What is a Classic Porsche?
"Those lucky enough to own your dream car, owe it to themselves to find the right caretaker of their dream.”
Porsche defines a classic as a model that has not been mass-produced for at least 10 years. Classic Porsches are known for their historical significance, engineering, and design, and are cherished by collectors and enthusiasts. The 911 has been in production for over 60 years. It is not only an icon to Porsche but to the sports car industry in general. Demand for classic 911’s has never been higher. Restoration and preservation of Classic Porsche’s can be a painstaking endeavor and is becoming more of an art than a trade.
At HH Motorcars, we know, appreciate and have a passion for classic Porsche’s. If you own a classic Porsche or want to own a classic Porsche, HH Motorcars is who you need to know.
356
1948-1965
On 8 June 1948, the first car to bear the Porsche name was road-certified: the Porsche 356/1 Roadster produced in Gmünd (in Carinthia, Austria).
The "Gmünd Roadster" was powered by a 1.1-liter air-cooled flat-four engine from Volkswagen. The engine's power was increased to 35 hp for the 356. The roadster weighed just 585 kilograms and reached speeds of up to 135 km/h (83 mph).
The original 356 (also called "pre-A") is easy to recognize from its two-piece windscreen divided by a center bar. This was replaced by a single-piece windscreen with a center bend as of model year 1952.
All 356 generations were also available in an open-top version (Cabriolet, Speedster or Roadster).
911 F
1964-1973
In September 1963, Porsche presented the Porsche 901 at the IAA in Frankfurt as a successor to the Porsche 356.
Series production of the 901 began in September 1964. When Porsche presented the vehicle at the Paris Motor Show in October of that year, the French car manufacturer Peugeot objected to the model designation. The reason: Peugeot had trademarked a three-digit type designation with a zero in the middle.
Porsche therefore renamed the 901 as the 911. This combination of numbers is the same as the emergency number in the USA and was therefore already well known in this key market for Porsche. 82 units of the 901 were produced before the name change.
One year later, as of model year 1965, series production of the model began and it was renamed the 911 shortly thereafter.
Originally built only as a Coupé, the 911 had an integral body-frame and was powered by a new 2.0-litre flat-six engine, which initially delivered 130 hp.
As of model year 1967, the 911 was also available as a "safety cabriolet" (Targa) with permanently mounted roll-over bar and removable soft top. As of model year 1969, the wheelbase was lengthened by 57 mm, resulting in increased driving comfort and simultaneously more stable driving dynamics.
The 911 S, the first engine derivative of the 911, was also launched on the market. In the years that followed, models bearing the additional designations T, L and E were launched.
911 Targa (1967-1973)
Porsche introduced the Targa model in response to increased safety requirements for open-top vehicles in the USA. Thanks to the fixed bar, the occupants were protected from injury in the event of the vehicle overturning.
911 S (MY 1967-73)
Due to various engine modifications, the sports version of the 911 initially had a power output of 160 hp, ultimately increasing to 190 hp. In addition to superior equipment, the S model was the first 911 to be given "Fuchs" rims with their distinctive 5-spoke design.
911 T (MY 1968-73)
The "Touring" version became the new entry-level model in the 911 family, initially developing 110 hp and later 130 hp. Its equipment matched that of the four-cylinder 912 model. One of the ways in which it could be distinguished from more powerful models was the fact that it had a silver rather than a gold logo.
911 L (MY 1968)
With the introduction of the T version as the new standard model, with a less powerful engine and 4-speed manual transmission, the previous 911 was renamed the 911 L. The engine remained unchanged.
911 E (MY 1969-73)
The existing 2.0-litre engines entered their final year of construction in MY 1969 and were replaced by new 2.2-litre engines. The L version was renamed the 911 E following the introduction of the new generation of engines and delivered power outputs of between 140 hp and 165 hp.
911 G
1974-1989
For model year 1974, the body design of the Porsche 911 was comprehensively redesigned for the first time. In addition to a Coupé and a Targa version, a Cabriolet was also available as of model year 1983.
