Viewer’s Wheels: Olivia’s Porsche 911 Carrera S – The Creative Escape
Under the dusky skyline of Melbourne’s CBD, Olivia’s Porsche 911 Carrera S cuts a striking silhouette. For Olivia—a 32-year-old creative director and photographer—this sleek, black 997-generation Carrera S isn’t just a car; it’s a sanctuary, an escape from the constant hum of city life, and a symbol of the freedom she’s spent years chasing.
The Car
Olivia’s 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera S represents everything she values: timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and understated performance. The 997 Carrera S has long been celebrated as one of the most balanced iterations of the 911 lineage, and Olivia’s is no exception.
- Engine: 3.8L naturally aspirated flat-six
- Power: 283 kW @ 6,500 rpm
- Torque: 420 Nm @ 4,400 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- 0-100 km/h: 4.3 seconds
- Top Speed: 300 km/h
- Modifications: HRE P40SC wheels, Fabspeed Sport System exhaust, Alcantara interior touches
“Porsches are like cameras,” Olivia says. “They’re precise, elegant tools built to do exactly what you need them to. And when you find the right one, you don’t let it go.”
From Lens to Asphalt
Olivia’s love for cars didn’t come from a garage upbringing or weekend motorsport. Instead, it started as a photographer’s fascination with design. She recalls her first automotive shoot—covering a Porsche Club meet at Albert Park Lake—as the moment everything clicked. “I was so used to working with people, but cars? Cars were different. They had character, but it was more subtle—hidden in the lines, the details, the reflections.”
Life in Melbourne
Olivia’s industrial-style loft in Collingwood is a reflection of her artistic life—surrounded by art galleries, graffiti-laden laneways, and boutique cafes that inspire her work. Her days are spent curating visual campaigns and scouting locations, but when deadlines pile up, the 911 becomes her reset button.
Known for her late-night drives through the city—windows down, exhaust echoing through Docklands or along St Kilda’s Esplanade—Olivia describes it as meditative. “The city feels quieter at night. It’s just you and the road.”
Passions Beyond the Drive
When she’s not behind the wheel, Olivia’s creative and adventurous spirit shines through. She’s an avid traveler, often photographing abandoned architecture or wild landscapes. “There’s a certain poetry in places that are forgotten,” she explains, comparing it to her appreciation of timeless designs like the 911.
What’s Next?
For Olivia, the 997 Carrera S is a keeper. “There’s nothing I’d trade this for,” she says. But she’s not done yet. Upcoming upgrades include:
- Suspension: Bilstein B16 coilover system
- Exhaust: Sharkwerks X-pipe for a refined tone
Looking ahead, Olivia plans to combine her photography and automotive passions into a coffee table book showcasing Melbourne’s car culture from an artistic perspective. “Cars aren’t just machines,” she says. “They’re stories waiting to be told.”
Next time you’re in Melbourne and hear the unmistakable growl of a flat-six echoing through the laneways, take a closer look—it might just be Olivia, finding her next perfect shot.