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Porsche 911 (Classic)

The Ultimate Model Guide

1st Generation Porsche 911 (1964 - 1973)

The Story / Timeline / Details / Model Guides / Performance & Specs / Data & Research / Pictures & Videos / News & Updates

The Porsche 911 was introduced to the world in the fall of 1963 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was developed as a replacement for the highly successful Porsche Model 356. It was larger, more powerful, more comfortable and more competitive on the track than any other comparable car on the market at the time. The original air-cooled, boxer-engined 911 was in production from 1964 through 1989, but on this page, we are focused on the original F-Body cars. Info on the G-Body cars is found here.

We all know the 901 story don't we? A prototype of the 901, as it was called for a brief period, was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Production slowly started in September 1964 and the 901 was shown at the October 1964 Paris Motor Show, barely one month after the start of production. Peugeot objected to the model number, saying that it had the rights to three-digit model numbers with a zero as the middle digit. Although this would only apply to sales in France, Porsche decided to just add a “1,” creating the 911. There were about 80 cars built and labeled 901 before the change.

It was decided to use the lower-cost 356 engine in the new 911 body and call the resulting model the 912. This was successful to the point that the 912 outsold the 911 two to one for a couple years. The last year for the 912 in this form was 1969. The first edition of the 911 was built around a 130 hp, 2.0 liter, flat-six, air-cooled, rear-mounted engine. In 1966 the beefier 160hp 911S was introduced as the first variation of the 911. The "S" which stood for "Super" boasted performance upgrades and modifications that included larger valves, a higher compression ratio, better porting and larger carbuerator jets. Along with the mechanical tweaks, the 911S also received chassis upgrades in the form of a rear anti-roll bar, Koni shocks, distinctive 5-spoke Fuchs alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes. This really marked the beginning of the 911 as a genuine performance car. This was also the first year for the Targa.

For 1969 Porsche made the single biggest change to the 911 thus far by lengthening the wheelbase 2.5 inches to reduce the oversteer characteristics inherent to rear-engined cars. Pre-1969 cars are often referred to as the short-wheel base cars (SWB) and 1969 onwards called the long-wheelbase cars (LWB). In LWB cars, two 12-volt batteries were installed in each front corner in a further attempt to improve the handling, instead of the earlier bumper-weight solution. They also expanded the model range to three versions, which now included T, E, and S. The E and S got a new induction system in the form of mechanical fuel injection (MFI) to meet emission standard. The next two years, 1970 and 1971, can almost be taken as one step, since there were almost no differences in that time frame. The three model variants, T, E, and S, remained, but the 912 was dropped. Engine displacement was increased to 2.2 liters, the E and S retained mechanical fuel injection, and the T still met emissions with carburetors.

1972 and 1973 can also be taken as one group because there were very few changes from year to year. 1973 marked the end of the longhood 911, when, in 1974, the design of the original body style was changed in order to meet new bumper crash standards. The 1972 and 1973 engine displacement was increased again to 2.4 liters to gain back some power lost from compression ratio reductions to meet the new lower-octane lead-free fuel.. The Type 915 transmission was a totally new design. It was stronger and had a more user friendly H pattern for the first four gears, instead of the old dog-leg first gear that was down and to the left. 1972 was also the first and only time to date where the oil tank was mounted ahead of the right-rear wheel (other than the few 911Rs in 1967 and 1968) for weight distribution reasons.

We can't talk about the classic 911 without mentioning the most famous 911 of all. The 1973 911 Carrera RS was built largely to homologate the faster 911 RSR race car for GT racing and it may be the purest 911 ever made. It is still the GOAT.

F-Body Porsche 911 Basics

Generation: First Generation / Known As: F-Body or Classic 911 / Manufacturer: Porsche AG / Production Years: 1964 - 1974 / Model Years: 1964 - 1974 / Designer: Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, Erwin Komenda / Body Style: 2-door coupe, 2-door targa / Layout: Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive / Engines: 1.6 L Aircooled Flat 4 (912), 2.0 L Aircooled Flat 6, 2.2 L Aircooled Flat 6, 2.4 L Aircooled Flat 6, 2.5L Aircooled Flat 6, 2.7 L Aircooled Flat 6, 2.8 L Aircooled Flat 6 / Transmission: 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic / Premiere: September 12, 1973 IAA Frankfurt / Successor: Porsche 911 (G-Body)

The Original Porsche 911 - The Story

The Porsche 911 was developed as a much more powerful, larger, more comfortable replacement for the Porsche 356. The new car made its public debut at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show. It was initially designated as the "Porsche 901", after its internal project number. However, Peugeot protested on the grounds that in France it had exclusive rights to car names formed by three numbers with a zero in the middle. So, instead of selling the new model with another name in France, Porsche changed the name to 911. It went on sale in 1964. The rest, as they say... is history.

