Porsche 911 (classic)
Rear-engined, air-cooled sports car from Stuttgart.
The Porsche 911 is a sports car produced by Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany. A prototype was shown to the public in autumn 1963, and production began in September 1964, continuing through 1989. The original 911 series is often cited as the most successful competition car ever, especially when its variations are included, mainly the powerful 911-derived 935 which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other major sports car races outright against prototypes.
Quick Facts
- Aka
- Porsche 911 Carrera / Porsche Carrera
- Manufacturer
- Porsche AG
- Class
- Sports car
- Layout
- Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive
- Production
- 1964–1989
- Assembly
- West Germany: Stuttgart, Zuffenhausen
- Predecessor
- Porsche 356
- Successor
- Porsche 964
- Transmission
- 5-speed manual · 4-speed semi-automatic · 4-speed manual
- Wheelbase
- 2211 –
- Length
- 4290 mm
- Height
- 1300 –
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The 911 was mechanically notable for being rear-engined and air-cooled. Its development involved multiple prototypes, including the Typ 695 and Typ 754, which used modified 356 bodies. The engine evolved from the abandoned Typ 745 pushrod six-cylinder to the dry-sump SOHC Typ 901 flat-six, a design influenced by Ferdinand Piëch's arguments for a lower center of gravity. The car was introduced as the 'Porsche 901' at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show, but Peugeot's trademark on three-digit numbers with a central zero forced a name change to '911' for all markets, though the engine designation remained '901'.
Reader's Guide
The original 911 series established a lasting competition legacy, with the 911-derived 935 winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other major races. The Targa version, introduced for MY1967, was named after the Targa Florio road race, where Porsche had scored seven victories since 1956. The 911 Carrera RS (F series) notably won the final Targa Florio in 1973 against prototypes from Ferrari and Alfa Romeo. The 911's rear-engine layout and air-cooled design became defining characteristics, and its continuous production through successive generations cemented its status as a benchmark sports car. The model's adaptability for racing, rallying, and other competition, modified by both private teams and the factory, contributed to its reputation as one of the most successful competition cars.
Did You Know?
- The 911 was originally to be called the '901', but Peugeot's trademark on three-digit numbers with a central zero forced the name change.
- The Targa version was introduced partly due to fears that the U.S. would outlaw fully open convertibles.
- The 911's engine designation and parts number prefix remained '901' even after the model name changed to '911'.
- A total of 82 cars were built as model '901' before production switched to the '911' marking.
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