A brief history of the Porsche 911 Turbo

The First 911 (1963) - Birth of a Legend

As the successor to the Porsche 356, the 911 won the hearts of sports car enthusiasts from the outset. The prototype was first unveiled at the Frankfurt IAA Motor Show in 1963 as the 901, and renamed the 911 for its market launch in 1964. Its air-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine delivered 130 hp, giving it an impressive top speed of 131 mph. If you wanted to take things a little slower, starting in 1965 you could also opt for the four-cylinder Porsche 912. In 1966 Porsche presented the 160 hp 911 S, which was the first to feature forged alloy wheels from Fuchs. The 911 Targa, with its distinctive stainless steel roll bar, made its debut in late 1966 as the world's first ever safety cabriolet. The semiautomatic Sportomatic four-speed transmission joined the lineup in 1967. With the 911T of the same year, and the later E and S variants, Porsche became the first German manufacturer to comply with strict US exhaust emission control regulations. The Porsche 911 became more and more powerful as displacement increased, initially to 2.2 liters (1969) and later to 2.4 (1971). The 911 Carrera RS 2.7 of 1972 with 210 hp engine and weighing less than 1000 kg remains the epitome of a dream car to this day. Its characteristic "ducktail" was the world's first rear spoiler on a production vehicle.

The G-Series (1973) - The Second Generation

Ten years after its premiere, the engineers at Porsche gave the 911 its first thorough makeover. The G model was produced from 1973 to 1989, longer than any other 911 generation. It featured prominent bellows bumpers, an innovation designed to meet the latest crash test standards in the United States. Occupant protection was further improved by three-point safety belts as standard equipment, as well as integrated headrests. One of the most important milestones in the 911 saga was the 1974 unveiling of the first Porsche 911 Turbo with a three-liter 260 hp engine and enormous rear spoiler. With its unique blend of luxury and performance, the Turbo became synonymous with the Porsche mystique. The next performance jump came in 1977 with the intercooler-equipped 911 Turbo 3.3. At 300 hp it was the best in its class. In 1983 the naturally aspirated 911 Carrera superseded the SC; with a 3.2 liter 231 hp engine, it became a favorite collectors' item. Starting in 1982, fresh air enthusiasts could also order the 911 as a Cabriolet. The 911 Carrera Speedster, launched in 1989, was evocative of the legendary 356 of the fifties.

The 964 (1988) - Classic Modern

Just when automotive experts were predicting the imminent end of an era, in 1988 Porsche came out with the 911 Carrera 4 (964). After 15 years of production, the 911 platform was radically renewed with 85 percent new components, giving Porsche a modern and sustainable vehicle. Its air-cooled 3.6 liter boxer engine delivered 250 hp.  Externally, the 964 differed from its predecessors only slightly, in its aerodynamic polyurethane bumpers and automatically extending rear spoiler, but internally it was almost completely different. The new model was designed to captivate drivers not only with sporty performance but also with enhanced comfort. It came with ABS, Tiptronic, power steering, and airbags, and rode on a completely redesigned chassis with light alloy control arms and coil springs instead of the previous torsion-bar suspension. A revolutionary member of the new 911 line right from the start was the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 model. In addition to Carrera Coupé, Cabriolet and Targa versions, starting in 1990 customers could also order the 964 Turbo. Initially powered by the proven 3.3 liter boxer engine, in 1992 the Turbo was upgraded to a more powerful 360 hp 3.6 liter power plant. Today, the 964 Carrera RS, 911 Turbo S, and 911 Carrera 2 Speedster are in particularly high demand among collectors.

The 993 (1993) - The Last Air-Cooled Models

The 911 with the internal design number 993 remains the one true love of many a Porsche driver. The remarkably pleasing design has much to do with this. The integrated bumpers underscore the smooth elegance of its styling. The front section is lower-slung than on the earlier models, made possible by a switch from round to polyellipsoid headlights. The 993 quickly gained a reputation for exceptional dependability and reliability. It was also agile, as the first 911 with a newly designed aluminum chassis. The Turbo version was the first to have a bi-turbo engine, giving it the lowest-emission stock automotive powertrain in the world in 1995. The hollow-spoke aluminum wheels, never before used on any car, were yet another innovation of the all-wheel drive Turbo version. The Porsche 911 GT2 was aimed at the sports car purist who cherished the thrill of high speeds. An electric glass roof that slid under the rear window was one of the innovations of the 911 Targa. But the real reason dyed-in-the-wool Porsche enthusiasts still revere the 993 is that this model, produced from 1993 to 1998, was the last 911 with an air-cooled engine.

