The Porsche 911

"There's nothing quite like a Porsche 911. Every one of the 250,000 made is a car with an extraordinary character. You either love it or hate it. There's no emotional compromise with a Porsche 911. The early ones understeered, oversteered, cost a fortune in fuel, started and stopped like nothing else on earth, cornered well and spun even better. The later ones are softer, more frugal and forgiving, reaching their climax in the 959 which holds the road fabulously well on its way to a maximum speed of nearly 200 mph. But old or new, the front seats of a 911 are superb, the luggage space is restricted and the back seats a challenge even for a contortionist. There are dozens of optional extras to confuse the customer and, no matter what anybody says, the engine is in the wrong place." - from Porsche 911 in all its forms by Christ Harvey

One of the star attractions of the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1963 was a brand new primrose yellow Porsche - the 901 which was to become the 911.

"What makes a Porsche 911 so attractive and why has it such a fanatical following? First, it has incredibly sensitive handling. With the combined weight of the engine and transmission concentrated at the back, the rear end typically swings round very fast when cornering, particularly on the very early cars, which had narrow tyres and little grip." - from Porsche 911 in all its forms by Christ Harvey

The first 911s were produced in 1964; only 125 were made. They were created to replace the popular 356 both on the racing circuit and also in the consumer market. The 911 was a success in both areas from the very beginning.

Profile of a 1969 911T showing its standard steel wheels.

The introduction of the E-series cars for 1972 represented a pinnacle in Porsche's ambitious drive to improve the 911 regardless of cost. The modifications carried out to the cars were also significant in that they were aimed far more at improving the car for road use than for competition.

The ultimate 911 - the 2.7 litre Carrera RS, introduced in October 1972.
"The Carrera RS was greeted with high enthusiasm, which wasn't hard to muster once you got behind the wheel." -Porsche 911, Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The G series 911, fitted with optional alloy wheels, showing its new bumpers to good advantage.

Porsche showed the way the 911 would develop with a Studie model four-wheel-drive turbocharged cabriolet at the Frankfurt Show in 1981.

In 1989, the car changed dramatically. With new molded bumbers and sleeker lines, the car looked more aerodynamic and ready for the 90's. This style lasted for the 1990, 91, 92, 93, and 94 model years, and in 1995 the most dramatic change in the history of the 911 took place - the Type 993...

The History of Porsche
The History of the 356
The 1995-1998 911 Carrera
The New 911 Carrera (type 996)

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