Classic cars are some of the most beautiful vehicles in the world. They are the perfect combination of style and speed. One of the most luxurious cars in history is the Porsche 911, which defined Porsche’s reputation for excellence. In addition to being a popular civilian car, the 911 has been modified for racing and rallying. In the 1999 international poll for Car of the Century, the 911 came fifth and is one of two in the top five that has remained in production. We take a look back at the history of this marvellous motor and what made it so special.
Creation
The origin of the 911 comes from sketches drawn by Ferdinand ‘Butzi’ Porsche in 1959. The car was developed as a larger, more powerful replacement for the Porsche 356. Originally, the car was designated as the Porsche 901 because of its internal project number. However, Peugeot protested that in France it had exclusive rights to car names with three numbers that had a zero in the middle. Porsche changed the name to 911.
The prototype debuted at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show, becoming an instant hit with the public. Full production began in September 1964. The 911 featured an air-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine that allowed the car to reach a top speed of 131 mph. The interior was fitted with four seats and came with either a four or five-speed manual Type 901 transmission.
Evolution
In 1966, Porsche introduced the 911S, capable of putting out 160 horsepower. It was the first Porsche to feature forged alloy wheels from Fuchs. Over time, the 911 became more powerful as engine displacement increased. For example, it jumped from 2.2 litres in 1969 to 2.4 in 1971. The 911 Carrera debuted in 1972 and featured a 210 horsepower engine and weighed less than 1000 kg. Its distinctive ‘ducktail’ was the world’s first rear spoiler on a production vehicle.
1988 saw the introduction of the 911 Carrera 4, giving Porsche a modern vehicle. 85% of the car was made up of new components, which included an air-cooled 3.6 litre boxer engine and a redesigned light alloy chassis. The new design captivated drivers with its sporty performance and enhanced comfort.
Today, the 911 Porsche remains popular among classic car enthusiasts. It’s the epitome of a dream vehicle and will continue to impress people for years to come.
