35 replies to this topic

[David Birchall]

After years of ridiculing Porsche road cars -"Real Estate Agents cars", "Hair dryers", "The difference between a Porsche and a porcupine" "An accident looking for a place to happen" etc, etc...

I have bought one! A 1982 911SC.

I had read all the glowing reports in classic magazines about the 2.7RS and decided that I should own a good replica. After test driving a '77 that was sort of converted I decided to get a usable car and bought a 1982 SC out of California. What a revelation! What a driver's car! I really had no idea how good these things are. Everything from the size- about the same as a Honda Civic, the visibility out-terrific, the "Liveliness" of the thing, are a revelation. The steering is almost race car sharp.

I spent two wonderful days driving the car up from California and was enchanted with the power to weight ratio, the economy, the view from the driver's seat, the sound, the effect it had on other road user's when it appeared in their rear view mirrors at 90 mph and the feeling of quality.

One term I have learned since buying the car is "Backdating". This is the term used for removing the heavy impact bumpers and front bonnet (hood) and replacing them with fibreglass units that make the car look like a '73. It also removes a hell of a lot of weight if you do it right.

Funny how our prejudices hold us back isn't it?

What's your experience with a 911?

[Buford]

Originally posted by David Birchall


Funny how our prejudices hold us back isn't it?

I have felt the same way about buying a Hupmobile.

[David Birchall]

Originally posted by Buford


I have felt the same way about buying a Hupmobile.

I can point you at a good one but I doubt you will drive it 1000 miles in two days and enjoy the experience

[Buford]

Nice that you can afford the gas.

[Bernd]

Originally posted by David Birchall
What's your experience with a 911?

I honestly think they're the greatest car ever made. Nothing compares with driving a 911, even sedately.

[RS2000]

Originally posted by David Birchall

What's your experience with a 911?

Watching a succession of them understeer off a stage at a wet bend, or lock front wheels with the same result, when all the Escorts etc. negotiated the same corner with just a neat power slide.

[petefenelon]

The most absurd 911 event I ever saw was the Supercup around a very wet Monaco in '96. Dogs walking on their hind legs came to mind, as did Piquet's comment about cycling in the bathroom.

[fbarrett]

David:

Glad you are having fun in your "new" 911. Since 1968, I've enjoyed my '65 912 for more than 150,000 miles. Let's hope that more people overcome what they have read from ill-informed writers, etc. and discover the 911 for what it really is.

Frank

[Tmeranda]

As I was growing up I was a loyal Porsche fan. I wanted a 356 in the worst way, but just about the time I was ready to take the plunge, the introduced the 911. I bought one of the earliest ones available, and hated it. I have never driven a car so unstable. Those short wheelbase, narrow tread 911s should not have been allowed to be sold. Snap oversteer is just about the worst thing you can design in a car. Ralph Nader picked the wrong car to dump on. The Corvair was a dream to drive comparied to those early 911. Put me off Porsche for years.

[Jack-the-Lad]

I've owned over a dozen of them, including two genuine (not cloned) 2.7 RSs. They are fabulous cars by just about any measure. I am biased toward the 1965-73 cars because I believe them to be a more pure driving experience. I would say my 1972 911S coupe (bare bones....no sunroof, air conditioning, power windows or radio) with factory sport seats was probably the most satisfying car I've ever owned. I miss it!

I've owned a few of the big bumper cars as well and they are also superb, just a different kind of experience.


Jack

[dbw]

david
i seem stuck where you were....the only difference was i loved porsches ..god- over the years i've had 356's; split window coupe, way too many speedsters to count,a concourse 356 a coupe [best driver ever] a factory 550 and even a brand new 2,0 914...and[gasp] a 928 ...

for some reason i have never been attracted to 900 series porsches...the early ones seemed too polished in their finish [remember i had 356's] and a bit tricky in handling [after the 550]....now they have become bloated robot assembled juggernaughts....perhaps soon i'll try an early 911...but i'm afraid i may be too far gone.

an opinon i've always had,after many mini's, lotus and abarths is that the 550 spyder was just the right size car....i now drive a honda s2000cr...just about right on the inside but still waay too big outside

happy motoring!!!!!! [and watch for the dreaded rocker rust!]

[Jack-the-Lad]

I've had several 356 Speedsters as well...great fun! My current Porsche is an original 914/6, but with the 2 liter lump replaced with a 2.7. You might find something like that to be an adequate replacement for the 550 Spyder, without being too 911-like. I agree with your assessment of the liquid-cooled 911 series, by the way....great dynamics but no soul.


Jack

[tyjak]

One of my favorite cars. Many years ago my boss asked that his 911 be brought down to him in Florida. I made the trip in 17 hours from outside of Boston Ma to Ft. Lauderdale Fl. Most of the trip was in the rain. His car had Recarro seats and a Nakamichi stereo system. It was a joy to drive. This was part of his car collection and was my daily driver for a while.