Porsche 911 (F-Body) Timelines & Details

This graphic breaks out the first generation Porsche 911 in terms of timelines and how to tell all the models apart. Click on the image to see it in higher definition. We split the timeline into entry level, standard level and sports-focused cars to make life easier visually.

Porsche 911 F-Body Model Timeline

Porsche G-Series Details

Porsche 911 2.0 O - Series

The original 911 had a steel bodyshell that was 111 mm longer than the outgoing 356, giving the 911 a roomier cockpit and better handling. The suspension layout was MacPherson struts at the front with a fully independent back end was much more advanced than the 356 set up. The 911’s air-cooled all-alloy Flat 6 engine was the Type 901/01 and had dry-sump lubrication, overhead camshafts, hemispherical cylinder heads and a forged seven main bearing crankshaft. The new engine had a displacement of 1991 cc, with a 9.1:1 compression ratio and two triple-choke 40PI Solex carburettors. Peak output was 130 bhp at 6100 rpm. The transmission was a new Type 901 five-speed gearbox. 

The design was the work of Ferdinand ‘Butzi’ Porsche and it clearly evolved from the 356 and it was initially available as a Coupe. Porsche quoted a weight of 1030 kg, a top speed of 131 mph and 0-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds. Production began in August 1964. April 1965 saw production of the Porsche 912 begin. Powered by the four cylinder 356 engine, it was conceived as an entry-level 911 and initially outsold the considerably more expensive six cylinder variant. The Targa was introduced in late 1966 and a 1967 model year. 

In July 1966, Porsche unveiled an uprated 911 S model. It had a Type 901/02 engine with upgrades including bigger intake and exhaust valves plus hardened connecting rods and forged pistons. Compression was increased from 9.1 to 9.8:1 and two Weber 40 IDS carburetors were installed along with a more efficient gas-flowed three-to-one exhaust system. Power was 160 bhp at 6600 rpm. The 911 S also got Koni shocks as standard and a bigger front anti-roll bar. Ventilated disc brakes were fitted for the first time.

The O-series 911s were produced between August 1964 and July 1967 and during this time, 8520 standard Coupes were built and 3422 911 S Coupes. 718 911 Targas were also built, a figure that included both S and non-S variants. In August 1967, the O-series 911 was replaced by the A-series derivative.

Porsche 911 2.0 A & B Series

In 1967, the original 911 was replaced by the A-series. The 1968 model year A-series 911 was available in four basic varieties: the 911 T, the ‘normal’ 911, the 911 L and the 911 S. All four could be ordered with Coupe or Targa bodywork and with either a manual or semi-auto gearbox. The chassis and suspension was unchanged. The 911 did get a new brake system, dry-sumped engines with single overhead cams and a new Sportomatic transmission option.

Changes on the outside were subtle and came in the form of changed wipers, door handles changes to the cooling slats on the engine cover. US destined cars came with bumper overriders and thicker headlight shrouds.

The A-series 911 was discontinued in August 1968 to make way for the 1969 model year B-series change. B-series 911s got a 57mm longer wheelbase and larger rear brakes. Wheelarches got a subtle flare design and the indicators were a bit bigger too.

Porsche dropped the ‘normal’ 911 and 911 L in favor of a new mid-range model called the 911 E. The 911 E got Bosch mechanical fuel-injection and ignition, thus making them eligible to be sold in North America. The new Type 901/10 engine in the fuel-injected 911 S was further uprated with bigger intake and exhaust valves and a lightweight magnesium engine casing.

B-Series production stopped in July 1969 to make way for the C-series 1970 model year 911 which came with a bigger 2.2-litre engine.

Porsche 911 2.2 C & D Series

The 2.2 liter 911s arrived for the 1970 and 1971 model years, available once again as either Coupe or Targa and with three engine tunes. The 125 bhp 911 T, the 155 bhp 911 E and the 180 bhp 911 S. The engines were bored out to 84mm and the engines got larger valves, new head gaskets and more cooling fins. The 911 E had softer cams to make it less spikey to drive on throttle, while the 911 S got a 10 bhp bump in power. The 911 E and 911 S got five-speed gearbox while the 911 T had only four-speeds.

