Royal Thrill Ride: Prince Carl Philip Fulfills Childhood Dream Driving Legendary Porsche 962 C

Prince Carl Philip of Sweden recently experienced a lifelong ambition come true, taking the wheel of the iconic Porsche 962 C racing car. The Swedish royal, a seasoned competitor in the Porsche Carrera Cup, had the rare opportunity to drive the legendary machine at the closing round of the 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia season at Mantorp Park. This event marked a significant moment, blending royal passion with motorsport heritage.

Key Takeaways

• Prince Carl Philip fulfilled a "boyhood dream" by driving the historic Porsche 962 C.

• The 962 C is a technologically significant racing car, featuring a twin-turbocharged 700 PS engine and pioneering the PDK transmission.

• The specific car driven by the Prince underwent a full restoration at Porsche's Weissach Development Centre.

• Prince Carl Philip's deep connection to motorsport and Porsche is a family legacy.

A Royal Childhood Dream Realized

For Prince Carl Philip, the drive in the Porsche 962 C was more than just an exhibition lap; it was the realization of a childhood aspiration. "It's a boyhood dream come true," he expressed, clearly moved by the opportunity. The Prince is no stranger to the racing circuit, having competed in the Porsche Carrera Cup since 2008 and accumulating over 100 race starts. His experience also extends to other racing series, demonstrating a genuine passion and skill for motorsport.

The Legendary Porsche 962 C

The Porsche 962 C is a car steeped in motorsport history. Originally piloted by Hans-Joachim Stuck to championship victories in the 1986 and 1987 ADAC Würth Supercup seasons, it boasts impressive performance figures: two turbochargers delivering 700 PS, all within a remarkably light 850-kilogram chassis. Notably, this racing icon also served as a testbed for Porsche's groundbreaking Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) system. The specific car driven by the Prince, chassis number 009, was meticulously restored in 2021 at the Weissach Development Centre, returning it to its 1987 specification with its distinctive red and yellow livery, sponsored by Shell and Dunlop.

A Family Legacy of Motorsport Enthusiasm

Prince Carl Philip's passion for automobiles and racing is deeply rooted in his family. His father, King Carl XVI Gustaf, is a known car enthusiast and Porsche aficionado, famously photographed in a 911 Targa in 1973. The King continues to nurture his impressive car collection and regularly attends the Carrera Cup Scandinavia season finale to support his son. Furthermore, Prince Carl Philip's great uncle, the late Prince Bertil, was affectionately known as 'the motor prince' and was also a proud owner of several Porsche sports cars.

On Track: Power, Precision, and Passion

Transitioning from his usual Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, which weighs 1,260 kg and produces 510 PS, to the 962 C presented a stark contrast. Prince Carl Philip immediately noticed the compact nature of the older car's cockpit, describing it as "snug." Despite the initial adjustment, he quickly adapted to the powerful machine. "It's not easy to drive, but it goes incredibly well once you get the tyres up to temperature," he commented after his practice sessions. "And the power when the turbochargers kick in... well, that's something you've got to be ready for!"

Alexander Klein, Head of Heritage Operations and Communication at Porsche, was impressed by the Prince's driving prowess, noting, "It's not easy to get into such a fast car and drive it so fast after just a couple of laps. You can tell that the prince is both an experienced and confident driver."

A Technological Milestone Reborn

After its racing career, the 962 C chassis number 009 served as an aerodynamics test car before joining the Porsche Heritage and Museum collection. The decision to restore it was made in 2020, bringing together members of the original team, including legendary engineer Norbert Singer and designer Robert Powell, who was responsible for the car's iconic livery. This collaborative effort ensured the car was restored to its former glory, preserving a significant piece of Porsche's technological and motorsport history.

For the exhibition laps, the car was fitted with treaded tires for quicker temperature gain. Prince Carl Philip embraced the opportunity to push the limits, stating, "I had grip in the tyres straight away. With only three exhibition laps in front of the crowd, it's more fun for them if I dare to push a little – and more fun for me too!"