[Ruairidh]

Originally posted by David Birchall
What a revelation! What a driver's car! I really had no idea how good these things are. Everything from the size- about the same as a Honda Civic, the visibility out-terrific, the "Liveliness" of the thing, are a revelation. The steering is almost race car sharp.

I spent two wonderful days driving the car up from California and was enchanted with the power to weight ratio, the economy, the view from the driver's seat, the sound, the effect it had on other road user's when it appeared in their rear view mirrors at 90 mph and the feeling of quality.

As a long time owner, I can only say - I think you got it! And welcome to the club!!

My overriding thoughts on the 911 are that it is truly "a bad idea, brillantly executed" and that my 15+ year old example is still the best way for me to get from place A to B when I'm in a hurry.

I've seen and driven a number of "backdated" ones, the good ones are excellent and the (more numerous) poor ones are not so good! Have a plan going in, and maybe try and see how others have gone about the conversions. That quality feel you mention is worth preserving.

I'd always been a Lotus fan and was more inclined to buy Hethel products growing up. That ended when the day to day reality of Lotus quality and detail design defects hit home.

I chose a 964, and many question that choice. I think whichever 911 you buy, you've made a fine choice. From a purely personal note I just plain like the looks of the 964 and view it as the last Porsche exhibiting the traditional style of manufacture, fit and finish. I've modded mine in a variety of ways and don't see myself selling it.

You might want to check out, if you haven't already, rennlist.com (my fave) or pelican parts boards. I think the consensus is that rennlist is best for 964 and 993 and pelican for the earlier models but check them out and you can decide.

[stuartbrs]

you could always get yourself one of these

http://forums.autosp...3&highlight=928

[David Birchall]

Originally posted by stuartbrs
you could always get yourself one of these

http://forums.autosp...3&highlight=928

Thanks for reminding me Stuart! On that thread I said I would get a 928--fuel prices and a reputation for expensive repairs have put me off--so far....

Isn't it interesting that there is such a difference of opinion on the 911? But reading the responses demonstrates the point I was trying to make with this thread: Those that have driven a 911 love them ( with one notable exception) while those who have not driven them hate them.

And the Aussies apparently don't give a damn!;)

[Ray Bell]

Originally posted by Ruairidh
.....My overriding thoughts on the 911 are that it is truly "a bad idea, brillantly executed".....

You might find my reference to Dave Mawer's comments somewhere...

Similar meaning, strikingly effective.

[Tenmantaylor]

https://newsroom.por...tone-13733.html

 

The 1 millionth 911 rolls off the production line. Considering the exclusivity of the brand this is a truly momentous occasion for the prestigious car maker. I could talk all day about the hows and whys of this phenomena but let's just enjoy the infographic:

 

Edited by Tenmantaylor, 05 September 2017 - 14:18.

[Tenmantaylor]

A great little tidbit; Peugeot helped forge the 911 legacy before it began! 

 

"At the demand of Porsche's fans, the company began planning a successor to the 356. The project was originally called Porsche 901. Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (who was also nicknamed "Butzi") and Ferdinand Porsche's nephew took charge on designing the new model.

The first units were manufactured in 1962. However, Peugeot pushed legally for a change of the name, due to its registered trademark on automobile names with a zero amid two numbers. The model was renamed Porsche 911. "

 

From: https://en.wikipedia...n_Ernst_Porsche

[chunder27]

I think they are a very unique vehicle. 

 

Never driven, could and never will be able to afford it.

 

Dad had an 80's SC and loved it but it cost hij a lot to keep it decent and he capitalised a few years ago to make double his money, sadly it would likely be almost triple now, but that's how it goes.

 

In terms of motorsport they are perhaps the ultimate icon, won everywhere, idolised by some. 

 

Versions like the 934 and 935 are brutal but utterly brilliantly designed weapons.

 

My memory of them is 935 engine rallycross versions with home brewed 4wd, insane power and drivers throwing them about like Beetles.

[BRG]

One million?  That's astonishing for a car in the premium category.  And they claim that 70% of all those made are still roadworthy.  There are about 40,000 on the road in the UK, so I wonder where the big numbers are?  Presumably the US, China and Germany account for a massive chunk.

 

Well done Porsche, keep it up!

[D-Type]

I wonder . . . is there any component on the current one that is the same as the original?

[chr1s]

I wonder . . . is there any component on the current one that is the same as the original?

The badge?

[Lee Nicolle]

Thanks for reminding me Stuart! On that thread I said I would get a 928--fuel prices and a reputation for expensive repairs have put me off--so far....

Isn't it interesting that there is such a difference of opinion on the 911? But reading the responses demonstrates the point I was trying to make with this thread: Those that have driven a 911 love them ( with one notable exception) while those who have not driven them hate them.

And the Aussies apparently don't give a damn!;)

I have driven a couple of 911s. Do nothing for me at all. I have driven a Superbug and it has better manners!

I have driven a 928 as well, far better car but not that fast and expensive to repair. Like all Porsche's are.

[David Birchall]

^Which is exactly why they have sold a million of them and they have won every race for sports cars there is...

