I read a lot of the discussion groups, forums, blogs, etc. (regarding Porsches) that are available out on the web. It’s interesting to see that a lot of the participants are not even current Porsche owners. Rather, they are enthusiasts who covet the marque and hope to own one some day. This got me to thinking about my experience with Porsche and the extraordinary opportunities that have been afforded to me.
You see, I worked with an avid car enthusiast (he uses and races his cars constantly vs. collecting them and letting them gather dust) with a passion for Porsche and racing. Not only that, he has the means to enjoy this love to its fullest extent. As a result, I have had the opportunity to experience some air-cooled Porsches first hand that others can only dream about. I’ve been able to spend time with these cars either in the garage, behind the wheel, or on the track.
Cars that have made their way through his garage include (in no particular order):
904 GTS
550 Spyder
RS 60 (formerly raced by Bruce Jennings and maybe one of the most original Spyders on the planet).
1973 911 Carerra RSR and RST
1973 911 S, E and T’s
356 A, B and Cs in coupe, cabriolet and speedster variants. Most very original and extremely rare
Some people are lucky if they ever even get to see some of these cars in person. I realized while writing this today, that I’ve not only seen these cars, I’ve been able to drive them or experience them first hand and for that I am very, very grateful. It has been this experience and my friend’s passion that has led to my love of Porsche and everything they represent.
I spend a good amount of time each week on-line researching articles, looking for content, etc. Occasionally, I find some really good stuff that I just can’t wait to share. I’m sure most of you are familiar with the most recent Porsche commercial for the Cayenne GTS. The concept of the commercial is based on the idea of Porsche bloodlines and how no matter what type of Porsche you are driving, it’s still a Porsche. While I agree with the concept and I even like the commercial, it simply doesn’t compare to some of the older, vintage Porsche commercials.
In my search, I’ve come across a treasure trove of old Porsche commercials. The one below is my favorite as it quotes Professor Dr. Ferdinand Porsche directly and as it relates to Porsche, I don’t think truer words could be spoken:
For something to endure it must be unique yet so universal anyone can appreciate it. Timeless Design is wasted if it can’t survive. This is why we race and test our cars so hard. Creating something that time can not erode, something that ignores time both physically and in concept. This is the ultimate victory.
Yesterday, June 8th, marked the 60th anniversary for our beloved Marque. Porsche, as a company, has been in the automotive business much longer than 60 years. Prior to building his own cars all of Porsche’s work had been for other manufacturers and brands (Porsche is credited with the development of the VW Beetle and the Mercedes Type S among others). However, it was 60 years ago to the day (yesterday) that the first car, a 356, rolled off the assembly line wearing the Porsche name. Less than one month later, that same car went on to win its first class victory at the Innsbruck Stadtrennen.
There is so much history, allegory and lore around Porsche (the man, the company, the car) that it would be next to impossible to showcase it in a simple blog post. Fortunately, there have been many, many books written on the subject. I don’t know about you, but I’m a voracious reader, especially on topics I enjoy. In addition, my family loves to purchase books for me (especially on the subject of Porsche) as its an easy, no-brainer gift that they know I will appreciate. As a result, I’ve accumulated quite a collection of books on and about Porsche. I’ve read them all cover to cover, most more than a few times. Here are two of my favorites that I think you might enjoy if you want to learn more about the history of Porsche.
Books about Porsche History
First up is Porsche: The Road from Zuffenhausen is a lavishly illustrated history of the most recognized sports-car maker in the world—Porsche—a story that began more than a century ago. This is the first book in more than twenty-five years to chronicle in such meticulous detail the early years of the renowned automobile company. Perfect for the more than 500,000 Porsche owners and the millions of Porsche enthusiasts, Porsche is a lively narrative of the cars and the people who created them. In the opening chapters, the reader will find the true heart of Porsche and its dedication to design and engineering, and then move on to the pre–World War II development of the first Porsche prototypes, as well as the development of the Volkswagen by Professor Ferdinand Porsche in the late 1930s. The story of the company’s early postwar years in Austria is a tale of commitment to an idea, an idea that resulted in the first 356 model and in a very short time established Porsche as one of Germany’s leading car makers.
Here is the entire history not only of the 356 but also of the development of competition versions, and of the evolution of the 550 RSK and the legendary 904 Carrera GTS. The story of the 911 occupies half the book, as this model has survived for nearly four decades—the longest production of any single postwar automobile design.
I really enjoy this publication. I keep it as a both a book for reference and for discussion around the coffee table. While most books on Porsche are specific to the history of a certain model, this book covers everything from start to finish. The narrative is brilliantly complemented by wonderful historical documents and photographs from the factory archives, provided through the cooperation of Porsche AG and the Porsche family, as well as original color photography by the author.
If you’re a long time reader of this blog, you may remember I interviewed Randy in early January of this year after receiving this book as a Christmas present. It’s my opinion, that this is one of the better general history books, on the Porsche 911, available today. The photography, combined with an easy to read writing style provide for a great background on the most storied of all models in the Porsche line-up.