The front suspension mounting points were moved 14 mm forward which increase wheelebase and made steering better at slow speeds. The E kept its hydro-pneumatic struts. Ventilated disc brakes were now fitted across the entire range, a big improvement. Also standard were 6 x 15-inch Fuchs forged alloy wheels. Cosmetically, no major changes were made.

C-series production started in August 1969 and continued until July 1970. The 1971 model year D-series 911 were next up, with several upgrades. The body was now galvanized and squirters were introduced to improve piston cooling. There was also a new type of sealed chain tensioner while minor detail alterations were made to the fuel-injection system. D-series production ended in August 1971 to make way for the new 2.4-litre E-series variant.

Porsche 911 2.4 E & F Series

In September 1971, Porsche unveiled the 2.4-litre E-series 911s. These 2.4-litre cars were 1972 and 1973 model year cars. They were offered in three states of tune (911 T, 911 E and 911 S.) and two alternative body styles (Coupe and Targa).

The wheelbase was extended by 3mm thanks to rear suspension mounting points being moved, making the 911 a bit more luxurious to drive and less punishing day to day. The gearbox had a conventional gate pattern.

The engines featured new camshafts, shorter and lighter con rods, reduced height piston crowns cooled by individual oil jet sprays, improved porting, larger big ends, full crankshaft counter-balancing, a crankcase stiffened around the main bearings and a new forged crankshaft.

Production began in August 1971. Porsche’s 1973 model F-series 911s were produced from August 1972 and came with more upgrades.

North American cars got black rubber overrider pads and in January 1973, the fuel-injected US-spec 911 T switched to a Bosch K-Jetronic Injection System and new camshafts were fitted. Production of the F-series 911 continued until July 1973.

1st Gen Porsche 911 Model Guides (1964 - 1973)

Below, we take you through in-depth guides for each and every Porsche 911 model between 1964 and 1973. We have summarized the core variants above, so just dive in to get under the hood now.

Porsche 901 (1964)

In 1963 Porsche introduced their seminal 901 at the 911 at the Frankfurt Motor Show which would be renamed 911 for the 1964 model year. The new car was sold alongside the 356C as an alternative with more power and room for a rear seat. At the 1963 Frankfurt show the public saw Porsches new direction. Compared to the 356 it had a longer wheelbase, a more compact suspension setup and much more power from the flat-6 engine.
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Porsche 912 (1965 – 1969)

Put most simply, a 912 is essentially a 911-style body mated with a 356-derived 4-cylinder engine. The 356 was Porsche’s first mass-marketed sports car. The Porsche 911 is the most successful sports car of all time. the new 912 came equipped with 90HP motor was a slightly detuned version of the 95HP motor that had powered its predecessor, the 356SC. However, despite this reduction of power, and despite the 912 being a heavier car, it was actually faster than the 356SC thanks to more streamlined aerodynamics and a more advanced suspension system.
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Porsche 911 2.0 (1965 – 1968)

The first generation of the Porsche 911 begins in late 1964 and goes through 1968. The "base" model was an instant hit. During this period, Porsche would make continuous improvements and tweaks to the body, to its short wheelbase (SWB) chassis, and to its 2.0 liter flat six engine. Model year 1968 would be the last for the early 911, a transition that would begin with the introduction of the higher output 911S in 1967, followed by the 911L and a new entry level 911T in 1968, and finally, the 911E in 1969. The base 911 was available as both a Coupe and Targa (starting in '67).
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Porsche 911 S 2.0 (1967 – 1969)

In 1966 the beefier 160hp 911S was introduced as the first variation of the 911. The "S" which stood for "Super" boasted performance upgrades and modifications that included larger valves, a higher compression ratio, better porting and larger carburetor jets. Along with the mechanical tweaks, the 911S also received chassis upgrades in the form of a rear anti-roll bar, Koni shocks, distinctive 5-spoke Fuchs alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes on all four corners to replace the solid discs.
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Porsche 911 L 2.0 (1968)

In 1967 the A-Series Porsche production line was divided into the entry-level 911T, the standard 911 L for Lux and the sporting 911S. The 911L was effectively the 911 2.0 from previous years with only very minor updates such as new door handles, a brushed aluminum dashboard, a black steering wheel and other very minor details. In Europe, where it was considered the midrange model it featured engine Type 901/06 (Type 901/07 with Sportomatic) rated at 130 hp. In North America, the 911L was the highest level offering.
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Porsche 911 T 2.0 (1968 – 1969)

