Iconic Models from Porsche

Porsche spent a lot of time pushing the boundaries of the automotive industry, and the results are pretty clear. Over the years, the automaker created vehicles that not only performed well, but that also changed the industry at large. These iconic models are ingrained in the history of the car community and continue to spark interest years later. The team here at Porsche Silver Spring has put together some of our favorite Porsche vehicles throughout the years to celebrate how far the brand has come.

356

Designed as Porsche’s first sports car, the 356 has become a timeless classic. This 40-horsepower car featured a modified rear-mounted engine from a Volkswagen Beetle. It wasn’t the engine that made the 356 so iconic, though. Even this first Porsche model featured agile handling, comfort, and reliability. Through the 1950s, the 356 became more powerful and refined, as Porsche created its own engines. This ground-breaking development gave the brand the power to fine-tune their chassis and engines to work together as one powerful driving machine. 

911

Introduced in 1964, the Porsche 911 was the successor to the 356. Again, using the rear-engine platform that Porsche is famous for, the 911 featured a 2.0-liter air-cooled six-cylinder flat engine with 130 horsepower. Through the 1960s and 1970s, the 911 continued to gain more power, with better handling and aerodynamics. Safety and emissions regulations pushed the automaker to create a car that was as efficient and safe as it was fun to drive. In the late 80s, features like ABS, power steering, airbags, and coil springs, were added to increase passenger comfort and bring the 911 into a new generation. Now there are nine 911 models: 911 Carrera S, 9111 Carrera, 911 Carrera T, 911 Targa 4, 911 GTS, 9111 Turbo, 911 Speedster, 911 GT3, and 911 GT2 RS. There’s truly a Porsche 911 for every driver and exciting driving is standard on every model. 

917

A thoroughbred race car, the 917, debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1969 and went on to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Featuring a 12-cylinder turbocharged engine, the 917 was not just a winning racecar, but it was also a platform for Porsche to test out new performance technology that would eventually influence its passenger cars. In the 1970s, the first Porsche 911 Turbo benefitted from both the turbocharger technology and brake system used in the Porsche 917, to create a new breed of sports car for the modern driving enthusiast.

Today, Porsche is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world and continues to create vehicles that push the industry to the next level. If you’re ready to own what is sure to become a cornerstone of automotive history, take a look at our new inventory and then reach out to our team to schedule a test drive today. 

Image Credit: Porsche