The most striking feature of this 911 generation is the raised bumper design with black plastic bellows. Between the tail lights of the G models is a red panel and a Porsche logo that is red or black, depending on the model year. The rear number plate is flanked by two large rubber buffers with integrated number plate lighting.
The raised bumpers with bellows of the G models were the result of more stringent approval regulations in the USA. With the introduction of these regulations, bumpers had to be able to absorb impacts as a result of hitting a fixed obstacle at speeds of up to 5 mph (8 km/h) without damage to the body. To meet this requirement, vehicles for the US market had the bumpers connected to the body using hydraulic impact absorbers.
For models not intended for the US market, more cost-effective impact pipes were installed instead of these hydraulic impact absorbers. These had to be replaced after a rear-end collision. However, the impact absorbers could be ordered as optional equipment.
Engines
The standard 911 model had a flat-six engine with a displacement of 2.7 litres. This initially developed 150 hp and 165 hp as of MY 1976.
The engine of the 911 S delivered an output of 175 hp.
In model year 1978, the 911 model range was reduced to two models. The 911 SC (Super Carrera) took the place of the 911 and Carrera models.
As of model year 1984, the SC version was again replaced by the 911 Carrera.
Engines
The 911 SC was powered by a 3.0-liter flat engine, the output of which was increased slightly over the years.
- model year 1978-79 - 3.0 liters, 180 hp
- model year 1980 - 3.0 liters, 188 hp
- model year 1981-83 - 3.0 liters, 204 hp
Body
The 911 SC had the wider body of the 911 Carrera. Vehicles produced as of model year 1981 are recognizable from the side direction indicators behind the front wings.
As of model year 1983, the 911 SC Cabriolet became the first fully open-top 911 with fabric hood and was available along with the Coupé version and the Targa "safety cabriolet".
For the US market, a 912 E Coupé was also available in model year 1976. Its 2.0-litre flat-four engine delivered a power output of 90 hp. In appearance, the 912 resembled the 911 models of the G series.
However, it featured the dome hub caps of the original 911.
In model year 1975, thanks to turbocharging, a particularly powerful version of the Porsche 911 – the 911 Turbo – came onto the market. If the 911 is the most iconic sports car, the 903 Turbo is the most iconic 911. Since its market launch in MY 1975, the 911 Turbo (initially named internally as the 930) has been the top-of-the-range model in the 911 model line.
The 930 featured flared rear wings, which gave it an extra 12 cm in width. Black stone guard film was applied in front of the rear wheel arches. The rear lid featured a distinctive rear wing with a wide black hard-rubber border.
Until MY 1977, the rear lid was made of glass fibre-reinforced plastic. As of MY 1978, the lid was made from sheet steel and the fixed plastic rear wing for mounting the charge-air cooler was made much bigger. The Turbo was also given an exhaust system with twin tailpipe. Exhaust gases only escaped through the left pipe when the boost-pressure control valve of the turbocharger was open.
As of MY 1987, the Turbo model was also available in the Targa and Cabriolet body types.
For MY 1989, the 4-speed manual transmission was replaced with a 5-speed version.
Displacement/power:
- MY 1975-77 - 3.0 litres, 260 hp
- MY 1978-89 - 3.3 litres, 300 hp
964
1989-1994
In model year 1994, the 964 model line was replaced by the 993 model line. This was a significant advance, not just from a technical, but also a visual perspective.
The front wings of the 993 Carrera were wider and flatter. Because of the shorter luggage compartment lid, the black rubber lip forming the seam between the body and the front bumper on the G model and the 964 was omitted.
The rear wings were also widened and ran in a straighter line towards the rear with the higher-positioned tail lights.
The 993 was initially available as a Coupé and Cabriolet with rear-wheel drive. For model year 1995, there followed the all-wheel Carrera 4 and 911 Turbo versions with viscous multi-plate clutch and in model years 1996/97, the Carrera 4S and the Carrera S.
