The Porsche 911 is one of history’s most iconic and influential sports cars. Since its debut in 1963, it has captivated generations of drivers and enthusiasts with its distinctive design, powerful performance, and engineering excellence. But how did it all begin? What made the original 911 so special and successful? This article will explore the origins and evolution of the old Porsche 911 from 1964 to 1989 and examine its features, models, and achievements. We will also compare it with its predecessor, the Porsche 356, and its successor, the Porsche 964, and assess its legacy and impact on the automotive industry and culture.
Old Porsche 911
The old Porsche 911 can be divided into two main generations: the original 911 and the 911 Carrera. The original 911 was produced from 1964 to 1973 and had several series and models, each with its characteristics and improvements. The first series was the O series, which had a 2.0 L flat-six engine with 130 PS (96 kW; 130 hp). It was followed by the A series in 1965, which increased the power to 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) and introduced the Targa model, which had a removable roof panel. The B series 1968 added fuel injection and increased the engine displacement to 2.2 L. The C and D series in 1969 and 1970, respectively, had minor changes, such as new wheels and bumpers.
The most significant change came with the E and F series in 1971 and 1972, which increased the engine displacement to 2.4 L and introduced the RS model, a lightweight and high-performance version of the 911. The RS had a rear spoiler, wider wheels, stiffer suspension, and a more powerful engine with 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp). It was also the first 911 to use the Carrera name, which means “race” in Spanish. The G series in 1973 was the last of the original 911 generation and had minor cosmetic changes, such as black trim and rubber bumpers.
The second generation of the old Porsche 911 was the 911 Carrera, produced from 1974 to 1989. It also had several series and models, each with innovations and enhancements. The first series was the H series, which introduced the Turbo model, which had a turbocharged engine with 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) and a distinctive rear spoiler. It was followed by the I series in 1976, which added an intercooler to the Turbo engine and increased the power to 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp). The J series 1977 had minor changes, such as new seats and a steering wheel.
The most significant change came with the K series 1978, which increased the engine displacement to 3.0 L for the Carrera models and 3.3 L for the Turbo models. It also introduced the SC model, which replaced the base model and had a more reliable engine with 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp). The L series 1980 had minor changes, such as new brakes and wheels. The M series 1981 added a Cabriolet model, a convertible version of the Targa. The N series 1984 had minor changes, such as new mirrors and spoilers.
The last series of the old Porsche 911 was the P series, which was produced from 1984 to 1989. It introduced the Carrera Club Sport model, a stripped-down and lighter version of the Carrera with a more powerful engine with 231 PS (170 kW; 228 hp). It also introduced the Speedster model, a low-roofed Cabriolet version with a more aerodynamic shape. The P series also had several special editions, such as the Anniversary model, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Porsche 911, and the Turbo S model, which had a more powerful turbocharged engine with 330 PS (243 kW; 325 hp).
These are some of the different series and models of the old Porsche 911, each with its charm and appeal. They represent the evolution and diversity of one of the most legendary sports cars ever made.
Old Porsche 911 History In Racing:
The old Porsche 911 has a rich and illustrious history in racing, rallying, and other competitions, spanning over five decades and countless victories. Here are some examples of the old Porsche 911 in racing, rallying, and other competitions:
The Porsche 911 debuted in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1965, finishing fifth overall and first in class. The 911 would win thrice in 1968, 1970, and 1978, and the Monte Carlo Rally thrice.
The Porsche 911 also excelled in the Targa Florio, a grueling road race in Sicily. It won the Targa Florio six times, from 1966 to 1973. The Targa Florio inspired the name of the 911 Targa model, which had a removable roof panel.
The Porsche 911 dominated the sports car racing scene in the 1970s, with various models such as the 911 Carrera RSR, the 911 Turbo RSR, and the 935. The 911 Carrera RSR won the Daytona 24 Hours and the Sebring 12 Hours in 1973. The 911 Turbo RSR won the same races in 1977. The 935 was among the most successful racing cars ever, winning over 150 races worldwide, including the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1979.
