It’s 20 years later
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Three Wheelin'
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: South Florida
It’s 20 years later
Over the past 20 years there has been so much chatter about this ad. Is the school boy who’s daydreaming in class and sees a 997 .
This is such a marketing opportunity for Porsche. It’s 20 years later so this young man would be in his early 30s approximately. The idea that he could go out and purchase a 992.2 Would bridge the gap of time and the memory once created by this car which has become an icon. I’ve done some digging to see if this child actor of that time has a name . What I discovered was that they were other advertisements and other children because Porsche does focus a lot on one’s childhood and the dreams of a child who want to own one of these vehicles. However, this boy‘s name in the ad is “William“ and that’s all we know about him and that’s all that can be found. I mentioned this in another form and somebody reached out to one of the marketing agencies that deals with this.
I’ve noticed that I am not the only person who has mentioned this because there are multiple threads on this, as I started digging to find out who this kid is, and why Porsche hasn’t followed up on it. Wondering if anybody here knows what I couldn’t find or if they even remember the advertisement. Also curious to hear from those who have never seen it and are watching it for the first time. I would love to see Porsche bring William back as an adult into this car.
This is such a marketing opportunity for Porsche. It’s 20 years later so this young man would be in his early 30s approximately. The idea that he could go out and purchase a 992.2 Would bridge the gap of time and the memory once created by this car which has become an icon. I’ve done some digging to see if this child actor of that time has a name . What I discovered was that they were other advertisements and other children because Porsche does focus a lot on one’s childhood and the dreams of a child who want to own one of these vehicles. However, this boy‘s name in the ad is “William“ and that’s all we know about him and that’s all that can be found. I mentioned this in another form and somebody reached out to one of the marketing agencies that deals with this.
I’ve noticed that I am not the only person who has mentioned this because there are multiple threads on this, as I started digging to find out who this kid is, and why Porsche hasn’t followed up on it. Wondering if anybody here knows what I couldn’t find or if they even remember the advertisement. Also curious to hear from those who have never seen it and are watching it for the first time. I would love to see Porsche bring William back as an adult into this car.
Last edited by yrralis1; Dec 3, 2025 at 11:08 PM.
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Dec 3, 2025, 11:41 PM
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New 911 prices are so nuts compared to 20 years ago that this kid is driving a preowned F8X M3/M4/M2. 😂
Thread Starter
Three Wheelin'
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From: South Florida
that is true. I remember a base Carrera typically ran for about $75,000. A Carrera S was typically in the mid 80s. Fully loaded to the max he will be in the 90s. A turbo was in the 130s . Then again, William was just a kid in school.. he had no job, no income, no assets. Maybe now things are different for him. Porsche needs to bring him back..
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if you want a porsche branded kettle or toaster, let me know (just heard from my SA), no affiliation, I can hook you up for the good of the community - NO ADM or games, this is an MSRP dealer
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Thread Starter
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: South Florida
That school boy ad was one pf the most iconic 911 ad of recent times . It left the door open for 20 years later , In my searches for the name of the actors I found discussions like this everywhere ,https://www.reddit.com/r/Porsche/com...ent=post_title
If you search the forums at that time most related to William at some point in their childhood . In fact Porsche going back to the993 and through the 997 focused a lot on childhood dreams of owning this car . They made mini movies like this one , Its where friendships of the past and respect for a shared teacher grew with time with one common thing preserved ... a 911 .
If you search the forums at that time most related to William at some point in their childhood . In fact Porsche going back to the993 and through the 997 focused a lot on childhood dreams of owning this car . They made mini movies like this one , Its where friendships of the past and respect for a shared teacher grew with time with one common thing preserved ... a 911 .
Last edited by yrralis1; Dec 4, 2025 at 07:43 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2016
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From: San Diego
Over the past 20 years there has been so much chatter about this ad. Is the school boy who’s daydreaming in class and sees a 997 .
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ALglwmAJWTc
This is such a marketing opportunity for Porsche. It’s 20 years later so this young man would be in his early 30s approximately. The idea that he could go out and purchase a 992.2 Would bridge the gap of time and the memory once created by this car which has become an icon. I’ve done some digging to see if this child actor of that time has a name . What I discovered was that they were other advertisements and other children because Porsche does focus a lot on one’s childhood and the dreams of a child who want to own one of these vehicles. However, this boy‘s name in the ad is “William“ and that’s all we know about him and that’s all that can be found. I mentioned this in another form and somebody reached out to one of the marketing agencies that deals with this.
