The Porsche 911. An icon refined over time.

16/9/2022

Origins of the classic sports car

The Porsche 911 is widely recognised as the quintessential sports car. As a distinguished motorsport icon, the Porsche 911 has developed deep roots into the lives of Porsche and motorsport enthusiasts alike.

Initially, the Porsche 911 was due to be called the 901, in relation to its design number. However, in the mid 1960s, Porsche chose the number 911 instead. The brilliance of the 911 was not a creation forged by chance - the unmistakable design was derived by Ferdinand Porsche in 1963, when Porsche needed to replace the 356. In 1964, the original Porsche 911 came into production in the form of the 901 and the icon was born. Almost 60 years later, the legend of the Porsche 911 lives on.

Technology, the key to success?

Over time, many technical components have changed. However, the distinctive flyline still pays homage to the original model and continues to be recognised across the world. Throughout the 911’s history, there has been a variety of key refinements to this iconic shape. Over time, both drivetrain, transmission and suspension features on the Porsche 911 have been adapted with modern technological advancements.

In 2008, Porsche introduced its famous dual clutch automatic transmission (PDK) as an option on the Porsche 911 997, a landmark change for Porsche and competing sports car brands in the 21st Century. This decade from 1998 to 2008 was fruitful for the Porsche 911. It saw Porsche’s heralded Active Suspension Management (PASM) introduced with the Porsche 911 Carrera S in 2005, which is now a standard feature on all current Porsche models. This allowed for everyday driving to be as comfortable as possible and performance driving to be as exhilarating as required.

Possibly the most important part of the history of the Porsche 911 is the company’s reliance on the flat six engine. In the beginning, the flat six was a 2.0 litre air-cooled engine. Only in 1998, with the introduction of the Porsche 911 996, did Porsche stray away from traditional air-cooled flat-six engines, making the Porsche 911 993 produced from 1994-1998 one of the most sought after models. The flat-six engine was the ideal choice to fit the Porsche 911’s centre of gravity, creating a sporty driving style. Mounting the flat-six engines at the back of the chassis allowed for greater traction when accelerating. This has not changed to this day and remains an integral part of the Porsche 911’s construct.

Take your pick

Whilst the Porsche 911 is a recursive model, there have been notable special editions and derivatives. The first ‘GT’ Porsche was released in 1999 to replace the 911 Carrera RS 2.7. This 911 GT3 RS was the first blood of Porsche’s track-oriented version of the 911 and has been a coveted Porsche model ever since. The excitement surrounding Porsche 911 GT products is profound, with the launch of the latest Porsche 911 GT3 RS creating unprecedented demand at a time when supply has become increasingly limited. 

Between 1965 and 2022, there have been over 10 derivatives of the 911. The latest edition of the 911, the 992, has unquestionably maintained the Porsche 911’s pedigree. With over 20 different model variants available, you may wonder which is best for you? Here at Porsche Centre Swindon, our dedicated Porsche experts will guide you through the process, where together, we will help find you the perfect Porsche 911. We think that sometimes the best decisions require some spontaneity. So, book a test drive today to experience what over 50 years of sports car heritage feels, sounds and performs like.

The Porsche 911 has always been the best choice for sports car enthusiasts, not a compromise. 

Book your test drive today.