It also competed in rallycross, a form of off-road racing that combines rallying and circuit racing. The most famous example was the Porsche 911 SC RS, driven by rally legend Walter Röhrl in the European Rallycross Championship 1984. Röhrl won four out of six rounds and finished second in the championship.
The Porsche 911 also participated in hill climb racing, a form of motorsport where drivers race up a steep and narrow course. The most famous example was the Porsche 911 GT2 Evo, driven by Jeff Zwart in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado. Zwart also won his class seven times between 1994 and 2010, setting several records.
These are just some examples of the old Porsche 911 in racing, rallying, and other competitions. It is no wonder that the old Porsche 911 is regarded as one of the greatest racing cars of all time.
Top Speed:
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car in production since 1964. It has gone through several generations and models, each with its top speed and performance characteristics. Here are some of the Porsche 911 top speeds, according to various sources:
911 Carrera Top Speed: 182 mph (293 km/h)
911 Targa 4 Top Speed: 179 mph (288 km/h)
911 GTS Top Speed: 193 mph (311 km/h)
911 Turbo Top Speed: 198 mph (319 km/h)
911 Speedster Top Speed: 192 mph (309 km/h)
911 GT3 Top Speed: 198 mph (319 km/h)
911 GT2 RS MaximumSpeed: 211 mph (340 km/h)
The Porsche 911 is very fast, regardless of the model or generation. However, some models stand out for their exceptional speed and power. For example, Porsche 911 GT2 RS is the most powerful 911. It has a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six engine produces 700 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. It goes 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 211 mph. It is also the most expensive 911, starting at $293,200.
Another notable model is the Porsche 911 GT3, designed for high-performance driving on the track. It has a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine that produces 502hp and 346 pound-feet of torque. It goes 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and can reach the highest speed of 198 mph. It also has a rear-wheel steering system, a lightweight carbon-fiber hood, and an aerodynamic rear wing3. The Porsche 911 GT3 has a starting price of $161,100.
These are just some examples of the different series and models of Porsche 911 and their top speeds. Of course, the actual speed of the car depends on many factors, such as the road conditions, the driver’s skill, and the legal limits. However, the Porsche 911 is a remarkable sports car that can deliver impressive speed and performance in any situation.
Old Porsche 911 Price:
The price of Porsche 911 depends on the variant, model, and market. According to some sources12, the price of Porsche 911 in India ranges from Rs. 1.84 Crore to Rs. 3.34 Crore (ex-showroom). The price of Porsche 911 in the US starts from $102,550 to $216,650 (MSRP). Here are some of the Porsche 911 prices for different variants and models:
911 Carrera: Rs. 1.84 Crore in India, $102,550 in the US
911 Carrera S: Rs. 1.87 Crore in India, $116,550 in the US
911 Targa: Rs. 2.04 Crore in India, $121,650 in the US
911 GTS: Rs. 2.49 Crore in India, $136,700 in the US
911 Turbo: Rs. 3.13 Crore in India, $174,300 in the US
911 GT3: Rs. 2.54 Crore in India, $162,450 in the US
911 GT2 RS: Rs. 3.24 Crore in India, $216,650 in the US
These are some of the Porsche 911 prices for different variants and models. However, the car’s actual price may vary depending on availability, demand, taxes, fees, and other factors. You can check the official website of Porsche or contact your nearest dealer for more accurate and updated information on the price of Porsche 911.
Conclusion:
The old Porsche 911 is more than just a sports car. It is a legend, a masterpiece, and a symbol of excellence. Additionally, Its distinctive design, powerful performance, and engineering innovation have captivated drivers and enthusiasts for over five decades. It has also proven itself in various forms of motorsport, winning countless races and championships. It has evolved but never lost its essence or identity. It is a car that has inspired generations of fans and followers and continues to do so today. The old Porsche 911 is not just a car but a phenomenon.