1980 Porsche 911: Ferdinand Porsche’s fulfilled dream

The history of 911 began in 1963 with a misunderstanding. The prototype model appeared under the name 901 and was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show. However, as it turned out later, the rights to the numbers with 01 belonged to Peugeot, and Porsche had to change the name to 911. Still, it did not prevent the model from becoming a real sensation and impressing both buyers and testers.

Source: Drive2

The automotive industry had always been a litmus test for the development of the country. Even in a period of deep crisis, one could make a forecast for the prosperity of the whole country, referring to the state of this most important sector. After the disastrous Second World War and the humiliating defeat, the German automotive industry was ruined. However, the country’s post-war auto industry miraculously introduced the world to Audi, BMW, Porsche, and Volkswagen, which became legends along with other iconic brands. Incredible was the creation of the Porsche 356, which eventually grew into the first 911 – the best sports car of the 20th century.

The origins

Source: PCARMARKET

Ferdinand Porsche dreamed of a sports car when he worked for the Nazi government, developing a budget “Beetle”. However, after the war and the series of hardships their family had to face, he still managed to make his dream a reality. The history of the 911 goes back to 1948 when the brand introduced the 356. It was a stylish and successful automobile but Ferry Porsche did not leave the idea of creating a faster and at the same time more comfortable successor. The son took his father’s concept and further developed it, designing the initial drafts for the new Roadster in 1959. The vision for this car included a rear-engine configuration, horizontally opposed cylinders, and an air cooling system. The official unveiling of this innovation took place in 1963 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. However, it is important to note that the showcased vehicle was merely a prototype or mockup, not a fully functional production model. Still, the absence of the engine did not prevent the public from appreciating the remarkable design – the round headlights, smooth lines of the body, and the sloping rear end of the car. The first automobile was ready in about a year: it was a success! The production started in September 1964. More than 50 years and 7 generations later, this elegant Stuttgart car still impresses with its beauty, German precision, and wonderful style.

The 1980 model year

Source: Hemmings

The 1980 edition belonged to the 2nd generation (1974-1989 often informally called “G-modell”) of the legendary 911 series. The model had the same body and chassis as its predecessors, but in terms of safety and environmental friendliness, it opened a new stage for the series. Security meant the new requirements of the American NHTSA for the passive safety of the design and the ability of the machine to withstand a frontal impact at certain speeds. The 1980 release featured a 3.3-liter six-cylinder boxer engine with 265 and 300 horsepower, a slightly modified exhaust system, added shock-absorbing elements on the front bumper, and new options such as power windows, heated mirrors, and radio, as well as the updated engine range. The brakes were modified for the engine: perforated brake discs and four-piston calipers were installed on the type-930 chassis in front and rear. Suspension and steering remained unchanged compared to previous models. An option like single-zone climate control, with two temperature sensors in the cabin, and the vacuum brake booster was installed on all automobiles. 1980 was also marked by the cessation of sales of the turbo model in the United States (in September 1980).

Did you know?

Source: RETROMOD

In 1987, “No Man’s Land” movie was released starring Charlie Sheen, who played a professional auto thief and a great Porsche fan. The protagonist was sure that the German automobiles were the best, even better than Italian sports vehicles, which he contemptuously called “Italian bullshit”. Since the film was mainly about the famous German manufacturer,  several modifications of the famous roadster series such as SC Cabriolet, Targa, and Flat Nose appeared in numerous scenes. However, the most spectacular moment was the 1980 911 chase scene.

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