I’ve noticed that I am not the only person who has mentioned this because there are multiple threads on this, as I started digging to find out who this kid is, and why Porsche hasn’t followed up on it. Wondering if anybody here knows what I couldn’t find or if they even remember the advertisement. Also curious to hear from those who have never seen it and are watching it for the first time. I would love to see Porsche bring William back as an adult into this car.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ALglwmAJWTc
This is such a marketing opportunity for Porsche. It’s 20 years later so this young man would be in his early 30s approximately. The idea that he could go out and purchase a 992.2 Would bridge the gap of time and the memory once created by this car which has become an icon. I’ve done some digging to see if this child actor of that time has a name . What I discovered was that they were other advertisements and other children because Porsche does focus a lot on one’s childhood and the dreams of a child who want to own one of these vehicles. However, this boy‘s name in the ad is “William“ and that’s all we know about him and that’s all that can be found. I mentioned this in another form and somebody reached out to one of the marketing agencies that deals with this.
I’ve noticed that I am not the only person who has mentioned this because there are multiple threads on this, as I started digging to find out who this kid is, and why Porsche hasn’t followed up on it. Wondering if anybody here knows what I couldn’t find or if they even remember the advertisement. Also curious to hear from those who have never seen it and are watching it for the first time. I would love to see Porsche bring William back as an adult into this car.
I totally forgot this is from 20 years ago. I agree that Porsche should do a follow-up. Otherwise, it’s a cliff hanger that has left us hanging.
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If I had to guess the kid in this video was 8 to 10 years of age +/- at the time it was filmed. So today he would be in his late 20s to early 30s. My own college educated, gainfully employed child in their mid 20s sure the hell cannot afford anything new from Porsche as well as the nearly 17 year old 997.2 under a cover in the garage. The hard reality is a new 911 is mostly unattainable for the youth unless there is family money involved.
Last edited by RatherJaded; Dec 4, 2025 at 09:00 AM.
Thread Starter
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,381
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From: South Florida
This is one of my favorite ads for any product. Even better that it was for a Porsche. In a very short video, they told a story that captured Porsche magic and Porsche dreams. It even had a hero in the salesman making the young child’s day. No company makes ads like this anymore. Sad.
I totally forgot this is from 20 years ago. I agree that Porsche should do a follow-up. Otherwise, it’s a cliff hanger that has left us hanging.
I totally forgot this is from 20 years ago. I agree that Porsche should do a follow-up. Otherwise, it’s a cliff hanger that has left us hanging.
When much younger I bought BMW's . Recently about a year ago a lifeguard (early 20's ) at the pool where I lap swim asked me to help him find a used car . I send him several ideas but he fell in love with the idea of a CPO X3 . It was 3 years old , clean car fax , leased and serviced from that dealership , with 20K miles . A 45K car was asking 30K with a CPO . When I got there with him the GM who sold me so many cars in my late 20's /early 30's was still there . We recognized each other instantly . He came over and hugged me and as he did I said "I have been at Porsche all these years . You are still here . " He laughed and said "Larry I am going to die working in this building " . Then he looked at the kid and said " dont worry , this young man will get a great car today ."
Some things and people we never forget .
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2025
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I think the kid was being a little optimistic though; these have always been expensive cars. But, “See you when I’ve established my career in my late 30s!” Doesn’t have the same ring to it…
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Agree !! I even thought about bringing the salesman back (perhaps as a GM ) , His role was vital to the ad .
When much younger I bought BMW's . Recently about a year ago a lifeguard (early 20's ) at the pool where I lap swim asked me to help him find a used car . I send him several ideas but he fell in love with the idea of a CPO X3 . It was 3 years old , clean car fax , leased and serviced from that dealership , with 20K miles . A 45K car was asking 30K with a CPO . When I got there with him the GM who sold me so many cars in my late 20's /early 30's was still there . We recognized each other instantly . He came over and hugged me and as he did I said "I have been at Porsche all these years . You are still here . " He laughed and said "Larry I am going to die working in this building " . Then he looked at the kid and said " dont worry , this young man will get a great car today ."
Some things and people we never forget .
When much younger I bought BMW's . Recently about a year ago a lifeguard (early 20's ) at the pool where I lap swim asked me to help him find a used car . I send him several ideas but he fell in love with the idea of a CPO X3 . It was 3 years old , clean car fax , leased and serviced from that dealership , with 20K miles . A 45K car was asking 30K with a CPO . When I got there with him the GM who sold me so many cars in my late 20's /early 30's was still there . We recognized each other instantly . He came over and hugged me and as he did I said "I have been at Porsche all these years . You are still here . " He laughed and said "Larry I am going to die working in this building " . Then he looked at the kid and said " dont worry , this young man will get a great car today ."
Some things and people we never forget .
Great story! Sadly one would not receive the same experience at our local BMW dealership and I am speaking from decades of experience.