Porsche 911 Part 2 911SC, 911 Slant-nosed Turbo, 959

Porsche 911 - Part 2

What is your favorite 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 sports car art featured in this guide please click here.

The 911 series is one of the world's quintessential sports cars. Thoroughly fresh and modern when introduced in 1963, Porsche has carefully massaged its shape over the last four decades so it remains the most identifiable profile in the sports car world. This guide covers classic 911 models produced between 1978 and 1998.

911SC (1978-1983)

By the mid-to late seventies Porsche were in the position of needing to build a "world car", to meet different governments' requirements, and therefore rationalised the 911 series into the Turbo and the SC. The normally aspirated 3.0-litre engine meant it was good for 141mph/227kmh and 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds in European form (it was much slower in US spec). Servo-assisted brakes were standardised in 1979, and the list of luxury options grew in a deliberate move to make the 911 more attractive to the non-enthusiast. 1982 saw the first genuine cabriolet since the 356 series and in 1984, the sohc flat-six engine was enlarged to 3.2-litres, and the SC became known as the Carrera.

911 Slant-nosed Turbo (1982-1987)

Inspired by the racing 935s of the late 1970s, the "flatnose" 911 conversions were built by Porsche's Zuffenhausen repair department as a special order from 1981, although they were only ever officially listed as an option in 1987 (option code M506 also known as the 930S in the USA). Small numbers were produced, the early ones having headlights mounted in the front wing, while later models were equipped with folding headlights. Behind the bumper an additional oil cooler was placed. A total of 236 were built between 1982 and 1987, and these genuine factory cars are now highly sought after as unique 911 variants.

959 (1987-1988)

This is the ultimate 911. Beneath the familiar body lines are a mind-blowing array of equipment which made the 959, for a time, the world's fastest production road car with a top speed of 197mph/317kmh.In many ways, with the 959 Porsche were reaffirming the spirit of the 911, with its unorthodox rear-mounted, air-cooled, flat-six engine. The 911 had taken a back seat between 1972-1980, when Dr Ernst Fuhrmann was Porsche's chief executive and he decreed to switch to conventional front-engined cars such as the 928. However, with the arrival of his successor, Peter Schultz, the 911 once again moved centre stage and it has remained there ever since.

911 Carrera 2

In 1989 a heavily revised 911 (codenamed 964) was launched as the Carrera 4, which had permanent four wheel drive (31/69% split) and a 3.6-litre version of the flat-six engine. Power increased to 247bhp, which meant a top speed of 156mph/251kmh (0-60mph in 5.2secs). A two wheel drive version, the Carrera 2 arrived late in 1989, which was a fraction quicker than the Carrera 4. Both two and four wheel drive ranges were offered in fixed head, cabriolet and targa-top versions. With the Carrera 4, Porsche managed to establish a new generation of cars with enhanced aerodynamics, handling and performance, while at the same time retaining the spirit of the 911.

993 Turbo (1993-1997)

The 993-bodied car was introduced in December 1993 as the fourth generation of the 911, and it made striking improvements in three most important areas - looks, power and handling. Fitted with a 272bhp, 3.6-litre engine and multi-link rear suspension, top speed rose by 6mph over the 964 to 168mph/270kmh with 0-60mph/0-96kmh at 5.6secs. The styling of the 993 was stunning and for many observers this was the most beautiful of all 911s. With its flared wheel arches, large diameter 17-in (or larger) alloy road wheels and flush headlamp lenses, the Porsche design team had created a car that equalled, and surpassed, the most evocative designs from the Italian styling houses. The 400bhp 993 Turbo was the ultimate extension of the 911 design.

996 Coupe

In 1998 the 996 arrived representing the fifth generation of the remarkable 911 series. It was equally stunning and exciting as the cars from which it was derived, although for the first time the famous flat-six (now 3.4-litres) was water-cooled. This made the car much smother and quieter than its predecessors. There was also clear family resemblance to the Porsche Boxster, which had been introduced for the 1996 model year, since the 996 used the same distinctive headlamps with polycarbonate lenses and a similar front bumper. Bristling with innovative digital technology, the 996 probably represented the world's most idiot-proof driving machine and clearly Porsche had not produced a more competent road car.

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!