The 996 (1997) - Water-Cooled

The 996, which rolled off the assembly line from 1997 to 2005, represented a major turning point in the history of the 911. It retained all the character of its classic heritage, but was an entirely new automobile. This comprehensively redesigned generation was the first to be driven by a water-cooled boxer engine. Thanks to its four-valve cylinder heads it achieved 300 hp and broke new ground in terms of reduced emissions, noise, and fuel consumption. The exterior design was a reinterpretation of the 911's classic line, but with a lower drag coefficient (cW) of 0.30. The lines of the 996 were also a result of component sharing with Porsche's successful Boxster model. Its most obvious exterior feature were the headlights with integrated turn signals, at first controversial but later copied by many other manufacturers. On the inside, drivers experienced an entirely new cockpit. Driving comfort now also played a greater role alongside the typical sporty characteristics. With the 996 Porsche launched an unprecedented product offensive with a whole series of new variations. The 911 GT3 became one of the highlights of the model range in 1999, keeping the tradition of the Carrera RS alive. The 911 GT2, the first car equipped with ceramic brakes as standard, was marketed as an extreme sports vehicle starting in the fall of 2000.

The 997 (2004) - Classicism and Modernity

In July 2004 Porsche unveiled the new generation 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera S models, referred to internally as the 997. The clear oval headlights with separate blinkers in the front apron were a visual return to older 911 models, but the 997 offered more than just style. It was a high-performance vehicle, with a 3.6 liter boxer engine that turned out 325 hp while the new 3.8 liter engine of the Carrera S managed an incredible 355 hp. The chassis was also substantially reworked, and the Carrera S came with Porsche Active Suspension Management as standard equipment. In 2006 Porsche introduced the 911 Turbo, the first gasoline-powered production automobile to include a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. A model update in the fall of 2008 made the 997 even more efficient thanks to direct fuel injection and a dual clutch transmission. Never before had the 911 series made such extensive allowances to suit drivers' individual preferences, and with Carrera, Targa, Cabriolet, rear or all-wheel drive, Turbo, GTS, special models, and road versions of GT racing cars, the 911 family ultimately comprised 24 model versions.

The 991 (2011) - Refined by Experience

This car, known internally as the 991, represents the greatest technical leap in the evolution of the 911. Already the class benchmark for decades, the new 911 generation raised performance and efficiency to new levels. A totally new suspension with a longer wheelbase, wider track, larger tires and an ergonomically optimized interior - it all adds up to an even sportier yet more comfortable driving experience. Technically, the 911 is the epitome of Porsche Intelligent Performance - even lower fuel consumption, even higher performance. This is due in part to the smaller 3.4 liter displacement in the Carrera basic model (yet developing 5 hp more than the 997/II), and to its hybrid steel/aluminum construction, which significantly reduces curb weight. Other innovations include Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and the world's first seven-gear manual transmission. The design of the 991 has likewise met with high critical acclaim. With its flat, stretched silhouette, exciting contours, and precisely designed details, the seventh generation of the Porsche 911 Carrera remains unmistakably a 911 that has once again succeeded in redefining the standard for automobile design. It is the best 911 of all time - until the next generation.

 

Huge Success For Warren Car and Coffee Morning

On the first event of its kind at The Warren, over 110 Classic, Sports and Supercars attended the breakfast meeting on the 29 April, with over 250 supporters, including Secretary of State for International Development, Priti Patel.

Cars of all types, manufacturers and vintages attended, from modern supercars to classic sports cars, to vintage 1920s Rolls and Bentleys.

This, free to enter event gives time for owners and enthusiasts to mingle and view at very close quarters, millions of pounds’ worth of beautiful vehicles whilst enjoying coffee, tea and breakfast.

Liam Cardiff, creator of the event said “we had no idea of the numbers that would support this first get together, but we are absolutely delighted, not just with the number of people and cars, but by the quality and range which would be the delight of any concours event – it will definitely be a monthly event from now on.”

Priti Patel said “I am always delighted to be invited to The Warren, it’s such a beautiful estate and I was staggered by the quality of the cars on display”.

 The Warren Estate is best known in motoring circles for its Classic & Supercar Show, which takes place this year on Sunday 24th September. This event combines an internationally-renowned classic car concours competition, extensive displays of classic and supercars, plus a wide range of family entertainment. For more information visit www.warrenclassic.co.uk

Anglia Car Auctions: Is Older Better? The Porsche 911.

