Production of the first 911s started in autumn 1964. The first 'Series A' cars developed 130bhp, and their lightweight engines, made of alloys, aluminium and magnesium, featured twin carburettors and a twin overhead camshaft layout rather than the pushrods of the 356's unit. Dry sump lubrication was chosen, thought to be the best option for motorsport. The front suspension layout incorporated MacPherson struts - a new development at the time - and lower wishbones, with a ZF rack-and-pinion steering set-up, rather than the far more common recirculating ball. Porsche claimed that this system, combined with the 40:60 front:rear weight distribution, enabled it to do away with a steering servo, thus giving a more direct, precise feel with plenty of feedback. Other significant advances over the opposition included a five-speed transmission and four disc brakes.
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A few purists complained nonetheless that the 911 was tamer than the 356, and "not a real Porsche", but it soon became clear that the 911 still had the potential to be unpredictable if provoked. Porsche backed up the hardcore sporting reputation with a motorsport programme, and apparently, the otherwise rave reviews in the press at the time took care to describe it as "an enthusiast's car".
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To meet the demand for a cheaper, stripped-out model once the 356 was finally discontinued in 1965, Porsche launched the 912. This was fitted with the 356's four-cylinder 1.66-litre, 90bhp engine, and had a more spartan specification; it retailed for DM 16,250, compared to the 911's DM 21,900. Initially, it was a big hit - in 1966, Porsche sold 9000 912s, compared to 4000 911s - though demand later tailed off as buyers wanted more and more power and performance. Also new for 1965 was the open-topped Targa, named after the Targa Florio, a famous Sicilian road race; Targa has since become a generic term for a roof with lift-out solid panels, as opposed to a folding fabric hood. The first 911 Targa had a full-width roll bar over the rear of the cabin, and the roof could be removed in front of the bar opening it up right to the windscreen; the plastic rear window folded away. Initially with a few problems - the plastic windows distorted and turned yellow in the sun, and most of the early cars suffered water leaks - the Targa nonetheless proved popular.
More appealing to enthusiasts, however, was the 911 S, launched in '67. The S - which stood for Super - had its compression ratio increased and timing modified to give 160bhp, a closer-ratio five-speed gearbox, a rear anti-roll bar, ventilated disc brakes, Fuchs five-spoke alloys and, in a rather makeshift attempt to address problems of uneven weight distribution, a 24-pound weight fitted to its front undercarriage. Competitive buyers could opt for the track-only 911 R, which had aluminium doors, fibreglass bonnets and rear deck lids, larger carburettors, twin-spark cylinder heads, an entirely stripped out interior and a magnesium engine case; these developed around 210bhp. Rally versions won the Monte Carlo three years running (1968, 1969, 1970) - and then again in 1978, with very little subsequent development.
By the end of the 1960s, emissions regulations had forced the S's withdrawal from the American market, and the range in 1968 consisted of an entry-level 110bhp 911 T, the 911 E (Einspriz, or fuel injection, developing 140bhp), and, for the US, a model badged 911 L but with standard powertrain. The S continued in Europe with 170bhp, and the Targa received a glass rear window to replace the ropey plastic. New options were the power-sapping Sportomatic semi-auto transmission and, on S models, a limited-slip differential. Revisions for 1969 brought a longer wheelbase - an extra 2.3 inches, achieved by moving the rear wheels backwards - plus wider front and rear track and a new front suspension layout, with wishbones and torsion bars replaced by MacPherson struts. Handling and stability were much improved, and the 911's looks became a little more aggressive, with wider wheels and flared wheel arches. Porsche killed off the 912, as the Volkswagen-powered, mid-engined four-cylinder 914 had made its debut.
Ferry Porsche and the 901
912
1967 911 Targa
