Porsche 911 Through the Years: A History Worth Learning

A big part of the 911’s powerful charm is its classic style, especially combined with up-to-date technology.

In contrast with modern-day cars designed to look ‘retro’, the 911 is a classic spirited masterpiece adapted to the twenty-first-century needs. Whether you decide to purchase a new model or a vintage 911, you’ll be making a great choice.

Knowing the history of your Porsche 911 car can increase your appreciation for it -if that’s even possible- and make you feel proud of being the owner of a super-efficient German sports car with a big personality.

Here’s a quick history lesson about this masterpiece.

(1963-1973)

The Porsche 911 was developed as a more powerful, larger, and more comfortable replacement for the 356, the company’s first model. The new car made its public debut at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show

Early 911s used two-liter engines with as little as 130bhp. Both engine sizes and power outputs swelled over the next decade. The car had four seats although the rear seats were small, thus it is usually called a 2+2 rather than a four-seater.

Production began in September 1964, with the first 911s exported to the US in February 1965.

In 1966, Porsche introduced the more powerful 911S with a Type 901/02 engine having a power output of 160 PS (120 kW; 160 hp). Forged aluminum alloy wheels from Fuchsfelge, with a 5-spoke design, were offered for the first time.

In August 1967, the A series went into production with dual brake circuits and widened wheels and the previously standard gasoline-burning heater became optional.

The Targa version had a stainless steel-clad roll bar. Its name came from the Targa Florio sports car road race in Sicily, Italy in which Porsche had several victories.

The 110 PS (81 kW; 110 hp) 911T was launched in 1967 with a Type 901/03 engine.

The 130 PS (96 kW; 130 hp) model was renamed the 911L with Type 901/06 engine and ventilated front disc brakes.

The 911R with 901/22 engine had a limited production (20 in all), as this was a lightweight racing version with thin fiberglass reinforced plastic doors, a magnesium crankcase, twin overhead camshafts, and a power output of 210 PS (150 kW; 210 hp).

The B series went into production in August 1968, replacing the 911L model with 911E with fuel injection.

The C series was introduced in August 1969.

From 1970 to 1971 there was a big change, the capacity increased to 2.2 liters for T, E and S (now 123, 153 and 178bhp).

In 1972-73 T, E and S switched to 2.4 liters (128, 163, 187bhp). Horn grilles beneath headlamps turn black for ’72. 207bhp Carrera RS 2.7 homo special lands for ’73, but only in Europe.

(1973-1989)

With the arrival of the G model, there was a discernible difference in styling and tech.

The G-Series debuted in 1973 and was replaced in 1989.

From 1974 to 1976 range simplified to 911 (148bhp) 911 S (173bhp) and Carrera (207bhp), all with 2.7 engines. Carrera switches to 200hp 3.0 for ’76.

From 1977 to 1983 All models except Turbo were replaced by 178bhp SC (boosted to 201bhp in ‘80). The first true Cabrio 911 appeared in late 1982.

Turbocharged 3.0 six’s 256bhp pushes the 911 into supercar territory.

In 1987-88 444hp 959 features a twin-turbo flat-six, with water-cooled heads, computer-controlled chassis, and four-wheel drive. Top speed: 197mph. 961 is 959 modified for competition.

(1989-1994)

In 1989 the 911 underwent a major evolution with the introduction of Type 964.

The 964 model was 85 percent new. The four-wheel-drive arrived for the first time, as did other tech improvements like power steering, ABS brakes, and airbags.

964 RS had new smooth bumpers and a retractable spoiler.

Turbo is back for ’91 with 320hp 33; became 355bhp 3.6 Turbo for ’93 (379hp for 3.6 Turbo S).

(1994-1998)

The 993 was presented just five years after the 964 and is still regarded by many Porsche enthusiasts as the best-looking model.

It was the last 911 with an air-cooled engine.

Curvy shell was a change for 911 design but the real breakthrough was a new multi-link rear suspension, opt four-wheel-drive system. 268bhp from 3.6 boosted to 281bhp.