Classic Porsche 911 Cars 1963-1977 912 Targa, 911S, 911 Carrera RS

Porsche 911 1963-1977

What is your favourite Porsche?

This is one of many illustrated classic car guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you wish to find out more about the classic Porsche 911 car art featured in this guide please click here.

Launched in 1963 as a replacement for the 356, the 911 is probably the most successful sports car of all time. Despite continuous development, which has enhanced its refinement and performance, the 911 has managed to retain its distinctive character and become both an icon of style and automotive engineering. This series guide covers classic 911 models produced between 1963 and 1977.

911 (1963-1968)

Introduced as a replacement for the 356 in 1963, the 911 followed a broadly similar layout to its predecessor, with the gearbox ahead of the rear wheels, the engine behind them, and springing by torsion bars. MacPherson struts were fitted to the front and the old swing axle rear suspension was replaced by a trailing arm system. Construction however was now fully integral. The new 130bhp 1,991cc flat-six engine was air-cooled, and drove through a five-speed transmission. Despite the fact it had only single overhead camshafts, the 911 was as quick as the quad-cam Carrera 2. Weber carburettors replaced Solexes in 1966, a Targa-top model came in 1967, and Sportomatic transmission in 1968. 911L (emission control) models were produced in 1967/8 for the US market.

912 Targa (1965-1969)

Basically a 911 fitted with the old VW-derived 90bhp 1,582cc flat-four, which drove through the old-four-speed gearbox, although the new five-speed transmission was an option. Levels of interior trim were lower than on the now-luxurious 911, and were more in line with the 356C. Less powerful than the 911, the 912's lighter engine made for better weight distribution, the model's top speed of 119mph/191kmh, and 0-60mph in 11.3 seconds, was very respectable for 2 litres in 1965. Over the years, the 912 received most of the up-dates of the 911, but not Sportomatic transmission. The model was dropped in 1969 but it was revived in 1976 for America as the fuel-injected, but slightly slower, 912E.

911S (1966-1973)

By 1967 Porsche offered three versions of the road-going 911, and badged them as the 911T, 911L and 911S. Outwardly the cars were the same, but the 2-litre engine common to each model was available in different stages of tune, the S version being equivalent of the hot Carrera models of the 356 era. The 911S featured larger diameter valves, a compression ratio of 9:8:1 and developed a healthy 160bhp @ 6,600rpm. Top speed was close to 140mph (225kmh). Anti roll bars and Koni shock absorbers were fitted as standard to the S and these made a significant difference to the handling. A 2.2-litre version of the engine arrived for the S model in 1969, increasing again in 1971 to 2.4-litres.

911 Carrera RS (1972-1973)

Considered by many to be the definitive 911, production of the Carrera RS 2.7 began in October 1972. With lighter body panels and stripped out interior trim, the Sport or lightweight 911 RS (code M471) used the classic flat-six engine, now bored out to 2.7 litres and boasted uprated fuel injection and forged flat top pistons - modifications that helped push out a sparkling 210bhp. A Touring version of the Carrera RS 2.7 was also available (M472), which was essentially a 911S interior with the 2.7-litre engine, suspension and body.

911 Carrera 3.0 (1975-1977)

Under Porsche's policy of constant development and revision, August 1973 saw the 911 (150bhp), 911S (175bhp) and 911 Carrera (210bhp) replace previous T, E, S and RS models. There were ever wider wheels, and wheel arches, more controllable handling and new bumpers (from late 1973), which met US impact laws. A revival of the famous Carrera name the model used an aerofoil on the engine lid, which had been developed for the 911 Turbo, which was now in preparation. Three-litre engines began to be introduced in 1975, with the Carrera 3.0 and were standard in 1977. The American market received strangulated emission-controlled models.

911 Turbo (1975-1977)

When Porsche introduced the now legendary 911 in 1963, it was capable of a respectable 130mph/209kmh top speed. This figure improved steadily over the years, but performance increased to new levels with the arrival of the 260bhp 911 Turbo in 1974 - now 153mph/246kmh and 0-60/0-96kmh in 6.1 sec was possible. Developed under the 930 destination, the Turbo was instantly recognisable by its wider wheels and accompanying flared arches, while there was a large tea-tray spoiler at the rear, which helped keep the wheels firmly on the road. For 1978 engine capacity rose to 3.3-litres, with revised Carrera 2 Turbo models arriving in 1990.

Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!

Classic Porsche Sports Cars: 944, 928, 911 Turbo, 924

What Is Your Favorite Sports Car?

Porsche Cars

This is one of many illustrated classic car guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you wish to find out more about the classic Porsche sports car art featured in this guide please click here.

This guide celebrates the Porsche road cars produced between 1950 and 1984, from the 356 to the 944.

Porsche 356

Porsche began building the 356/1 around 1948 at their establishment in Gmund, Austria. This first car used a 1131cc Volkswagen flat-four engine mounted ahead of the rear axle which it drove via a four-speed gearbox. The mechanics went into a tubular space frame, there was independent suspension all-round, and the open -body was hand-built in aluminium. It was low, sleek and stylish and formed the basis of the first true production cars, the 356/2s. They differed a great deal from the prototype as the engine was mounted behind the rear axle and the space frame had been replaced by a welded sheet steel platform.

Porsche Speedster

With its dumpy body and tiny windscreen, the Speedster is often compared to an inverted bath tub. It is nevertheless one of the company's great cult cars and is today highly prized by collectors. Due to its lack of trim, the Speedster was very light and thus very quick and was popular on race tracks. It appeared in 1956 as the brainchild of Max Hoffman, Porsche's East Coast American distributor. He suggested the factory strip down a car to get it below $3,000 but still keep it comfortable and able to be used for the street. At this price it could compete with other sports cars like the Austin Healey, Triumph TR3 and the Corvette.

Porsche 356A

Porsche introduced the 356A models at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1955. Noticeably different from the original 356, the new car featured an all-steel instead of aluminium body, smaller wheels and a new curved windshield. Inside there was a padded dash, reclining seats and improved instrumentation. For general use two engine sizes were offered, the 1300 and 1600 both in familiar flat-four layout with pushrod-operated overhead valves. Coupe, Cabriolet or Speedster bodies were built by Reutter. The 356A was produced between 1955 and 1959 and the desirable Carrera / 1500GS version was available from 1956 in all body styles.

Porsche 912

The 912 ran from 1965 to 1969 and sold over 30,000 cars, in the first year outselling the 911 at 6,440 to 4,865. It was only dropped to make way for the "VolksPorsche" 914 and when that experiment had proved not to be a success, was actually brought back as the 912E for the 1976 model year with a 1971cc fuel-injected Volkswagen flat-four engine out of the 411 Variant. The original 912 used a 1582cc flat-four pushrod engine and was priced at US $4,690 when released compared to the 911 at US $ 6,490. Always viewed as second best to the 911, it was, to be fair, the model that you bought if you couldn't afford a 911.

Porsche 911

As a replacement for the aging 356 models, the 911 went into production in late 1964. It followed Porsche's traditions, being as fast as ever yet was quieter, smoother and more comfortable. The engine was an air-cooled, flat-six of 1991cc having a single, chain-driven overhead camshaft for each cylinder bank. Independent suspension and disc brakes were features. During 1965 the 911 was joined by the 912, a lower priced alternative fitted with a 1582cc flat-four pushrod engine and simpler interior trim.

Porsche 914

A Hybrid, maybe, but the 914 had a production run of 125,000 in five years making it a significant part of modern Porsche history. Produced by a company jointly set up by Volkswagen and Porsche, the 914/4 was powered by Volkswagen's four cylinder engine and the 914/6 by Porsche's 2-litre six. Apart from the wheels and badging, the 914/4 was indistinguishable from the 914/6. Both featured a mid-mounted engine and all were Targa-topped. Built between 1969 and 1975, the 1914's plus points were its compactness and superb handling. High noise levels from the mid-mounted engine were the minus.

Porsche 911 ( Targa )

Targa was the name given to the convertible version of the 911 in honour of Porsche's many victories in the great Targa Florio road race in Sicily. Introduced in 1965 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the Targa used a built in rollbar and removable fold up roof panel. Early models, 1967 and 1968, also had a removable soft rear window which was replaced by the permanent hard rear window in 1969.

Porsche ( Carrera )

The Carrera name hailed from the Carrera Panamericana, the Pan-American endurance road race in Mexico, where Porsches had performed extremely well. Starting with the 356, models that have carried the Carrera name have been some of the fastest road cars in the Porsche line-up.