Carrera and Carrera S Even More Economical and Powerful
This coming Sunday marks the 60th anniversary of the first Porsche rolling off the assembly line in Germany (more on this on Monday). How appropriate for Porsche to time the official announcement of their most technologically advanced 911 yet with this historic event. While the news and leaked photos of the new 911 have been around for quite some time now, it’s nice to see that Porsche has finally “officially” released the new specifications and pricing. Below is the full press release from Porsche. Like all 911s, it’s a great looking car. It is made even more impressive with a host of upgrades including upgraded power and gearboxes that deliver top speeds of 186mph and 0 to 60 times in under 4.5 seconds.
Stuttgart. Starting on 5 July, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is introducing the next generation of the 911 model series. The four new models – two Coupés and two Cabriolets – with classic rear-wheel drive offer an even higher standard of dynamic performance thanks to their all-new flat-six power units displacing 3.6 and, respectively, 3.8 litres. And the introduction for the first time of direct fuel injection on a Porsche sports car, together with the optional double-clutch gearbox Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK), makes the new 911 even more sporting and dynamic.
At the same time these new technologies enhance the already outstanding efficiency of the 911 to an even higher level than before: Featuring PDK, the Carrera Coupé offers outstanding fuel economy of 9.8 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 28.8 mpg imp. And with all new Carreras remaining significantly below the fuel consumption benchmark ofv11 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 25.7 mpg imp, CO2 emissions are down by up to 15 per cent.
Maximum output of the 911 Carrera with its 3.6-litre power unit is up byv20 bhp to 345 bhp (254 kW). Output on the 911 Carrera S with its 3.8-litre power unit is equally impressive, up by 30 bhp to 385 bhp (283 kW). With this extra power, the Carrera S Coupé now offers a top speed of slightly over 300 km/h or 186 mph.
The new generation of the 911 is available for the first time with the new Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK), Porsche’s double-clutch gearbox.
Offering no less than seven forward gears, the new gearbox combines the driving comfort of a converter automatic transmission with the dynamic gearshift of a sequential racing gearbox. And since PDK also boasts an automatic gearshift function, it replaces the former Porsche Tiptronic S automatic transmission on both the Carrera and Carrera S. Through its optimized and adaptive gearshift programs, PDK improves the car’s acceleration and reduces fuel consumption to a level even lower than before.
Porsche developed this gearshift principle featuring two clutches to shift gears without the slightest interruption of traction and pulling power and without even the slightest break in between gears no less than 25 years ago for motorsport. Porsche works drivers benefiting from this technology were able to accelerate faster than their competitors and keep both hands on the steering wheel while shifting gears, thus avoiding even the slightest distraction while shifting. The pioneering achievement from back then now gives the new 911 Carrera even better performance: Equipped with seven-speed PDK, the Carrera Coupé accelerates in 4.5 seconds from 0-100 km/h, another 0.2 seconds faster than with a manual six-speed gearbox. And the customer in search of optimum driving dynamics even has the option to combine PDK with Porsche’s optional Sport Chrono Plus including Launch Control. The result is high-speed acceleration free of slip from a standstill and a racing gearshift, with the car accelerating to 100 km/h in a truly outstanding 4.3 seconds.
The new generation of the 911 stands out clearly at first sight through innovations in design both front and rear as well as new lights with LED technology. LED daytime driving lights and bi-xenon headlights now standard on all new models in the Carrera range give the silhouette of the 911 even more distinctive style and a truly unique look, interacting with new LED rear lights to ensure an unmistakable and striking appearance also at the rear. And as a further safety option, Porsche now also offers Dynamic Bending Lights on all models.
New Porsche Pricing
Prices start at Euro 69,600.- for the Carrera (Euro base price). The Carrera Cabriolet and Carrera S both retail at Euro 78,000.- (Euro base price), and the Carrera S Cabriolet is entering the market at Euro 88,000.- (Euro base price).
Two weeks ago I posted about Porsche being named the “Top Prestigious Luxury Automobile Brand for 2008.” This was recognition for superior quality amongst a sampling of the “average” luxury car driver. I have average in quotes because the median income was $350k per year with an average net-worth of $3.7MM (not so average in my book). Anyway, on top of that award, J.D. Powers has now given the nod to Porsche in the 2008 initial quality study for the second year in a row.
Porsche 911 Receives Highest Initial Quality Among All Vehicles Surveyed
The J.D. Power study used a much larger sampling pool (80,000 plus) vs. the sample used for the Luxury award (less than 1500). What’s great about this study, is the fact that:
Not only did Porsche come out on top but the legendary Porsche 911 has the highest initial quality of any vehicle in the study. According to J.D. Power and Associates, the Porsche 911 has the fewest quality problems in the industry, with just 67 problems per 100 vehicles.
Here’s the full release from Porsche:
Atlanta, June 4, 2008 – Porsche continues to meet and exceed the quality demands of consumers in its largest export market, the United States. Porsche recorded the top ranking of all brands surveyed in the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates “Initial Quality Study SM”. This makes it three consecutive years that the Porsche brand had the fewest problems per 100 vehicles in this prestigious brand ranking. The scores were based on interviews of 81,500 new car owners from across the country.
