Ferry Porsche, the son of Ferdinand Porsche, designed the first 356 in 1947. This car used many parts (such as the headlights) from the VW Beetle. The first manufactured and certified Porsche 356 was not released until 1948. Because this primal 356 was made in Gmünd, Austria, it was called Gmünd 356. In the year 1950 the 356 was so successful in Europe and America and the production numbers increased, it was decided to move back to Zuffenhausen, Germany. The Gmünd 356 was succeeded by the 356 Pre A, A, B and C. In addition, there were also various other special types such as the 356 Carrera 2, convertible and the Speedster. The 356 was not only well received by people, the 356 caused a furore in various races and rallies. Victories were achieved in the famous Mille Miglia, Monaco-Rome-Monaco, Targa Florio, La Carrera Panamericana and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 356 can rightfully be counted as one of the most successful cars then and now.
HERITAGE
PORSCHE 356
From 1947 - 1965
911-ORIGINAL
1963
The Porsche designers and engineers wanted to improve the successful 356 on a number of crucial points. A number of improvements were so drastic that it was eventually decided to design a completely new model. This was the 911 designed by Ferry Porsche’s son, Ferdinand Alexander “Butzi” Porsche.Despite the substantive points such as the 6-cylinder engine, more space for luggage, passengers and more driving comfort, the characteristic shape was retained. In 1963 the model was presented for the first time at the Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA) in Frankfurt. At the time under the name 901. Because Peugeot had already claimed the ‘0’ as the middle digit of their model designation, Porsche changed the new model to 911. Although the response to the new model was initially skeptical, over the years the 911 managed to surpass the success of the 356 in performance as well as in its iconic looks.
PORSCHE 911 F-MODEL
1963 - 1973
After the presentation and the final name change to 911. The first 911 was sold in 1964. The first 911’s still contained many parts of the 356 such as the headlights and the 4-cylinder engine. That changed when Porsche started using a 6-cylinder boxer engine and manufacturing specific 911 parts. Stronger engines and 911 specific features began to evolve more and more. The 911 model range was expanded with models such as the E, S and T types. The first 911 Targa was produced in 1967. Named after the famous rally the Targa Florio where Porsche won no less than 7 times. In 1971, the top model, the Porsche 911 S Coupé 2.2, entered the market and won the International Championship for Manufacturers (IMC), the predecessor of the World Rally Championship (WRC). This Porsche is said to have the best engine of the first 911 generations. And not to forget the Carrera RS 2.7 from 1973, the first racing car that could also be used on the public road with its distinctive “ducktail” and performance due to the most spartan execution in the interior and the exterior of all the cars of its time.
PORSCHE 911 G-MODEL
1973 - 1989
Most legendary models in the 911-classic line of the first generations come from this generation, such as various RS models the 2.7, 3.0 and the Carrera RSR 3.0 and RSR Turbo. The last known for its Martini striping, came 2nd at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Carrera 3.0 from 1976 brought together elements of two legendary 911s. The 911 Carrera 3.2 series from 1989 was the last model in this generation to be succeeded by the 964.
PORSCHE 964
1989 - 1993
With the 964, the 911 undergoes a thorough restyling of the F and G model, both internally and externally. The most noticeable changes are the integrated bumpers and internal turn signals, giving the car a whole look and an even more aerodynamic character. The 964 was the first 911 to be available with an optional tiptronic automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive option. Between 1963 and 1993, the 964 was the most radical change in the various generations 911. Power steering, ABS, automatic temperature in the car, and to top it all off a rear spoiler that folds out at a speed of more than 80 km/h. A 911 that set the tone for later generations.
PORSCHE 993
1993 - 1998
After the successful 964, Porsche decided to continue on the same footing with the 993. The 993 had many technical improvements over its predecessor, including an aluminum multi-arm rear suspension mounted on an aluminum subframe. This was also the first Porsche with a standard 6-speed gearbox. Other changes included a two-piece exhaust, larger brakes with perforated disc brakes, and upgraded power steering. The only thing that has remained the same compared to its predecessor are both doors. The 993 is the last Porsche type that has an air-cooled engine.
PORSCHE 996
1997 - 2005
The start of a new era. After nearly 4 decades of producing air cooled 911’s, Porsche came with the first water cooled 911. Environmental regulations and lower production costs were the main reasons. The new headlights, overall smoother and more modern design were the optical changes. Until today this design can bring a heavy discussion among 911 owners, but without any discussion the 996 is the life saver for Porsche. Day by day the 996 has become more a classic 911. The 996 gives you the ultimate 911 feeling and some models are already highly collectable today. The 996 started with a 3,4 liter 300 hp engine and the flagship was the GT2 with a 530 hp engine!
PORSCHE 997
2004 - 2012
After the big success of the 996, Porsche had to come up with something even better. In styling, quality and performance. The 997 was born. The infamous headlights were changed back to the oval version like all the versions before the 996. The dashboard and some other interior parts were restyled in a more classic 911 look. In the summer of 2008 Porsche came with the first really good and dynamic automatic gearbox. The Porsche Doppel Kupplung gearbox has become the standard and the manual transmission the exception since then.
The 997 started with a 325 hp liter engine and the GT2 RS 611 hp. Both cars give you the real 911 experience. The 997 series are also known for several limited editions. The revival of the Speedster, the celebration of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur with the Sport Classic and the GT2 RS as the absolute Ferrari killer.
