Since the debut of the original 911 in 1964, Porsche has consistently delivered a line of six-cylinder rear-engine sports cars renowned for competing with more powerful counterparts, owing to their lightweight build and superior handling. The 911 swiftly attained iconic status for its unmatched performance and handling, evolving into a sophisticated, powerful, and reliable driving machine over the years.
In 1969, the Porsche 911 underwent significant changes, maintaining its distinctive rear-engine layout and styling while introducing internal enhancements. The rear track and wheelbase increased, though the overall length remained consistent. Mechanical fuel injection debuted in the top-tier 911S and the new 911E, signifying “Einspritzung,” the German term for injection. The engine capacity grew from 2.0-Liters to 2.2-Liters and eventually to 2.4-Liters in 1972, marking the final and fully evolved version of the original long-hood 911—a highly coveted model today.
In 1967, Porsche expanded the 911 lineup with an open-top variant featuring a stainless steel-clad roll bar and removable roof panel, named the “Targa” in homage to the brand’s victories at the Sicilian road race. This Targa model, coined after its distinctive body configuration, provided a taste of ‘wind in the hair’ motoring until the introduction of a full Cabriolet in the early 1980s.
Source: Bonhams Cars