The Targa model produced as of MY 1996 featured a large, electrically adjustable sliding roof made of tinted laminated glass instead of the removable soft top for the first time. The existing roll-over bar could therefore be dispensed with.
The Carrera and Targa models were powered by a new 3.6-litre engine, which initially developed 272 hp and 285 hp as of MY 1996.
993
1994-1998
In model year 1994, the 964 model line was replaced by the 993 model line. This was a significant advance, not just from a technical, but also a visual perspective.
The front wings of the 993 Carrera were wider and flatter. Because of the shorter luggage compartment lid, the black rubber lip forming the seam between the body and the front bumper on the G model and the 964 was omitted.
The rear wings were also widened and ran in a straighter line towards the rear with the higher-positioned tail lights.
The 993 was initially available as a Coupé and Cabriolet with rear-wheel drive. For model year 1995, there followed the all-wheel Carrera 4 and 911 Turbo versions with viscous multi-plate clutch and in model years 1996/97, the Carrera 4S and the Carrera S.
The Targa model produced as of MY 1996 featured a large, electrically adjustable sliding roof made of tinted laminated glass instead of the removable soft top for the first time. The existing roll-over bar could therefore be dispensed with.
The Carrera and Targa models were powered by a new 3.6-litre engine, which initially developed 272 hp and 285 hp as of MY 1996.
In the 911 Turbo from the 993 model line, twin turbocharging was used for the first time, with one smaller turbocharger installed in each cylinder bank. It was also the first Turbo model to feature all-wheel drive.
The front apron of the Turbo had three separate air openings at the front plus air slots for brake cooling in the lower side area. The rear spoiler was completely painted in the exterior colour. Like the Carrera 4 models, the 911 Turbo also had white direction indicators at the front and red at the rear.
The 3.6-litre biturbo engine developed a power output of 408 hp as standard. As of MY 1996, a power kit for increasing power output to 430 hp was available, with 450 hp available as of MY 1998.
In MY 1995, Porsche Exclusive produced a limited production run (14 units) with the name 911 Cabriolet Turbo, which featured a particularly large rear spoiler.
996
1998-2005
With the new 911 Carrera, known internally as Generation 996, Porsche presented the successor to the classic 911 in 1999. Apart from the name 911 Carrera and a six-cylinder flat engine at the rear, the newly developed model series had nothing in common with the previous 911.
The bodyshell of the 996 had grown significantly in size. Galvanized sheet steel and higher-strength steels were used to reinforce the body shell on both sides. The side mirrors of the series were now fixed in front of the side windows and no longer on the doors.
The hood, front headlight units with low beam and high beam, indicators and fog lights, front fenders and doors were identical on the 911 Carrera and Boxster as a result of the shared parts concept.
The series featured water-cooled engines.
Additionally in model year 1999, the 911 Carrera 4 with permanent all-wheel drive was added to the model series. It was offered as a Coupe and as a Cabriolet. Externally, the bodyshell was identical to that of the rear-wheel drive Carrera.
Based on the 911 Carrera 4 Coupe, a special model was introduced in model year 2000 to mark the coming millennium. The Millennium model was limited to 911 units and was only available in the special color Violet Chroma Flair.
In model year 2001, the turbo-free time at Porsche came to an end. The 911 Turbo Coupe was introduced.
Its 3.6-liter twin-turbo engine delivered 420 horsepower. The Turbo featured all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission as standard.
In model year 2004, a 911 Turbo Cabriolet was series-produced for the first time since 1989. The vehicle’s wide bodyshell, technology and equipment were based on the 911 Turbo.
The model range was extended in model year 2005 with the 911 Turbo S. This vehicle was available as a Coupe and as a Cabriolet. With an output of 450 horsepower, the Turbo S delivered a total of 30 horsepower more than the standard 911 Turbo.