Porsche 924

With the 924 Porsche returned to their 356 origins by using VW parts and assemblies for much of the car, yet on the other hand changed their history by building a car with both water-cooling and a front-mounted engine. Entering production in 1975, the 924 used a four-in-line 1984cc engine laid over by 40 degrees to ensure a low bonnet line. Styling was by Tony Lapine and was attractive without being distinctly Porsche. Various limited edition 924 models were produced, including a Martini and a Sebring '79.

Porsche 911 Turbo

The year 1975 saw the introduction of the 911 Turbo, with the 2993cc displacement of the old RS and RSR but with a staggering increase in horsepower to 260. For the 1978 model year there was an even more mind-boggling 300bhp available on standard roadgoing Turbo, now bored out to 97mm and stroked to 74.4mm for capacity of 3299cc. The 911 Turbo had placed the 911 series among the elite of the Supercar class.

Porsche 928

The 928 was first seen at the Geneva Motor Show in 1977. Conceived as a top of the range grand tourer, it was as fully equipped and luxurious as was feasible in the 2+2 bodyshell. It copied the 924 in having a front-mounted, water-cooled engine and gearbox in unit with the rear axle. The engine was an all-alloy V-8 of 4474cc. There was a five-speed manual gearbox or a three-speed automatic and the chassis followed Porsche convention of independent suspension and disc brakes for all wheels. In August 1979 the 928S was announced. With modest increase in engine capacity and a sportier camshaft, power rose from 240 to 300 bhp. S cars have discreet front and rear spoilers and smooth wheel covers.

Porsche 944

The 911, 924 and 928 were joined in 1982 by a new model, the 944. It followed the concept of the 924 by using a water-cooled, in-line four-cylinder engine with rear-mounted transmission but it was a very different car. The 2479cc engine had two balance shafts within each crankcase, belt driven in opposite directions to each other, at twice the engine speed. These generated opposing forces to those of the engine so that all balanced in the crankcase. The result was a very smooth car, faster than a 924 and also attractively priced. From 1986 there were S and Turbo versions and inevitably, a year or so later the 944 Turbo S, a superb machine with a top speed of over 160mph (256km/h).

Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!

Porsche Car: 911 Targa, Carrera, 924, 911 Turbo, 928, 944

Do you own one of the Porsche models below? Please leave a comment below. Perhaps you collect diecast models, brochures etc.

Porsche Cars

This is one of many illustrated classic car guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you wish to find out more about the classic Porsche sports car art featured in this guide please click here.

This guide celebrates the Porsche road cars produced between 1950 and 1984, from the 356 to the 944.

Porsche 356

Porsche began building the 356/1 around 1948 at their establishment in Gmund, Austria. This first car used a 1131cc Volkswagen flat-four engine mounted ahead of the rear axle which it drove via a four-speed gearbox. The mechanics went into a tubular space frame, there was independent suspension all-round, and the open -body was hand-built in aluminium. It was low, sleek and stylish and formed the basis of the first true production cars, the 356/2s. They differed a great deal from the prototype as the engine was mounted behind the rear axle and the space frame had been replaced by a welded sheet steel platform.

Porsche Speedster

With its dumpy body and tiny windscreen, the Speedster is often compared to an inverted bath tub. It is nevertheless one of the company's great cult cars and is today highly prized by collectors. Due to its lack of trim, the Speedster was very light and thus very quick and was popular on race tracks. It appeared in 1956 as the brainchild of Max Hoffman, Porsche's East Coast American distributor. He suggested the factory strip down a car to get it below $3,000 but still keep it comfortable and able to be used for the street. At this price it could compete with other sports cars like the Austin Healey, Triumph TR3 and the Corvette.

Porsche 356A

Porsche introduced the 356A models at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1955. Noticeably different from the original 356, the new car featured an all-steel instead of aluminium body, smaller wheels and a new curved windshield. Inside there was a padded dash, reclining seats and improved instrumentation. For general use two engine sizes were offered, the 1300 and 1600 both in familiar flat-four layout with pushrod-operated overhead valves. Coupe, Cabriolet or Speedster bodies were built by Reutter. The 356A was produced between 1955 and 1959 and the desirable Carrera / 1500GS version was available from 1956 in all body styles.

