Designing and developing a new model to replace an already popular and successful one, is for any manufacturer, a difficult and stressful procedure, especially when the model being replaced is the much-loved Porsche 356. But with the benefit of hindsight, the 911 would shape the company’s future, as the new platform created by Butzi Porsche was sufficiently flexible as to allow engine capacity increases well beyond Ferry’s initial plans.
This car was first registered in New York on 15 January 1966. Back then, there was only one model available, just the 911, no ‘S’ or ‘T’ and no ‘E’. Many regard its simple, unfussy styling as the purist of the 911 range and with just 1708 units manufactured in 1966, it makes this early short wheelbase 911 a highly sought after model today.
And if you were wondering if this car was a garage queen, enjoying a mollycoddled and pampered life, you would be very wide of the mark. It is used regularly on the school run, and has even carried a cello up front. The owner doesn’t mind getting it dirty – that’s the spirit!! (Ed – As the United Kingdom goes into lockdown as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, we thought that we would dig into our vast archives and bring you something from yesteryear. We wish all our readers and their families good health and patience during this time – stay safe)! Written by: Glen Smale Image by: Virtual Motorpix/Glen Smale
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