Incredibly, not only did the Porsche brand come out on top, but the legendary Porsche 911 has the highest initial quality of any vehicle in the study. According to J.D. Power and Associates, the Porsche 911 has the fewest quality problems in the industry, with just 67 problems per 100 vehicles.
Every year, J.D. Power and Associates assesses the level of satisfaction among buyers of new cars after the first 90 days of vehicle ownership. On this basis, a customer is asked to fill out a survey containing 228 criteria regarding quality and workmanship.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, GA, and, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd. (PCC) in Mississauga, Ontario, are the two separate importers of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the United States and Canada respectively. They are each wholly owned, indirect subsidiaries of Dr. Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG. These two subsidiaries combined, PCNA and PCC employ approximately 250 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 200 U.S. and 12 Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.
Today’s post if brought to you from a new quest blogger “Kim.” I met Kim on StumbleUpon. If you happen to use StumbleUpon, you can meet up with Kim, myself and other Porsche enthusiasts at the Porsche Group on Stumble. Kim is one of the biggest motor-heads I know (male or female.) Her love of cars extends into her work (she is a car detailer and from what I understand a damn good one.) We’ve been emailing and sharing automotive related web-sites for the past six months or so. Kim wrote this post some time ago and it was/is long over due to be posted. Besides StumbleUpon you can view and connect with her on MySpace too. She would really love your feedback on her first time as a blogger posted below…
OK – first off – lets dispense with the pleasantries…. My name is Kim, and I am an addict…
I am addicted to fast cars, to classic cars, to adrenaline, to 13 second quarter miles, to….. shit – who am I kidding, if it is fast, has 4 wheels and is the automotive equivalent of Angelina Jolie, I am in love….
(And, yes, *all* cars are girls. I have only met one male car. A Miata & according to his owner, he was gay… ’nuff said)
My question for you all – when did you know? At what point in your life, what happened, when did it click? What moment did you know that you were a gear head? What car were you in? How old were you? What were you doing?
For me, it is almost cheesy. I realized that I was an adrenaline junkie early in life. Couple that with one of the most competitive personalities that you have ever seen, and I am, frankly, a bit surprised that I have managed to live this long. However, I was 14 and my grandma was teaching me to drive. It was raining. I was driving her Mazda 323 (no laughing!!). I wanted to see just how fast I could make it around the corner. Needless to say, we lost traction. My first instinct was to jam my foot all the way down on the accelerator (resulting in a very lazy application of speed, it was a Mazda, fer goodnessake!). However, my grandma (to her credit) never uttered a word, we were sideways for at least a half block before I coaxed her back to a more decorous n/s attitude. I never lifted the accelerator from the floor. I was hooked. (I also didn’t get my license until I was almost 18!).
I am curious – what is your story? What hooked you and was Porsche always your first love?
Like a lot of today’s Porsche 993 owners I purchased my car used. I was very careful in my selection, did a lot of research, purchased a Porsche Buyers Guide and made sure the car had a very thorough service history. Amongst the things I was looking for to accompany my purchase was original documentation (window sticker, owners manual, etc.) While I was very fortunate and found a very nice example of a 1997 Porsche 993 C4S I still didn’t get all the documentation that was delivered to the very first owner. As it turns out, one of the items that new 993 owners received was a ten minute long video that introduced them to Porsche and answered a number of frequently asked questions about all 911 models and some specific to the 993. A broadcast of the video is below for your enjoyment.
Last week I posted about 10 Things you might not know about the Porsche 993. The video below, narrated by Patrick Stewart (of Star Trek fame) and hosted by Hurley Haywood (of Porsche endurance racing fame) is very informative and answered a few additional esoteric questions I had always wondered about. Are any of you the original owner of your 993? Do you have an original VHS copy of this tape? If so, please get in touch with me and let me know as I would love to get a copy.
Email
I read a lot of the discussion groups, forums, blogs, etc. (regarding Porsches) that are available out on the web. It’s interesting to see that a lot of the participants are not even current Porsche owners. Rather, they are enthusiasts who covet the marque and hope to own one some day. This got me to thinking about my experience with Porsche and the extraordinary opportunities that have been afforded to me.
I spend a good amount of time each week on-line researching articles, looking for content, etc. Occasionally, I find some really good stuff that I just can’t wait to share. I’m sure most of you are familiar with the most recent 
is a lavishly illustrated history of the most recognized sports-car maker in the world—Porsche—a story that began more than a century ago. This is the first book in more than twenty-five years to chronicle in such meticulous detail the early years of the renowned automobile company. Perfect for the more than 500,000 Porsche owners and the millions of Porsche enthusiasts, Porsche is a lively narrative of the cars and the people who created them. In the opening chapters, the reader will find the true heart of Porsche and its dedication to design and engineering, and then move on to the pre–World War II development of the first Porsche prototypes, as well as the development of the Volkswagen by Professor Ferdinand Porsche in the late 1930s. The story of the company’s early postwar years in Austria is a tale of commitment to an idea, an idea that resulted in the first 356 model and in a very short time established Porsche as one of Germany’s leading car makers.
by Randy Leffingwell.
Two weeks ago I posted about Porsche being named the “