Which offers the best driving experience  - the old-school Porsche 911 or the technology-riddled contemporary incarnation of Germany’s long-running road rocket? It’s old vs. new like never before with Anglia Car Auction's 8th April sale.  

Words: Calum Brown
Pictures: Anglia Car Auctions

Like the look of this beast? Click on the picture for more information. 

While we understand that modern equivalents of timeless classics push the boundaries of safety, comfort and handling to new levels - are they a patch on the originals in terms of elation and driving experience? The Porsche 911 is the perfect case in point. Does heavy duty crash protection and now commonplace electronic driving aids strip away the raw aspect of excitement so sought after by petrolheads the world over?

On paper at least, the podium place is easily taken by the modern manifestation - cracking 60mph from a standstill in less than 4 seconds and continuing on to well past the legendary 200mph mark. Fuel consumption even pushes 22mpg. The original 911 isn’t exactly slow, especially in ‘S’ form - where it can crack 138mph and destroy the 0-60mph sprint in 7.4 seconds - but for those hunting a cold sweat with an adrenaline filled, tarmac snorting car equivalent to a missile launcher, the original may appear lacklustre.

This is to be expected however, as Porsche have had over fifty years to tune the beloved 911 into perfect shape. Gazing over the original 1963 example, with its air-cooled 2.0-litre unit and underlying shape so familiar with the modern 911, it’s hard not to feel the raw appeal of 911 geneses.  It feels light and is keen to rev, with a keen fixation on oversteer - it’s certainly a car that requires your full attention. Not that the current Porsche 911 acts in a gentlemanly manner when undertaking some lairy driving manoeuvres. If these cars were a family, their surname would be Manson. 

Both are capable of developing a tail-led slip angle with the slightest unwary twitch of the steering wheel, but the difference between old and new boils down to one aspect: the current model is (slightly) more forgiving when regaining control. A bit like Margaret Thatcher would be more forgiving than Vlad the Impaler.

While the new car may have better protection should the turbo lag spin you backwards through an Aga showroom, and offer improved reliability from advanced mechanicals alongside preferable comfort levels and sound deadening - it lacks the same soul oozing out of the older versions.

This one is for sale, too. Here's some more info. 

This one is for sale, too. Here's some more info. 

Perhaps it’s the clean cut noise from the 1960s exhaust that leaves the prevailing scream spouted from today’s 911 sounding a bit too techno, or the smooth styling donned by the first models that results in a new Porsche 911 appearing overly brutish. All we can determine is that the 1960s 911 is nicer to look at, more satisfying to hear when driving past and far fresher to drive. It’s far less comfortable and nowhere near as quick, yet the feeling of heritage within an original 911 is near impossible to beat.

It makes financial sense too - with classic Porsche 911s climbing up the cost ladder, as new-fangled examples slip down the huge depreciation ladder - unless you go for a special edition, which costs more than a house in the first place.

In essence, it all boils down to personal preference - but for a slice of Porsche history and raw, exciting automotive pleasure, we can’t recommend the original 911 enough.

You can view the Anglia Car Auction's listings on CCFS. 

The First Classic Motor Hub Event of 2017 Roars into Life!

Words and Pictures: John Mayhead

Words and Pictures: John Mayhead

Sunday 2nd April sees the first of many 2017 events taking place at The Classic Motor Hub in Bibury, Gloucestershire, where classic and vintage motor enthusiasts and families will meet for their Coffee and Classics morning.

Hundreds of enthusiasts are expected to attend the event, when they can meet likeminded individuals over a relaxed coffee and bacon roll, and explore everything The Hub has to offer.

 

The Hub was created last year to bring together a number of classic, sports and vintage motoring businesses, all housed in the historic surroundings of the old RAF Bibury World War 2 fighter base. The Hub has a full calendar of events throughout the year, including classic drive-in movies, rallies and other historic vehicle meetings.

At Coffee & Classics, every area of The Hub will be open- the superb showroom of Cotswold Collectors Cars, the bike store with a wide range of classic motorcycles, Classic Motor Hub Sales selling modern performance cars, car storage and workshop areas, plus The Clubhouse which draws its history from the RAF Officers’ Mess.