[john aston]

Without any doubt  the greatest sports car ever made. Le Mans , Monte Carlo Rally, Paris Dakar, countless race wins , definitive usable sports car , wonderful noise and , especially in early versions (Pre mid 80s ) sublime looks . The original shape - a la early 911 S has not dated ; it is simple , pure , compact and makes rivals such as the sainted  E Type look dated and crass. Only driven one, a 964 ,  and it didn't disappoint . My one cavil is that the current versions may be immensely capable but they have Kim Kardashian sized arses - I prefer the more svelte look . In cars as well......

[chunder27]

I would agree to some extent John.

 

I have never understood the hype over Jaguars, or things like MG's, they are as mass produced as a 911 was, probably more and made by a company that had a far worse reputation for build quality etc.

 

THe look has had to be modernised for safety and various reasons, but other than things like Rollers there are few cars so instantly recognisable.

 

The only shame is the Cayman and Boxster that almost looks the same, sort of denigrate the old girl a bit, but you can see why Porsche made them!

And even more sadly the current Cayman is a beast of a car, and harks back to the older 911 in size a bit!

[GMACKIE]

And the Aussies apparently don't give a damn!;)

Not all Aussies, David. My Carrera 3, and 996 GT-3  were the most rewarding cars to drive I've owned.

 

And Lee... Superbug "better manners" ? Crikey! Yes, I've owned them, and even raced one :-

 

[chunder27]

I would geuess the reason they don't give a damn is possibly because of how expensive they might have been in Australia!!

[Michael Ferner]

I have driven one for a pretty short ride, of which I don't remember nothing at all, but I have still memories of riding as a passenger with same car, and the feeling of embarrassment as the driver was a typical Porsche driver I am not keen on repeating either exercise.

[BRG]

I have driven one for a pretty short ride, of which I don't remember nothing at all, but I have still memories of riding as a passenger with same car, and the feeling of embarrassment as the driver was a typical Porsche driver I am not keen on repeating either exercise.

It could be worse.  You might have had a ride in a Ferrari with a typical Ferrari driver.  You would have died of boredom if you didn't die of embarrassment first.

[Robin Fairservice]

I seem to remember that DSJ originally used a Porsche for his continental journeys, but then acquired an E Type that he preferred.

[Lee Nicolle]

It could be worse.  You might have had a ride in a Ferrari with a typical Ferrari driver.  You would have died of boredom if you didn't die of embarrassment first.

Classic Adelaide a few years back, a 'gentleman' driver on Anstey Hill was nearly punted by the next one who had caught up 30 sec in about 3 miles. The gentleman looked like he was out on a Sunday drive whereas the next one was at least having a go and he was being blocked. I really thought for a sec he was going to punt him!

[SKL]

Got my first ride in one when in high school in the later 60's-  a German fellow had a PTS  (in a Mercedes beige to match his MB cars)  '67 SWB coupe with a sunroof.   After about a mile, he opened the sunroof, and I was sold...  in '69 my uncle got a 912,  and that started a family love affair with Porsches that continues to this day. My dad owned several as did my sister- both of my boys have started P car collections...

My first car was a 1971 914 which I still have.  Over the years I've had one of about all the various models other than the 928.   Our 993 coupe will stay in the family-  last of the AC'ed cars!!

 

As they say in the ads,  "Porsche, there is no subsitute..."

[Marc Sproule]

i n '89 i shot a number of races for jaguar u.s. pr.

 

a b&w image of this car paid me enough that i could buy a '73.5 t targa.

 

https://www.flickr.c...57623186793517/

 

i loved that car.

 

i rue the day i had to sell it.

 

all my friends who have sold their old 911s say basically the same thing.

[kayemod]

A guy I knew about 20 years ago ran a Porsche 924. A clean car and he looked after it, but at the end of the day, still only a 924, powered by a VW van engine wasn't it? Hardly exciting. He had a slightly spivvy brother whose own business was failing, and to help him out, my friend agreed to swap far from new Porsches with him, with a cash adjustment of a few thousand. The other car was a 2.7 Carrera with history, one of the genuine originals, and worth a fair bit even then. Being self employed, my friend had to submit a tax return every year, listing everything, income, outgoings, cash in hand, and business assets etc, and it was that last item that caused problems. Being honest, they'll come down hard eventually if you aren't, he had to list the true fast appreciating value of his 911, in a few years I think it went up something like 10 fold. He wasn't really that much of an enthusiast, decided that the RS was rather wasted on him, and he'd got nervous having the thing parked in the open at the side of his smallish bungalow, so he swapped it with the local Porsche dealer for a brand new 911 Turbo cabriolet, plus another cash adjustment. I often used to see him driving gently around the area in the new one, he'd always give me a slightly smug wave as he passed. I was jealous of course, but mainly about that item listed in his accounts, my own always used to contain the line "loss on motor vehicle", almost inevitable for everyone else.

 

He let me drive his RS once, can't say I liked it all that much, but it was all in a 30 limited area.