilometers in a 928, crossing the Sahara in a 944, or traveling from the world’s southernmost city to its northernmost in a 911 Carrera 4 (964), Plattner continues to inspire Porsche enthusiasts as one of the true pioneers of long-distance driving.