Porsche 911 : 996 Coupe, 993 Turbo, 911 Carrera 2

Do you remember owning one of the classic Porsche 911 models below? Maybe you've recently restored one, or perhaps you collect diecast models or brochures of them. Please leave a comment below.

Porsche 911 1978-1998- Part 2

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 sports car art featured in this guide please click here.

The 911 series is one of the world's quintessential sports cars. Thoroughly fresh and modern when introduced in 1963, Porsche has carefully massaged its shape over the last four decades so it remains the most identifiable profile in the sports car world. This guide covers classic 911 models produced between 1978 and 1998.

911SC (1978-1983)

By the mid-to late seventies Porsche were in the position of needing to build a "world car", to meet different governments' requirements, and therefore rationalised the 911 series into the Turbo and the SC. The normally aspirated 3.0-litre engine meant it was good for 141mph/227kmh and 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds in European form (it was much slower in US spec). Servo-assisted brakes were standardised in 1979, and the list of luxury options grew in a deliberate move to make the 911 more attractive to the non-enthusiast. 1982 saw the first genuine cabriolet since the 356 series and in 1984, the sohc flat-six engine was enlarged to 3.2-litres, and the SC became known as the Carrera.

911 Slant-nosed Turbo (1982-1987)

Inspired by the racing 935s of the late 1970s, the "flatnose" 911 conversions were built by Porsche's Zuffenhausen repair department as a special order from 1981, although they were only ever officially listed as an option in 1987 (option code M506 also known as the 930S in the USA). Small numbers were produced, the early ones having headlights mounted in the front wing, while later models were equipped with folding headlights. Behind the bumper an additional oil cooler was placed. A total of 236 were built between 1982 and 1987, and these genuine factory cars are now highly sought after as unique 911 variants.

959 (1987-1988)

This is the ultimate 911. Beneath the familiar body lines are a mind-blowing array of equipment which made the 959, for a time, the world's fastest production road car with a top speed of 197mph/317kmh.In many ways, with the 959 Porsche were reaffirming the spirit of the 911, with its unorthodox rear-mounted, air-cooled, flat-six engine. The 911 had taken a back seat between 1972-1980, when Dr Ernst Fuhrmann was Porsche's chief executive and he decreed to switch to conventional front-engined cars such as the 928. However, with the arrival of his successor, Peter Schultz, the 911 once again moved centre stage and it has remained there ever since.

911 Carrera 2

In 1989 a heavily revised 911 (codenamed 964) was launched as the Carrera 4, which had permanent four wheel drive (31/69% split) and a 3.6-litre version of the flat-six engine. Power increased to 247bhp, which meant a top speed of 156mph/251kmh (0-60mph in 5.2secs). A two wheel drive version, the Carrera 2 arrived late in 1989, which was a fraction quicker than the Carrera 4. Both two and four wheel drive ranges were offered in fixed head, cabriolet and targa-top versions. With the Carrera 4, Porsche managed to establish a new generation of cars with enhanced aerodynamics, handling and performance, while at the same time retaining the spirit of the 911.

993 Turbo (1993-1997)

The 993-bodied car was introduced in December 1993 as the fourth generation of the 911, and it made striking improvements in three most important areas - looks, power and handling. Fitted with a 272bhp, 3.6-litre engine and multi-link rear suspension, top speed rose by 6mph over the 964 to 168mph/270kmh with 0-60mph/0-96kmh at 5.6secs. The styling of the 993 was stunning and for many observers this was the most beautiful of all 911s. With its flared wheel arches, large diameter 17-in (or larger) alloy road wheels and flush headlamp lenses, the Porsche design team had created a car that equalled, and surpassed, the most evocative designs from the Italian styling houses. The 400bhp 993 Turbo was the ultimate extension of the 911 design.

996 Coupe

In 1998 the 996 arrived representing the fifth generation of the remarkable 911 series. It was equally stunning and exciting as the cars from which it was derived, although for the first time the famous flat-six (now 3.4-litres) was water-cooled. This made the car much smother and quieter than its predecessors. There was also clear family resemblance to the Porsche Boxster, which had been introduced for the 1996 model year, since the 996 used the same distinctive headlamps with polycarbonate lenses and a similar front bumper. Bristling with innovative digital technology, the 996 probably represented the world's most idiot-proof driving machine and clearly Porsche had not produced a more competent road car.

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