Porsche 911 celebrates 60 years of driving   

To mark Porsche 911’s diamond anniversary, we’re sharing six facts about the iconic car, one for each decade:  

1. Somebody call 901 

The Porsche 911 started its life with another name. When it debuted on 12th September 1963 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, it was known as the 901. But, due to some naming right claims from Peugeot, it got a last minute rebrand. Whether you think it was fate — or we love what we know — only 911 seems fitting now.  

2. Patented Porsche power 

The ‘ducktail’ or ‘Entenbürzel’ is cemented in Porsche vocabulary. But in August, 1972, it was a first, not just for Porsche, but for the motoring industry. This rear spoiler, designed to improve aerodynamics, was quickly patented, and added the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 to the collectors list. 

3. Making a splash 

The type 996 – Porsche's fifth generation 911 – saw an overhaul to the engine cooling system. It was goodbye to the air-cooled engine and hello to the water-cooled. But in doing so, and thus complying with global emission regulations, Porsche also had to bid adieu to the umph behind its characteristic sound. 

4. Fried eggs: an acquired taste? 

The fifth generation also debuted designer Harm Lagaay’s ‘fried egg’ headlights, marking it as a particularly iconic generation —  and may have been a contributing factor to the 996 landing a leading role as Sally Carrera in the Pixar movie Cars.  

5. Fast and friendly 

The latest 911, the type 992, is Porsche’s fastest 911 yet. The 911 Turbo S smoked its predecessors, hitting 0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds, with its 650PS, 3.7-litre engine. Plus, a PDK gearbox and Sport Chrono Package to help it reach a top speed of 330km/h.  But with fast speeds, comes the need for good tyres. Shodding the type 992 with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 or Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, would give optimal grip while taking it for a spin. Indeed, it helped the Porsche 911 GT3 RS set an impressive new record at Norschliefe. 

6. 1 million reasons to love 

In the 60 years since 1963, over 1.2m 911 sportscars have been made. Porsche delivered with the one millionth 911 in 2017. The lucky vehicle, marked by a distinctive Irish Green paintjob and exclusive features to mirror the first generation, now abides in the Porsche museum, Stuttgart. What do you think: worth the trip? 

Now on its eight generation, each 911 has it’s own unique elements without spoiling the consistent shape and design we’ve seen across six decades, but which type steals your heart? 

Hero image: Porsche AG. 

Caption: Porsche is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the 911 with a special edition, the 911 ST, limited to 1,963 examples.