Are Porsches beautiful?

Are Porsches beautiful?

Author
Discussion

montecristo

Original Poster:

1,043 posts

176 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
quotequote all
Do Porsche owners see their cars as beautiful (vs, say, buying them because of the performance or handling)?

If so, what makes a 'standard' Porsche like a 911 beautiful? I've always struggled to understand the aesthetics/proportions of the basic Porsche shape (i.e. not a 356 or a 918).

(genuine question, I am not trying to troll)

996TT02

3,308 posts

139 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
quotequote all
I don't see all Porsches as beautiful. I can't get my head round a standard 996, for example, and the 993 front end is borderline (although the rear is the best 911 rear). Don't ask me about a Cayenne, or Panamera, either.

williamp

19,217 posts

272 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
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handsome rather then beautiful. And that's fine by me

mollytherocker

14,365 posts

208 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
quotequote all
I think the 911 in most of its guises is beautiful. But its in the eye of the beholder?

And anyway, I have no style whatsoever so am probably a poor judge!

Jimbo965

172 posts

144 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
quotequote all
I've always loved the 911 shape (and the engine position and flat six...) but they have grown over the years and got more brutal looking.

Saw my 964 turbo parked along 991 GT3 RS and the contrast in size and looks was a shock. Was thinking of updating to new one but not sure if I can live with it so maybe back to a 997 or keep the tiny and pretty 964


Timbergiant

995 posts

129 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
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I'll leave this here.


Better question is are all Porsches beautiful.

9e 28

9,410 posts

200 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
quotequote all
Jimbo965 said:
I've always loved the 911 shape (and the engine position and flat six...) but they have grown over the years and got more brutal looking.

Saw my 964 turbo parked along 991 GT3 RS and the contrast in size and looks was a shock. Was thinking of updating to new one but not sure if I can live with it so maybe back to a 997 or keep the tiny and pretty 964
Thought you'd sold the lovely maritime 964? You should defo try a 997 GTS/3 or turbo. I'd rather that combo than one 991 GT3 RS personally.

Koln-RS

3,849 posts

211 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
quotequote all
Some are 'pretty' - especially the earlier aircooled (pre-993) 911s.

The traditional 'clean' 911 shape is an all time 'classic' design - and very clever. Putting the engine in the back provided genuine 2+2 accommodation and a decent boot. Spoilers may have been a functional necessity, but a prettier 911 they do not make.


RSVP911

8,192 posts

132 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
quotequote all
Yes , some more than others and more or less so depending on the angle - but basically the shape has a flowing ergonomic feel to it - Its iconic and as with all great design it's past the test of time : I think it's bum is the best bit smile

Edited by RSVP911 on Sunday 19th June 15:22

Jimbo965

172 posts

144 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
quotequote all
9e 28 said:
Jimbo965 said:
I've always loved the 911 shape (and the engine position and flat six...) but they have grown over the years and got more brutal looking.

Saw my 964 turbo parked along 991 GT3 RS and the contrast in size and looks was a shock. Was thinking of updating to new one but not sure if I can live with it so maybe back to a 997 or keep the tiny and pretty 964
Thought you'd sold the lovely maritime 964? You should defo try a 997 GTS/3 or turbo. I'd rather that combo than one 991 GT3 RS personally.
Thought a deal was done but it's back on sale with JZM who know it very well too. It is a lovely little unique thing but been hankering after GT experience for a year or two now. Leaning towards 997.2 GT3 RS if I can find a really good one.







P5BNij

15,770 posts

105 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
quotequote all
RSVP911 said:
Yes , some more than others and more or less so depending on the angle - but basically the shape has a flowing ergonomic feel to it - I think it's bum is the best bit smile
The early 911 rear end seems just right to me, it's pretty yet purposeful, whereas I'd say the 991's has grown too much, with a much higher 'line' to it...



I think an early Targa is certainly a thing of beauty, even in Kermit green...




Edited by P5BNij on Sunday 19th June 15:30


Edited by P5BNij on Sunday 19th June 15:31

Don

28,377 posts

283 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
quotequote all
Timbergiant said:
I'll leave this here.


Better question is are all Porsches beautiful.
Ah. The Cayenne. Fugly but functional. It's got a big arse but if you need what it does...

I'd consider one. But it surely isn't pretty.

RSVP911

8,192 posts

132 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
quotequote all
P5BNij said:
The early 911 rear end seems just right to me, it's pretty yet purposeful, whereas I'd say the 991's has grown too much, with a much higher 'line' to it...



I think an early Targa is certainly a thing of beauty, even in Kermit green...




Edited by P5BNij on Sunday 19th June 15:30


Edited by P5BNij on Sunday 19th June 15:31
You know what , I think you're right - if you had to choose the prettiest 911 , IMHO it would be a pre 74 coupe. However I love the rear of a 964 Turbo or a GT3 / RS . I was following behind a 997.1 S the other day , beautiful lines : I love them all really smile

RSVP911

8,192 posts

132 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
quotequote all
Don said:
Ah. The Cayenne. Fugly but functional. It's got a big arse but if you need what it does...

I'd consider one. But it surely isn't pretty.
Completely agree , I think they are proper fugly as are the Panapigs - babies only their mother can love I'm afraid smile

9e 28

9,410 posts

200 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
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What do you think OP?

Koln-RS

3,849 posts

211 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
quotequote all
That's not a Porsche though - that's someone else's interpretation

EricE

1,945 posts

128 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
quotequote all
I think the 1963-1973 Coupes have beautiful proportions, particularly from the rear quarter view. Sporty yet elegant and understated.

Over time some of this was diluted by impact bumpers, wider wheels, fender flares and massive spoilers.
If the PH forums are to be believed the "most desirable" version of a 911 is would be a birch green 991 GT3 RS with rear tyres the size of parmesan wheels. hehe

The original cars are such tiny cars when you see them parked in real life, they're closer to a modern Mini than a 991.
In fact I just checked wikipedia, the original 911 is smaller than a modern Mini in every dimension but length where the 911 is 9cm longer. wobble
Absolute size may have something to do with it, the original 911's proportions would likely look strange stretched to 135% to match a 991.

9e 28

9,410 posts

200 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
quotequote all
Koln-RS said:
That's not a Porsche though - that's someone else's interpretation
To my eye the narrow body is the purest - can't walk past one without giving it a second look. Very pretty and timeless piece of design without being OTT. Also just the right size IMO. Go pretty well too!


Don

28,377 posts

283 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
quotequote all
9e 28 said:
To my eye the narrow body is the purest - can't walk past one without giving it a second look. Very pretty and timeless piece of design without being OTT. Also just the right size IMO. Go pretty well too!

These cars ARE beautiful.

Personally I love the look of my Boxster. Others don't. That's fine.

Zed 44

1,242 posts

155 months

Sunday 19th June 2016
quotequote all
Eye of the beholder I guess. They all look more or less the same to me. Looks like an old bullfrog to me. I wouldn't want one.