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45 Years Of Porsche 911!
Who knew that the lowly Volkswagen Beetle could have such a positive effect on the Porsche 911?
Long joined at the hip, Porsche and Volkswagen have shared platforms, parts, and other key components for many decades. By 2011, the two German automakers will officially be united, formally tying together two very different, but important automotive brands.
Ferdinand, I Presume
The Porsche 911′s start came about thanks to some drawings made by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, grandson of the founder, in the late 1950s. Those drawings were used in its design which found its way into a full mock up version of what eventually became the 911. In Fall 1963, the Porsche 911 was introduced, replacing the Porsche 356 which was discontinued in 1965.
Porsche’s founder created the Volkswagen Beetle, using the same platform underpinning the original Porsche 911, while also utilizing a similar rear engined and air cooling system favored by the Beetle. That initial model introduced its infamous 2+2 seating configuration, a design that remains today. Needless to say, the rear seats in the 911 are virtually useless, but that’s a topic to be covered for another time!
A Sense Of History
The Porsche 911′s humble start belies its rich heritage, formed over many years of platform upgrades, engineering improvements, technological refinements and design changes. Even from the onset, the Porsche 911 incorporated features that took years to show up from its chief rivals including alloy wheels, five-speed manual transmission, and flat V6 “boxer” engine.
By the early 1970s, the 911 series had expanded to include a targa top model along with new engines, transmissions and the use of fuel injection. Handling improvements came about as subsequent models proved to be more powerful and faster, helping the 911 dominate on the race circuit. By this time the 911 was already firmly established as the benchmark by which all other sports cars were defined and contributed to the Porsche brand being the top in the world, a position it holds today.
Later Year Changes
From 1974 on, the Porsche 911 continued to enjoy success as the best selling Porsche model. New brakes, improved design, more comfortable seating, increased power, better handling all followed though by the 1990 model year the 911 appellation was dropped in favor of the 964. Yet, internally Porsche has called this and subsequent models the “911” with the latest generation model officially returning to its naming roots.
Today, the 911 soldiers on with no less than 14 model/trim choices. And if it is speed that you need the Porsche 911 GT2 is the winner, propelling drivers from zero to sixty in just 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 204 mph. Not bad for a model who long ago abandoned its association with the lowly Beetle!
Max Rossi writes for www.fcpgroton.com, worldwide supplier of quality foreign car parts
About the Author
Max Rossi is an automotive enthusiast and gear head whose favorite cars include top European brands such as Saab, Mercedes, Volkswagen, BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, Audi and Volvo. Max makes his living working for FCP Groton, a family owned automotive supply business specializing in high quality replacement automotive parts and accessories from top European manufacturers. When Max isn’t managing business or tooling with his 1974 BMW 3.0cs, he can be found rock climbing, crossword puzzles and fly-fishing.
Amadeo Rossi Model 62 SA