Old classic cars usually undergo restoration to extend their lives. Owners want them to look new while retaining their classic looks. How about doing the reverse for the latest modern cars? Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and Porsche Classic could implement this with their new Patina To Paint Sample finish. But then, it’s the first of April, and Porsche just pulled a good April Fools' joke on YouTube.
An April Fool's Joke On YouTube
Porsche uploaded a two-and-a-half minute video titled "Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur & Porsche Classic Present: Patina Paint To Sample." At first glance, the stunt seemed so real, as the YouTube video also comes with a serious description of the newest offering from the German sports car maker: "We’re delighted to unveil the latest in paint technology, to make our Patina Paint To Sample offering a reality."
In addition, Porsche was able to make the video credible by having actual heads of its two divisions do the talking. The video was graced by the presence of Ulrike Lutz, chief of Porsche Classic, and Boris Apenbrink, chief of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. If these division chiefs said so, it must be real. However, the video was posted April 1.
A Credible Joke For A Good Laugh?
Looking at the comments on the video, Porsche's stunt actually managed to trick some viewers. A few were even pissed that Porsche "is" offering this finish to its customers. Many praised the professional way that Porsche pulled off its April Fools' joke, with some even jesting that customers should avail of the one-day offer, as it's good only for the first of April.
Porsche's PR guys really deserve a good clap for this joke well done. Not only that they convinced the big wigs to participate, but were also able to make the whole stunt thrive temporarily in the world of reality by having an actual Porsche sports painted like it was being eaten by patina and rust.
That's How It’s Done, VW
It's amazing that Porsche proceeded with its April Fools' stunt even after its Volkswagen brethren—yes, both belong to the same group—that received backlash from its too-early-for-April 'Voltswagen' stunt. Porsche's PR team was much better at making a good joke, while VW's turned into a suicide squad, turning the brand into the joke.
Source: Porsche on YouTube