Porsche 912

The 912 ran from 1965 to 1969 and sold over 30,000 cars, in the first year outselling the 911 at 6,440 to 4,865. It was only dropped to make way for the "VolksPorsche" 914 and when that experiment had proved not to be a success, was actually brought back as the 912E for the 1976 model year with a 1971cc fuel-injected Volkswagen flat-four engine out of the 411 Variant. The original 912 used a 1582cc flat-four pushrod engine and was priced at US $4,690 when released compared to the 911 at US $ 6,490. Always viewed as second best to the 911, it was, to be fair, the model that you bought if you couldn't afford a 911.

Porsche 911

As a replacement for the aging 356 models, the 911 went into production in late 1964. It followed Porsche's traditions, being as fast as ever yet was quieter, smoother and more comfortable. The engine was an air-cooled, flat-six of 1991cc having a single, chain-driven overhead camshaft for each cylinder bank. Independent suspension and disc brakes were features. During 1965 the 911 was joined by the 912, a lower priced alternative fitted with a 1582cc flat-four pushrod engine and simpler interior trim.

Porsche 914

A Hybrid, maybe, but the 914 had a production run of 125,000 in five years making it a significant part of modern Porsche history. Produced by a company jointly set up by Volkswagen and Porsche, the 914/4 was powered by Volkswagen's four cylinder engine and the 914/6 by Porsche's 2-litre six. Apart from the wheels and badging, the 914/4 was indistinguishable from the 914/6. Both featured a mid-mounted engine and all were Targa-topped. Built between 1969 and 1975, the 1914's plus points were its compactness and superb handling. High noise levels from the mid-mounted engine were the minus.

Porsche 911 ( Targa )

Targa was the name given to the convertible version of the 911 in honour of Porsche's many victories in the great Targa Florio road race in Sicily. Introduced in 1965 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the Targa used a built in rollbar and removable fold up roof panel. Early models, 1967 and 1968, also had a removable soft rear window which was replaced by the permanent hard rear window in 1969.

Porsche ( Carrera )

The Carrera name hailed from the Carrera Panamericana, the Pan-American endurance road race in Mexico, where Porsches had performed extremely well. Starting with the 356, models that have carried the Carrera name have been some of the fastest road cars in the Porsche line-up.

Porsche 924

With the 924 Porsche returned to their 356 origins by using VW parts and assemblies for much of the car, yet on the other hand changed their history by building a car with both water-cooling and a front-mounted engine. Entering production in 1975, the 924 used a four-in-line 1984cc engine laid over by 40 degrees to ensure a low bonnet line. Styling was by Tony Lapine and was attractive without being distinctly Porsche. Various limited edition 924 models were produced, including a Martini and a Sebring '79.

Porsche 911 Turbo

The year 1975 saw the introduction of the 911 Turbo, with the 2993cc displacement of the old RS and RSR but with a staggering increase in horsepower to 260. For the 1978 model year there was an even more mind-boggling 300bhp available on standard roadgoing Turbo, now bored out to 97mm and stroked to 74.4mm for capacity of 3299cc. The 911 Turbo had placed the 911 series among the elite of the Supercar class.

Porsche 928

The 928 was first seen at the Geneva Motor Show in 1977. Conceived as a top of the range grand tourer, it was as fully equipped and luxurious as was feasible in the 2+2 bodyshell. It copied the 924 in having a front-mounted, water-cooled engine and gearbox in unit with the rear axle. The engine was an all-alloy V-8 of 4474cc. There was a five-speed manual gearbox or a three-speed automatic and the chassis followed Porsche convention of independent suspension and disc brakes for all wheels. In August 1979 the 928S was announced. With modest increase in engine capacity and a sportier camshaft, power rose from 240 to 300 bhp. S cars have discreet front and rear spoilers and smooth wheel covers.

Porsche 944

The 911, 924 and 928 were joined in 1982 by a new model, the 944. It followed the concept of the 924 by using a water-cooled, in-line four-cylinder engine with rear-mounted transmission but it was a very different car. The 2479cc engine had two balance shafts within each crankcase, belt driven in opposite directions to each other, at twice the engine speed. These generated opposing forces to those of the engine so that all balanced in the crankcase. The result was a very smooth car, faster than a 924 and also attractively priced. From 1986 there were S and Turbo versions and inevitably, a year or so later the 944 Turbo S, a superb machine with a top speed of over 160mph (256km/h).

Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!

Porsche 911 : 911 Turbo, 911 Carrera 3.0, 911 Carrera RS

Do you remember owning one of the car models below? Please leave a comment below. Perhaps you've recently restored a Porsche 911 or maybe you collect diecast models and brochures.

