Porsche 911 History

By the late 1950s it was obvious to Porsche that the 356, which had started as basically a heavily modified Volkswagen Beetle in 1948, was small and not particularly powerful in comparison to other sports cars at its lofty price level. But it was also the car upon which the company was built and was essentially Porsche's sole product. Replacing it was necessary, yet perilous. Who knew that the eventual replacement for the 356, the 911, would surpass its predecessor in sales, longevity and glory? Or that it would be so fanatically cherished by its owners that Porsche hasn't been allowed to replace it — despite trying a couple of times?

Almost immediately after it went on sale in September 1964 (as a 1965 model) the 911 established itself as an icon of '60s cool. Then it segued gracefully into being an icon of '70s performance, then an icon of sophistication and affluence in the '80s, then an icon of athleticism and power in the '90s and is now simply an icon of all that's right with Germany and automobiles.

It has also been an incredibly successful racecar. Almost as soon as it went into production, buyers were using it in hill climbs and autocrosses and Porsche itself has come up with dozens of racing variations, including the legendary RSRs, 935s and Paris-to-Dakar winning 959s. To keep this story down to a somewhat manageable length, untangling the tale of 911 racing will have to be left for other venues.

The 911's evolution through the decades has often been incremental but occasionally radical. While other cars have been around as long as the 911, none have so unwaveringly sustained such a singular personality. Or had more racing success. And if you ask most engineers, the 911's engine has always been in the wrong place.

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