The Porsche 911L (Lux) was introduced in model year 1968 in both Europe and the United States in coupe and targa variants. Approximately 1,610 samples were produced in total, of which 1,169 were coupes, and 575 were Targas. For the 1969 model year, the 911L would cease to exist, paving the way for a new mid-tier offering in Europe and the US, the 1969 911E, and for the higher-end 1969 911S in North America.
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Porsche 911 E 2.0 (1969)

The Porsche 911 E was designed to fall nicely between the 911 T touring model and the top of range high-performance 911S. The Porsche 911 T would continue for its second year in Europe, and newly introduced into the United States market, as the entry level offering for the 911, sitting below the 1969 911E and the 1969 911S. The 1969 911E was powered by engine Type 901/09 (Type 901/11 with Sportomatic) featuring mechanical fuel injection (MFI). The 2.0 L Aircooled Flat 6 was good for 140 bhp at 6500 rpm.
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Porsche 911 T 2.2 (1970 – 1971)

The Porsche 911T continued as the entry level 911 for the 1970 and 1971 model years, sitting below the 2.2L 911 E and the 2.2 L 911 S. The 911 T featured all the upgrades that came with C-Series production updates including longer wheelbase and Fuchs alloy wheels. During its production years it was available as both a Coupe or Targa bodystyle. As with the E and S variants, Porsche would upgrade the 911T to a larger 2.2 liter engine.
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Porsche 911 E 2.2 (1970 – 1971)

The Porsche 911E continued as the midrange 911 for the 1970 and 1971 model years, fitting between the contemporaneous 2.2L 911T and the 2.2L 911S. It produced 155 bhp and featured all the upgrades that came with C-Series production including longer wheelbase, Fuchs alloy wheels. Both the E and S model 911 had an aluminium engine-lid and aluminium bumpers. The 911 E 2.2 was once again available as either a Coupe or Targa body. For model year 1972, the 2.2L 911E was replaced by the 2.4L 911E.
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Porsche 911 S 2.2 (1970 – 1971)

Along with all the C-series improvements to the 911 line, the 1970 Porsche 911 S was upgraded to include a 180 bhp version flat-6. This further improved the performance credentials of the model which already had Fuchs light alloy wheels and bigger brakes. Specific to the S model's engine was a re-profiled camshaft, larger valves, better porting, higher compression and larger jets for the Weber carburetors. This resulted in 30 more horsepower for a total 180 horsepower.
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Porsche 911 T 2.4 (1972 – 1973)

The 911T Coupe and Targa continued as the entry level 911 for 1972 and 1973. As with the higher-end E and S variants, Porsche upgraded the 911T to a new, larger 2.3 L engine, commonly known as the "2.4 L" engine. With the power and torque increase, the 2.4-liter cars also got the newer and stronger transmission. Non-US versions (ROW), were carbureted and featured the Type 911/57 engine, rated at 130 hp. US-spec 911T's had engine Type 911/51 and were rated at 140 hp.
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Porsche 911 E 2.4 (1972 – 1973)

The Porsche 911E continued as the midrange 911 model for 1972 and 1973, fitting between the contemporaneous 2.4L 911T and the 2.4L 911S. As with the T and S variants, Porsche would upgrade the 911E to a new, larger 2,341 cc (2.3 L) engine, commonly known as the "2.4 L" engines. The 911E version, designated 911/52 was rated at 165 hp (it was designated 911/62 with Sportomatic). With the power and torque increase, the 2.4-liter cars also got the newer and stronger transmission.
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Porsche 911 S 2.4 (1972 – 1973)

The final early 911S befitted from Porsche's 2.4-liter engine the the long-wheel-base body. As such it is one of the final classic 911s before the 2.7 came out in 1973. Visually, the 2.4 range received a new chin on the front valence that was standard on the 911S and optional for the rest of the range. The S model had slight larger 6Jx15 Fuchs alloy wheels over the other models. The final early 911S benefitted from Porsche's 2.4-liter engine the the long-wheel-base body
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1st Gen Porsche 911 Special & Motorsport Models

There were several motorsport and special edition 911s in the first generation. The 911R was a very limited production racing version of the 911 whose concept would ultimately set the standard for GT racing domination for the next 40 years. The first 4 prototypes surfaced in the spring of 1967. Most famously, the Carrera RS debuted in October 1972 at the Paris Motor Show, and was the top first generation 911 and one of the best road cars of all time. It was the fastest production 911 and a solid race winner. Some feel it is still the best 911 ever built. But it wasn't the only special first generation 911, so make sure to check them all out.