Furthermore, for the first Coffee & Classics, public access will be allowed to an exceptional private collection of historic sporting cars and Steve Bell from Heritage Preservations Detailing will be detailing a very special Ferrari owned by a well-known motoring celebrity. Although the event is free to enter, visitors are encouraged to arrive in an appropriate vehicle, and charity donations will be taken to support the Midlands Air Ambulance.

All this, plus a few very specially selected trade stands and refreshments on hand, should make The Classic Motor Hub’s Coffee & Classics an event not to miss!

Coffee & Classics is being held at The Classic Motor Hub, Ablington, Bibury, Gloucestershire, GL7 5NX on the first Sunday of every month from April until October from 9am until Midday. All drivers and riders of classic, vintage and sports cars and bikes are welcome, and it is free to attend. Please Google ‘The Classic Motor Hub Bibury’ for directions (Satnavs can be temperamental!) and visit https://www.facebook.com/TheClassicMotorHub/ for more information and register your place.

Motor Racing legend Jacky Ickx to be guest of honour at The London Classic Car Show

Jacky Ickx, the world’s greatest all-round racing driver, will be honoured at The London Classic Car Show's Gala Evening on Thursday 23rd February and will appear live on stage to discuss his remarkable career with broadcaster and journalist Henry Hope-Frost.

Ickx will also be joined by five time Le Mans winner Derek Bell, MBE, as they team up again after sharing the top step of the 24 Hours podium three times.

Bell said: “Sharing a car with Jacky at Le Mans was one of the high points of my career. I am looking forward to sharing a stage with him at the London Classic Car Show and remembering some of the great times we had together.”

 

 The pair will also share the stage with two other Le Mans superstars – Emanuele Pirro, who claimed five victories for Audi, and Jürgen Barth, who won in 1977 sharing a Porsche with Ickx. Together the quartet can claim 17 victories at Le Sarthe.

Ickx will also officially open the inaugural Historic Motorsport International, the show’s new sister exhibition, at 12pm on Thursday 23rd. And as if that wasn’t enough, The London Classic Car Show will also hold a special display showcasing several of the iconic cars he raced and rallied.

“This is a huge privilege for me to be a guest of honour at these two shows in the heart of London,” said Ickx. “Whether it was winning Le Mans three times with Derek or competing at Silverstone and Brands Hatch, I have always had a wonderful relationship with the British racing community and that’s why I am so thrilled to have these very special dates in my diary.” 

Seeing Red Ferraris

 £120 million worth of Ferraris take centre stage at London’s top classic show.

Daytona and Dino; 250 and F40; GTO and California – these names only mean one thing: Ferrari.

 

This year marks the 70th anniversary of Ferrari road cars and the London Classic Car Show will celebrate this with an incredible display made up of 20 of the greatest cars ever to wear the famous Prancing Horse.

It’s estimated that the cars will together be valued at more than £120 million as confirmed cars include; a 275 GTB, 250 California, 250 GT SWB, Daytona, Dino, an F40, 250 Lusso, an Enzo plus a 250 GTO, which on its own is worth more than £30 million. The special anniversary showcase is being curated by The London Classic Car Show together with renowned London-based performance car expert Joe Macari.

“With these spectacular machines on display, the centrepiece of the London Classic Car Show will be a veritable ‘red sea’ of Ferraris showing the evolution of the marque over its seven decades,” said event director Bas Bungish.


Classic Ferraris will also be represented in the shows unique feature The Grand Avenue, a live motoring runway. Single-seaters, sports racers and modern supercars will be paraded along the runway, under the 2017 theme of the ‘Perfect Ten’.

 Now in its third year, the London Classic Car Show is bigger than ever and will have more than 700 stunning classic cars on display. This year it incorporates a second show, Historic Motorsport International (HMI), which is devoted to historic racing and rallying and will include 50th anniversary celebrations for the Ford DFV Grand Prix engine and the birth of Formula Ford. 

 

New Donald Campbell Booklet Out Now!

Looking for a window into the life of legend Donald Campbell? This new booklet from the Speed Record Club is right up your street.

To mark the 50th anniversary of Donald Campbell’s final attempt for 300mph on water, the Speed Record Club has produced an A5 booklet – “Remembering Donald Campbell – The Man and his Legacy”.

Using previously unpublished material, this booklet features personal memories from Gina Campbell and Don Wales (Donald Campbell’s Daughter and Nephew) alongside Coniston villagers, team members and distinguished authors.

There is even some insight into Donald’s venture into car advertising, with largely unseen pictures of Campbell behind the wheel of a Vauxhall.

