Thursday 7th August 2003

40th Anniversary 911

Anniversary model to be unveiled in Frankfurt

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[pbrettle]

Is it just me or does the current model range of 911's look OK rather than great? Its that strange couple of port-holes at the front that dont help...

I have always loved the 911 and its a classic design that other than the late 80's with their whale-tails and wide bodies, is a lasting shape. But the current model just looks dull (except in Turbo form) and has lost some of the purity from the original outline.

Maybe I am overly critical, but cant wait until the next one is out as this one is supposed to echo the earlier 911 designs...

[Grant3]

Sorry to cynical , but it rather smacks of a "run out model" special edition to me, just like they do with things like the Ford Tahiti or perhaps a Vauxhall sport2 etc etc., throw in a few extra goodies & give it trendy name !!!
All the press tell us that the new 997 will be available from autumn 2004, with around the same 340-ish BHP but an upgraded interior & new "retro" /more macho look & 19" wheel option's etc etc. No doubt values of existing 996's will drop a little 40th special included. If it was me I would wait for the 997, I only think the 40th makes sense if you are commited to a build slot pre-997, then it is likely (GT3's/RS aside) to be the best residual pick of the current 996's.
More interesting is exactly what the 997 will offer once everything is fully confirmed.

[chris_n]

pbrettle said:

I have always loved the 911 and its a classic design ...other than the late 80's with their whale-tails and wide bodies

how can you say that! I think they look fab.

Agree with you on the 996 shape though, just can't get excited by it, though in GT3 guise they definitely give me a stirring down below (in the pit of my stomach in case you wondered).

[james_j]

Yes, the car's spec looks impressive - should be a "drivers car", but I do think that the 911 range got less "interesting" to look at, coinciding with the advent of the watercooled engines.

[peterpeter]

all it needs is to be lowered slightly and then it looks the business.

[Smiff]

Another 911.

[daver]

I liked Clarkson's (general) 911 comment. The one relating to blokes being pig-headed / bloody-minded (won't ask for directions and all that. Something along the lines 911 obviously having been designed by blokes. They started with the engine in the wrong place then spent 40 years engineering their way around it rather than admit fault and move it! Pretty impressive engineering though, it has to be said.

[ninemeister]

Fault is only a matter of opinion. I would rather look on it that Mr. Porsche was an inspired genious who put the engine in the right place and spent 40 years proving everyone else wrong....

[Spie]

daver said:

I liked Clarkson's (general) 911 comment. The one relating to blokes being pig-headed / bloody-minded (won't ask for directions and all that. Something along the lines 911 obviously having been designed by blokes. They started with the engine in the wrong place then spent 40 years engineering their way around it rather than admit fault and move it! Pretty impressive engineering though, it has to be said.

Well that was constructive, and coming from someone who drives a TVR

[domster]

Spie said:

daver said: I liked Clarkson's (general) 911 comment. The one relating to blokes being pig-headed / bloody-minded (won't ask for directions and all that. Something along the lines 911 obviously having been designed by blokes. They started with the engine in the wrong place then spent 40 years engineering their way around it rather than admit fault and move it! Pretty impressive engineering though, it has to be said. Well that was constructive, and coming from someone who drives a TVR

I didn't think daver's comment was that derogatory - quite funny actually, and I'm not a Clarkson fan either We all know what TVR and Porsche boys think of each other's toys, so let's avoid that whole area. Cheers.

Domster

[caribeiro]

Fantastic, but the wheels are too polish to my taste

[Pork Girl]

Have to say i'm totally taken with it - it's a gorgeous car (know what you mean about the wheels though).

Spoke to our local dealership though and it's about 8 grand out of our range - so near but so far!!!

Lancasters reckon on a price of £68,184.00. Going to cry in a corner now - seemed like such a good idea to buy one last night after two bottles of Bordeaux!

[Clubsport]

Sickly overburdened with tat that you don't need.The only interesting thing is the rear diff lock which has sporting connotations,spoilt by making the thing so Lardy.
I would definitely take a C4S over this version for the money.

[daver]

domster said:

I didn't think daver's comment was that derogatory

Ah, jolly good. It wasn't supposed to be. Obviously not enough girlies in the Porsche forum to capitalise on a bloke-self-depracating moment.