Porsche 911 2.0 Bertone (1966)

Southern California Porsche dealer Johnny von Neumann knew what his customers wanted, and a Targa top Targa 911 wasn’t it. With Porsche’s approval, he hired designer Nuccio Bertone to create a one-off 1966 Porsche 911 Spyder, in hopes of launching low-volume production. Just one example was constructed.  The engine incorporated a vertically-mounted cooling fan, a 9.1:1 compression ratio and two triple-choke 40PI Solex carburettors. Peak output was 130bhp at 6100rpm and 174lb-ft at 4200rpm. Transmission was via a Type 901 five-speed gearbox and single-plate clutch.
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Porsche 911 R (1967 – 1968)

Based on the 911S, the 911 R was produced by Porsche to compete in the FIA’s GT 2.0 category. To make it competitive, the 911R was powered by a flat-six engine, Type 901/22 from the Porsche 906, capable of 210 hp. It went on a diet too, with weight savings coming from everywhere, getting the 911 R down to just 1,800 pounds dry. Four prototypes were constructed after which Porsche had coachbuilder Karl Baur build another 20 customer cars. In the end, because of the modifications to the 911R, the FIA refused to homologate the car.
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Image credit: Tim Scott / Fluid Images

Porsche 911 T/R (1968)

To homologate the 1968 911 for competition purposes, Porsche began with the Spartan 911 T which were a full 54 kg (118 pounds) lighter than their 'S' siblings. Porsche offered clients the opportunity to buy a 911 T outfitted with competition equipment directly from the factory, and the resulting cars have become known as the 911 T/R. They were built in low quantities to a range of specifications depending on their intended competition purposes.
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Porsche 911 S/T (1970 – 1971)

Porsche developed the S/T, of which 33 were built in 1970 and 1971, taking full advantage of new FIA rules allowing a two-inch wider track. Accordingly, wheel arches were widened to accommodate seven-inch front and nine-inch rear wheels. Weight reduction was even more radical, including thinner-gauge steel for the roof and floorpans. Heating ducts, seat slide supports, the glove-box lid, ashtray, sun visors and rear torsion-bar covers were deleted.
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Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 2.8

Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 2.8 (1973)

Introduced in 1973, the RSR was a factory-built racing car based on the 911 chassis. The Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 2.8 was the first 911 to ever wear the RSR badge. Homologated for racing by the iconic 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS, the RSR’s racing career got off to the perfect start thanks to Brumos Racing’s overall triumph in the 1973 24 Hours of Daytona, while a factory car won the latest ever Targa Florio road race. For the privateer in the mid-1970s who wanted to go sports car racing this was the chosen weapon.
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Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring (1973)

Revealed at the 1972 Paris Auto Show, the Carrera 2.7 RS was a special model used to homologate the 911 in Group 4 racing. Developed from the 911S, the 2.7 was more potent in almost every area. Compared to the standard Carrera, the 2.7 RS featured a larger engine, wider flares to accommodate the Fuchs alloy wheels, stiffened suspension, larger brakes and a ducktail rear spoiler. The Touring outsold the Lightweight, with a total of 1380 units built (the Lightweight had only 200 units).
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Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Lightweight (1973)

Of all the 1580 Carrera RS 2.7s, only 200 were made were ordered with this lightweight ‘Sports’ trim which made the car more responsive and purposeful. In many ways these few cars were the ultimate road-going Porsche of the 1970s. Known as the Sports, Lightweight or even the M471 option code, these cars had improved the power-to-weight ratio. Reports of 75kg were stripped from the standard model by fitting lightweight body panels and lightweight glass.
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Porsche 911 (1964-1974) Technical Specs

Forget the summary, here is every first generation Porsche 911 broken out by model year and variant and the technical specifications for each one. Car data nerds, let us unite.

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Porsche 911 (1964-1974) Data & Research

We dig into some of the data surrounding the first generation Porsche 911, including production numbers, specifications, chassis numbers, engine numbers, transmission codes, parts catalogs and much more.

Porsche 911 (1st Generation) Pictures & Videos

The original 911 is still the best. Below, we take you through our picture galleries and some great videos we curated from across the internet that celebrate the original icon.

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Porsche 911 (1st Generation) News & Updates

Recent auctions, awesome review videos and all the latest news and posts regarding anything to do with the first generation, F-bodied Porsche 911.

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