From model year 2001, the model range was extended to include the 911 GT2. The bodyshell of the extreme sports car was based on the bodyshell of the 911 Turbo. The GT2 engine was also based on the 911 Turbo but had ten percent more power. The twin-turbo engine delivered 462 horsepower. The GT2 was offered with a Clubsport Package for use in motorsport.
The successor to the GT2 was offered from model year 2003 onwards. The bodyshell of the new GT2 was not modified but the 3.6-liter engine had even more power. The twin-turbo engine delivered a staggering 483 horsepower. The new GT2 was also available with a Clubsport Package.
From model year 1999, the GT3 filled the sporty niche in the model range. The GT3 had a maximum speed of 188 mph (302 km/h). The GT3 was available with a Clubsport Package for use in motorsport.
From model year 2003 onwards, the revised engine delivered even more power and reached a maximum speed of 190 mph (306 km/h).
The 911 GT3 RS, launched in model year 2004, was designed as a road-approved racing car.
997
2005-2013
With the design of the 997 generation, Porsche sharpened the 911 character and gave it an even more dynamic and powerful appearance. The Carrera already looks noticeably more masculine with its more strongly modeled rear, and the S, GT and Turbo models add another 44 millimeters in width. The 997 differentiates itself from its predecessor by the steeper, round, clear-glass headlights, which reference an important stylistic element of the air-cooled 911.
From 2005, the Porsche 911 was presented as being more versatile than ever before: It was available as a Coupé and Targa, Cabriolet and Speedster, with rear and all-wheel drive, a slimmer and wider bodyshell, with water-cooled naturally aspirated engines and turbo engines, as a GTS version and in the sports versions GT2, GT2 RS, GT3 and two GT3 RS versions to choose from. Including special models, the range encompasses 30 model variants — supplemented by numerous customization options.
Like the 964, 993 and 996, the 911 of the 997 series is also available with all-wheel drive in the Carrera 4 and Carrera4S. A new addition is the Carrera 4 GTS, which offers higher performance. In this series, the 911 Targa is only available with all-wheel drive as the Targa 4 and 4S — a novelty in the 911 series.
Due to the wider track of the all-wheel drive, the bodyshell is a slight 44 mm broader than the all-wheel drive models. Since the 2008 model improvements, the Carrera 4 models are also instantly recognizable by their continuous Red reflector strip between the tail lights.
In June 2006, the 911 Turbo of the 997 generation came onto the market. Thanks to charging with two exhaust turbochargers, the new Turbo 911 initially had a power output of 353 kW (480 PS). The engine was the first series gasoline engine to have turbochargers with variable turbine geometry (VTG), which were developed in cooperation with BorgWarner. The inlet-side guide vanes in the turbocharger could be adjusted dynamically.
From 2007, came the addition of the Turbo Cabriolet with a three-layer fabric top, which opened and closed within just 20 seconds.
After the facelift for model year 2010, the Turbo with its newly developed engine delivered 368 kW (500 PS), the 911 Turbo S from the same model year even had 390 kW (530 PS) and a Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) as standard.
When it was launched in 2007, the 911 GT2 from the 997 series was the fastest street-legal 911 ever built. Developed by the motorsport department in Weissach, it carries all the sporty genes that a road vehicle suitable for the racetrack needs.
The GT2 is based on the widened bodyshell of the 911 Turbo, but is rear-wheel drive instead of all-wheel drive. The strong weight reduction also contributes to the stately driving performance.
The model improvements of the 997-generation 911 GT3 the appeared in 2006. Compared to its predecessors, much of the equipment was now on board as standard, such as the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sports chassis. The GT3 was also available with a Clubsport Package for use in motorsport.
From MY 2009, the reworked high-performance naturally aspirated engine delivered 320 kW (435 PS) instead of the previous 305 kW (415 PS).
Those who wanted even more than the GT3 had to offer could also order the 911 GT3 RS with 305 kW (415 PS) from 2006. This version was even more rigorously equipped for racing. In its final stage of evolution, as the 911 GT3 RS 4.0, it delivered a total of 368 kW (500 PS).