|
The
911 was very good next step in the history of Porsche. The 911
preserve the essence of earlier Porsches while setting a new
and entirely higher standard of engineering and design. It was
the first road going Porsche with more than four cylinders.
The engine was a horizontally opposed air-cooled type, placed
behind the rear wheels.
The 911
originated as Project 695. Planning began in 1956. At first,
the new model was seen not as a 356 replacement but as a
larger four-seat car with performance comparable to that of
the Carrera. Ferry Porsche changed his mind about the size of
the four-seater. What he did want, was a roomier, more
luxurious Carrera.
Designated
Type 901, the new Porsche greeted the world at the Frankfurt
Automobile Show in September 1963. There were so many rumors
circulating they were forced to show the car in a early stage.
the name "901" was chosen to suggest a new direction. Peugeot
claimed a right to three-digit model numbers with middle zeros
and threatened to prevent a 901 from being sold in France so
911 badges were substituted before sales began.
As with
every 356 evolution, the 911 garnered mixed initial reactions
from confirmed Porsche enthusiasts, though most soon grew to
accept it and, inevitably, respect it.
| 
