Vivian Campbell has spent more than forty years wowing audiences with his exceptional guitar playing. Away from stage and studio, he’s a capable circuit and rally driver with an impressive collection of Porsches
Words: Dan Furr Photography: Chris Wallbank
Ordinarily, when we gather a collection of cars together for a photo shoot, the vehicles we’re pointing our cameras at belong to multiple owners. Not so with the superb collection of Porsches you see here — the quartet of mouth-watering 911s and trio of outstanding air-cooled classics are the property of just one discerning marque enthusiast.
The Porschephile in question is none other than Vivian Campbell, formerly guitarist with rock and metal giants Dio, Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, but now best-known as a member of glam rock juggernaut Def Leppard, which he joined in 1992. Viv’s Porsche journey began when bought himself a Grand Prix White 964 Carrera 2 not long after he started working with the group responsible for some of the world’s best-loved stadium anthems, including Animal, Pour Some Sugar on Me and Let’s Get Rocked. He hasn’t looked back, leading to his carefully considered collection of Stuttgart-crested cars.
On the eve of Def Leppard’s new album release, Drastic Symphonies (a collection of the band’s biggest hits reimagined with symphonic arrangements performed in collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra), 911 & Porsche World and Classic Porsche editor Dan Furr spent a few days chatting cars, guitars and all things Porsche with Viv at his Stateside residence. Not even an airline losing Dan’s luggage could ruin their fun.
Across coming issues of both magazines, we’ll be publishing articles showcasing Viv’s passion for Porsche. Below, you’ll find an overview of what you can expect, including publication dates – and links you can follow to subscribe to both magazines. We’ll deliver each issue direct to your door anywhere in the world and you’ll enjoy a significant discount off the cover price.
Porsche 356 pair: Type 1 coupe and Type 2 Speedster
Kicking off with the May-June issue of Classic Porsche (in stores Friday 21st April), we get up close and personal with Viv’s modified 1956 Type 1 coupe and his restored 1958 Type 2 Speedster. Two very different 356s cut from the same cloth, these gorgeous Porsches are sure to excite fans of the manufacturer’s early output.
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Water-cooled quartet: 996 GT3 RS, 997 GT3 RS 3.8, 991 GT3 RS and 991 GT3
The June issue of 911 & Porsche World (on sale Friday 28th April) showcases four of Viv’s water-cooled 911s. We spend quality time with his 2004 996 GT3 RS (a rare sight in the USA due to Porsche not offering the model to its American dealer network), his heavily modified 2011 997 GT3 RS 3.8, his 2016 Ultraviolet 991 GT3 RS and his 2018 Irish Green 991 GT3, the latter a product of Porsche’s Special Wishes programme. All cars are used as their maker intended. Yes, Viv is a talented wheelman — when away from stage and studio, he can be found attacking the asphalt of his favourite race tracks in these outstanding 911s.
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Classic trio: 356 Type 1 coupe, 356 Type 2 Speedster and 911 S
Starring in the July issue of 911 & Porsche World (on sale Friday 26th May) is Viv’s 1967 911 S, flanked by his modified 1956 Type 1 coupe and his 1958 Type 2 Speedster. Fully restored and representing something of a labour of love for its proud owner, this Aga Blue belter is sure to be a hit with readers of the world’s biggest selling monthly Porsche magazine.
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Seacoast Specialist Cars visit
In the August issue of 911 & Porsche World (on sale Friday 30th June), we pay a visit to Seacoast Specialist Cars, an independent Porsche specialist based in Candia, New Hampshire. The company was founded by Thomas Vagi, formerly Service Manager at one of the region’s best-known Porsche Centres. Many of Viv’s cherished chariots pass through the Seacoast Specialist Cars workshop for servicing and maintenance, but Thomas and his team look after more than just rock star’s cars, as you’ll soon discover.
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A present to himself: Porsche 991 GT3 with Special Wishes options
September’s edition of 911 & Porsche World (on sale Friday 28th July) will be our annual issue of the magazine focused on acquiring Your First Porsche. Typically, this is our biggest-seller of the year — what better platform to present Viv’s favourite 911 in detail?! Yes, we’ll be hitting the road in his Irish Green 991 GT3, a car he bought as a birthday present to himself following his highly publicised cancer diagnosis. Speed and sentiment wrapped up in a stunning Porsche package bolstered by Special Wishes options, this green wide monster is, for a variety of reasons, one of a kind.
