The Porsche 911 is a sports car from Porsche and the successor to the Porsche 356. Known as the “Neunelfer” for short, or just “Elfer”, the Porsche 911 is the Stuttgart-based company’s best-known vehicle and is considered the epitome of the brand. Porsche presented what was later called the “Urmodell” in September 1963. The “G model” from 1973 onwards then formed the second generation of the now eight generations of the 911 model series (as of 2022).

Compared with the 356 model, the 911 represented a major step forward in development. This applies to the entire vehicle design and in particular to the engine. Before the start of 911 series production in September 1964, 13 prototypes were still being built as the Porsche 901. Porsche presented what was later called the “original model” in September 1963 at the IAA in Frankfurt am Main under its internal development number as the Porsche 901. However, the designation had to be changed shortly after the sales launch in November 1964, as Peugeot had secured the rights to all three-digit numbers with the “0” in the middle as the designation for its passenger car models. Together with the 13 901 prototypes, a total of 230 911 cars were produced in the first model year 1965 (from September 1964).

The first major revision of the 911 body was necessitated by a 1972 regulation issued by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act required all new vehicles to ensure that an impact of the bumpers with an obstacle up to a speed of 5 mph = 8 km/h would not result in damage to the car. To meet this requirement, the 911s were fitted with redesigned bumpers equipped with integrated elastic impact absorbers for the US market. All vehicles not destined for export to the USA were fitted with less expensive impact tubes which, however, deformed in the event of parking bumps and therefore had to be replaced. The impact absorbers could be ordered as an extra.

Each model year of the 911 is designated by a letter within Porsche. Counting began in mid-1967 with the 1968 model year as the A series and ended with the 1979 model year as the M series (letter I was not assigned). Models from 1980 onward are referred to as the Program: Model Year (MY) 1980 as the A program through MY 2000, the Y program. The letters I, O, U and Q were not used. Mj. 2001 is the 1 program, Mj. 2002 the 2 program, etc.[16] Starting with model year 2010 (A program), the alphabet is used again.

The “G series” of the Porsche 911 Urmodell appeared in mid-1973 (model year 1974). As the “G model”, it became the second generation of the total of eight model generations of the Porsche 911 (as of 2022). The G model was produced for a total of 16 years until mid-1989 (end of K program). Production of the third generation of the Porsche 911 started simultaneously with the K program from mid-1988: the Porsche 964.

The main difference between the original model and the G-model are the large bumpers of the newer 911 – these are more massive. Above all, the wrinkle-like plastic transitions between the bumpers and the body have earned the model the nickname “bellows Porsche”.

The front turn signal lamps have been moved from the fender corners to the bumper. At the rear, a continuous red reflector strip with the inscription “Porsche” has been added between the taillights. Sportier models, such as the Carrera or Turbo, have fenders that flare out further at the front and especially at the rear to accommodate wider wheels. Other differences in the bodywork compared to the original model, such as the further increased wheelbase, are hardly noticeable visually.

The car was initially offered in 911, S and Carrera trim levels. With a wider body, the new 911 Turbo was delivered from the beginning of 1975 (H series). The 3-liter turbocharged engine of Germany’s fastest production car produced 260 hp and enabled a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). From model year 1978, with intercooler and 3.3-liter displacement, it is even 300 hp for a top speed of 260 km/h.

From the 1976 model year, Porsche used a hot-dip galvanized body on both sides. Porsche was therefore able to offer a six-year warranty against rust-through, which was extended to seven years for the 1981 model year, and later even to ten years.

The 911-G model was initially only available as a coupé and targa. The safety laws in preparation in the USA, which would have denied convertibles U.S. registration, were finally scrapped in the early 1980s. After a break of almost 20 years, Porsche therefore once again presented an open-top vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1982 in the form of the 911 SC Cabriolet.

The new 3.2-liter engines of the 1984 model year 911s, now called “Carrera,” were fitted with a hydraulic chain tensioner connected to the engine’s oil circuit. A lower-compression (9.5:1) version with 153 kW (207 hp) was intended for the U.S. and Japanese markets. The type with controlled catalytic converter and lambda probe, which was standard equipment in Germany from mid-1984 (F program) and in Switzerland and Austria, was designed for unleaded premium gasoline (Eurosuper) with 95 octane and initially also produced 153 kW (207 hp), later 160 kW (217 hp).

The interior was revised in only a few details and did not differ much from that of the original model. In general, more emphasis was placed on ride comfort in the G model, which is reflected in the seating and the additional electrical features. The electrically adjustable seats have optional heating. Power windows, an electric sunroof and an electrically operated convertible top could also be ordered.