.: 1968 PORSCHE 911 2.0 - Amalfi Racing :.

Historic & Vintage Cars Fabrication & Restoration Chassis Repair & Set-up Sports Cars & Prototypes ...

Mike Amalfitano's Race Car Collection

1968

The history of the 911 can be traced back to 1956, when Porsche decided to build a four-seater that would be larger then the 356. Porsche then had no intention of replacing the 356 with this car.

nla

During the project however Ferry Porsche changed his mind. Because if the new car would be a four-seater, Porsche would have to compete with large companies like Daimler-Benz, and that would be a tough competition for a small manufacturer like Porsche. To avoid that competition, Porsche decided the car would have to be a two-seater like the 356.
nla

The 911 however was designed to be more luxurious then the 356. It got some of the 356's styling features, but it also had a more modern look, a roomier interior and a six-cylinder engine with more power. This engine is shown in the picture beneath.

nla

The styling of the 911, or the 901 as it was called then, can be already be recognized in the 1961 proto-type, the 695 (shown below).The nose of the car is identical to the 911's, but the back didn't have the famous 'slope' of the 911 yet. I am not sure whether this car was meant as a two- or four-seater. The high roof-line makes the back-seat usable for adults, but it must still be very tight.
nla

In 1963 when the design of the car was almost finished it was introduced to the public at the Frankfurt Automobile show. It was then called the 901. Peugeot however objected to the use of this name, so Porsche changed it to the now so magical '911'.

nla

In the summer of 1964 the 911 went into production (as the A-series). A lot of people argued that this car couldn't be considered a 'real' Porsche, because it was supposed to be too luxurious and too heavy, but most soon grew to accept it and, inevitably, respect it. Press response was enthusiastic. Car and Driver called it '...worth the price of all the old Porsches put together.'

nla

back