Sixty years of Porsche's most iconic car.
Let's go back in time for a moment, some 60 years to be precise. When Porsche first presented a concept model of the 911 (then under the name '901') to the world at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 12 September 1963....
A historic day, which would be the start of an extraordinary story. The start of a history of perhaps the most iconic sports car of all time. An icon that, spread over 60 years and eight model series, has made many generations dream away. The Porsche 911!
A milestone in automotive history, which we at Marreyt Classic Cars are happy to share with you.
The Porsche 911 finds its origins in sketches by Ferdinand "Butzi" Porsche in the year 1959. Designed and developed as a more powerful, larger and more comfortable successor to the 356, the newcomer had big shoes to fill.
Initially, the new model was presented as the Porsche '901'. Reactions from the general public were very positive and just under a year later, production started.
The very first examples were not sold immediately and Porsche itself used them for testing or as show models. A car went to the Paris Motor Show, for instance, where they encountered an unexpected problem during this exhibition.
Porsche's management team received a letter of objection from French car manufacturer Peugeot in October 1964. This stated that the 901 type designation infringed French copyright and trademark protection and that they always used a 0 in the middle of their 3-digit model code for their models. Then, in Oct 1964, Porsche decided to change the 0 to a 1. The 911 was born.
Although the basic concept remained almost unchanged over the years, Porsche made a large number of minor and not so minor modifications and improvements. The original 2.0L strong 6-cylinder boxer engine was initially replaced by a 2.2L, 2.4L,... In racing, Porsche had developed its engines to the point where there just wasn't any more power to get out of them. Thereupon, they started experimenting with turbo technology on their racing cars. A technique that from 1972 was also implemented in the development of a turbo version of the 911.
In addition to the line of atmospheric engines, a version based on the Carrera 3.0 was built in 1975 on which a turbocharger was fitted. The iconic Porsche Turbo saw the light of day. As one of the first turbocharged production cars, this 911 Turbo was a true pioneer. The 930, as the 911 Turbo is also known, was the fastest production car in the world at the time of its introduction.
In the following years, Porsche kept innovating and released multiple series of the 911. In 2018, the current and the 8th generation of the 911 will be presented.
With more than 1 Million produced, one thing is certain for us. The 911 has become part and parcel of sports car history and will not disappear from the street scene any time soon in the coming years. So in 2023 - on the 60th anniversary of the 911 - we can't help but pause to reflect on this legendary model. During our new theme exhibition in our Experience Room in Knokke, we would like to take you back to the early years of the 911, introducing you to the basic concept as well as the first turbocharged 911 model.
Although we will soon be happy to take you further through the successes of the 911...
A Porsche will always look like a Porsche.Ferdinand 'Butzi' Porsche , Designer of the Porsche 911
1967 Porsche 911 2.0L SWB
This 911 is a specimen from the first series also known as 'Short Wheelbase' (SWB). The early examples are, as we see it: the 'primal 911'. The design leans closest to the original 901 idea, thus very close to the basic concept of the 356 successor. The '911 pure sang'.
This 1967 911 recently underwent a full 'Nuts & bolts' restoration to original specification. In its stylish combination of 'Silver Metallic' with a black interior (and rare Recaro sports seats), it makes many hearts beat faster! It still boasts its original 'Matching numbers' engine -good for 130hp- and the original 5-speed gearbox.
Seen this 911 before? That's possible! At Interclassics Brussels 2022, this 911 could already be admired on Porsche Classic's stand.
1978 Porsche 911 (930) Turbo 3.3L
This 930 Turbo is an original German delivered model which was delivered on 1 May 1978. This makes it one of the very first 3.3L versions, good for 300hp. Around 2013 - 2014, this icon underwent a full restoration carried out by Porsche Centre Bordeaux. With this restoration, their team won prizes at the 'Concours de Restauration Porsche Classic'.
As a result, the Porsche was on display on Porsche Classic's stand at Rétromobile in early 2015.
The current Belgian owner enjoyed his car and drove it only 9,800km after its restoration. Needless to say, this car was always neatly and punctually maintained. In short, this car experienced many impressive stories and is in top condition. Partly because of its matching numbers & colours, this is 'The Turbo to have'!
We cordially invite you to our Experience Room in Knokke where you will get to see a stunning silver duo of legendary 911 models in the coming weeks.
Charmed by any of the above icons? Check them out on our website or come and admire them in our Knokke Experience Room with a cup of coffee or a drink at the bar.
Feel free to contact us for more information or any questions!
Henchman Automobilia & Unique objects
Are you, like us, also charmed by all kinds of automobile curiosa? In collaboration with 'Henchman', we proudly exhibit some premium collectibles in our Experience Room in Knokke. The duo of a yellow Allegretti - Ferrari 375MM child's car and a Porsche 550 Spyder child's car with 200cc engine already caused quite a stir at our previous exhibition. As did the hand-built scale model of a Ferrari 250GT engine.
Our partner Pieter-Jan from 'Henchman' always knows how to come up with unique finds and will soon provide a nice range of childcars again: a Maserati 250F and an Aston Martin DB5 Volante.
Curious? Then be sure to come and take a look!