Priced at £5, profits will be going to local charities in the Coniston area. Available for purchase locally from 4th January 2017, you can also order through the Speed Record Club website.

 



Presenting The 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder

CCFS are proud to feature this classy piece of Italian automotive history.

This critically acclaimed 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 "Daytona" Spyder is 1 of only 122 cars built; originally sold to the American entrepreneur Bill Harrah and was featured as part of his World famous private car collection in Nevada.

The car was kept in immaculate condition with only 4,670 miles on the clock. It has had a full sympathetic recommission to make sure it's ready for the road and has been given Classiche Certification.

The bright Rosso Hide interior contrasts and complements the stunning Nero paintwork. Sporting sleek, elegant lines this car simply oozes class and sophistication - married with an impressive 4.4 Litre engine boasting 320 horsepower. 

This Ferrari is one of the last to be 100% hand built – with an all-steel body painstakingly hammer formed to perfection and is the perfect addition to any serious enthusiast’s classic car selection.

In addition, the car comes complete with its original service book, Classiche Certificate, history file and Autovettura book.

Interested? Click here to find out more.

Barons: Top Five Classic Cars Up for Auction

Barons Auction house have a wonderful selection of classic, collectors and sports cars up for auction this Christmas (13th December).

We’ve picked out our five personal favourites (by decade) – but please be assured that there’s sure to be something to suit every taste:

1968 MGB GT

This sporty little hatchback, designed by Pininfarina, simply oozes style and class in abundance. With sleek lines and a beautifully furbished leather interior this car epitomises everything that was great about MG in the 60s.

This model had a full photographic restoration in 1995 and has been subject to improvements by RBW spots and classics in 2016, including:

-          Original wheels refurbished

-          New tyres

-          Servo assisted brakes

-          Wooden dash

-          New steering wheel

-          New Carpets

-          Additional Cooling Fan

-          Overdrive moved to gear-knob

The car comes with a new MOT until December 2017 and has just had a full service so is ready to take to the open road.

1972 Fiat 500 L

The Fiat 500 was a landmark in small cars – measuring a diddy 2.97 metres in length and powered by a 499cc engine this car was perfect for town and city driving.

This Fiat 500 L is a lovely little car that sits alongside the classic Mini but brings with it an undeniable Italian charm that will appeal to many small car lovers.

This model includes:

-          Black vinyl seats

-          Red carpets

-          Rubber over-mats

-          All original fittings – steering wheel, fold-back sun roof, 499cc engine, etc

According to the vendor it has done a mere 17,500 miles on-the-clock and has been full MOT’d and serviced – ready for life on the British road.

1986 Cadillac De Ville

If you’re looking for something different they don’t come much more different than the Cadillac De Ville – a true American icon.

This powerful V8 was imported to the UK from Florida in 2006 and has lived most of its UK life in the garage.

In true Cadillac style it comes with a whole host of extras, including:

-          Power steering

-          Air suspension

-          Power brakes

-          Power windows

-          Electric seats

-          Cruise control

-          Air conditioning

-          Blue leather interior

The car is in excellent condition – immaculate bodywork and no mechanical issues. If you’re looking for some 80s Americana you can’t go far wrong with the Cadillac De Ville.

1996 Alfa Romeo Spider

The Alfa Romeo Spider, designed by Pininfarina, is a thing of beauty – displaying a style and finesse that is typically Italian and still up-holds to modern sports car standards.

This model includes:

-          16V Twin Spark Engine

-          White leather interior

-          Original mohair hood

-          Zender sideskirts

-          Front spoiler

Hailed as one of the best examples of its day the Spider boasts a sleek, aerodynamic shape, very low mileage (43,300 miles on the clock) and is in superb condition – with full MOT certificates that come with the car.

The 96 Alfa Romeo Spider is perfect for anyone looking to add to their car collection.

2004 Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee; a muscular American 4x4 that certainly stands out from the crowd. It always looks ready to take on any off or on-road challenge you might want to throw at it.

It’s truly a modern classic in its own right, boasting:

-         An aggressive 3.7 Litre engine

-         Leather interior

-         Heated seats

-         JVC stereo

-         Automatic gearbox

-         Low mileage (62,781)

-         Immaculate condition

Want something that can compete with modern 4x4s? You can’t go far wrong with a 2004 Jeep Cherokee. Perfect for any big car enthusiast.

For more information and to see what other cars are up for auction please visit the Barons Auction Christmas Classic page.