Porsche 911 1963-1977

This is one of many illustrated classic car guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you wish to find out more about the classic Porsche 911 car art featured in this guide please click here.

Launched in 1963 as a replacement for the 356, the 911 is probably the most successful sports car of all time. Despite continuous development, which has enhanced its refinement and performance, the 911 has managed to retain its distinctive character and become both an icon of style and automotive engineering. This series guide covers classic 911 models produced between 1963 and 1977.

911 (1963-1968)

Introduced as a replacement for the 356 in 1963, the 911 followed a broadly similar layout to its predecessor, with the gearbox ahead of the rear wheels, the engine behind them, and springing by torsion bars. MacPherson struts were fitted to the front and the old swing axle rear suspension was replaced by a trailing arm system. Construction however was now fully integral. The new 130bhp 1,991cc flat-six engine was air-cooled, and drove through a five-speed transmission. Despite the fact it had only single overhead camshafts, the 911 was as quick as the quad-cam Carrera 2. Weber carburettors replaced Solexes in 1966, a Targa-top model came in 1967, and Sportomatic transmission in 1968. 911L (emission control) models were produced in 1967/8 for the US market.

912 Targa (1965-1969)

Basically a 911 fitted with the old VW-derived 90bhp 1,582cc flat-four, which drove through the old-four-speed gearbox, although the new five-speed transmission was an option. Levels of interior trim were lower than on the now-luxurious 911, and were more in line with the 356C. Less powerful than the 911, the 912's lighter engine made for better weight distribution, the model's top speed of 119mph/191kmh, and 0-60mph in 11.3 seconds, was very respectable for 2 litres in 1965. Over the years, the 912 received most of the up-dates of the 911, but not Sportomatic transmission. The model was dropped in 1969 but it was revived in 1976 for America as the fuel-injected, but slightly slower, 912E.

911S (1966-1973)

By 1967 Porsche offered three versions of the road-going 911, and badged them as the 911T, 911L and 911S. Outwardly the cars were the same, but the 2-litre engine common to each model was available in different stages of tune, the S version being equivalent of the hot Carrera models of the 356 era. The 911S featured larger diameter valves, a compression ratio of 9:8:1 and developed a healthy 160bhp @ 6,600rpm. Top speed was close to 140mph (225kmh). Anti roll bars and Koni shock absorbers were fitted as standard to the S and these made a significant difference to the handling. A 2.2-litre version of the engine arrived for the S model in 1969, increasing again in 1971 to 2.4-litres.

911 Carrera RS (1972-1973)

Considered by many to be the definitive 911, production of the Carrera RS 2.7 began in October 1972. With lighter body panels and stripped out interior trim, the Sport or lightweight 911 RS (code M471) used the classic flat-six engine, now bored out to 2.7 litres and boasted uprated fuel injection and forged flat top pistons - modifications that helped push out a sparkling 210bhp. A Touring version of the Carrera RS 2.7 was also available (M472), which was essentially a 911S interior with the 2.7-litre engine, suspension and body.

911 Carrera 3.0 (1975-1977)

Under Porsche's policy of constant development and revision, August 1973 saw the 911 (150bhp), 911S (175bhp) and 911 Carrera (210bhp) replace previous T, E, S and RS models. There were ever wider wheels, and wheel arches, more controllable handling and new bumpers (from late 1973), which met US impact laws. A revival of the famous Carrera name the model used an aerofoil on the engine lid, which had been developed for the 911 Turbo, which was now in preparation. Three-litre engines began to be introduced in 1975, with the Carrera 3.0 and were standard in 1977. The American market received strangulated emission-controlled models.

911 Turbo (1975-1977)

When Porsche introduced the now legendary 911 in 1963, it was capable of a respectable 130mph/209kmh top speed. This figure improved steadily over the years, but performance increased to new levels with the arrival of the 260bhp 911 Turbo in 1974 - now 153mph/246kmh and 0-60/0-96kmh in 6.1 sec was possible. Developed under the 930 destination, the Turbo was instantly recognisable by its wider wheels and accompanying flared arches, while there was a large tea-tray spoiler at the rear, which helped keep the wheels firmly on the road. For 1978 engine capacity rose to 3.3-litres, with revised Carrera 2 Turbo models arriving in 1990.

Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!