Porsche 911 (F-Body)
The Ultimate Guide to the 1964 - 1973 Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 was introduced to the world in the fall of 1963 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was developed as a replacement for the highly successful Porsche Model 356. It was larger, more powerful, more comfortable and more competitive on the track than any other comparable car on the market at the time. The original air-cooled, boxer-engined 911 was in production from 1964 through 1989, but on this page, we are focused on the original F-Body cars.
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The Ultimate Guide To The Porsche 911 F-Body: Every Variant, Specs, Reviews, Performance & More
The Porsche 911, introduced in 1964, has become an enduring icon in the automotive world. The first generation, known as the F-Body or Classic 911, was produced from 1964 to 1973. This era laid the foundation for the 911's reputation, combining innovative engineering with distinctive design.
In the late 1950s, Porsche sought to develop a successor to the 356 model. The goal was to create a more powerful, larger, and comfortable vehicle. The result was the Porsche 901, unveiled at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show. However, due to Peugeot's trademark on three-digit car names with a zero in the middle, Porsche renamed it the 911. Production commenced in September 1964.
The first-generation 911 featured a sleek, aerodynamic body designed by Ferdinand "Butzi" Porsche and Erwin Komenda. Its rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout housed an air-cooled flat-six engine, initially displacing 2.0 liters and producing 130 horsepower. This configuration provided a unique driving experience, characterized by responsive handling and a distinctive engine note.
Model Variants and Evolution
Throughout its production run, the F-Body 911 saw several updates and variants:
911S (1966-1967): A high-performance version with a 2.0-liter engine producing 160 horsepower.
911T, 911L, and 911E: Introduced as more accessible options, these models featured varying power outputs and equipment levels.
Targa (1967): Porsche introduced the Targa model with a removable roof panel and a fixed roll bar, offering an open-top experience while maintaining structural integrity.
Engine Upgrades: The engine displacement increased over the years, with 2.2-liter engines introduced in 1969 and 2.4-liter engines in 1971, enhancing performance and drivability.
Performance, Reception & Legacy
The first-generation 911 was praised for its agility and performance. Its lightweight construction and rear-engine layout provided excellent traction and handling characteristics. The 911 quickly gained popularity among driving enthusiasts and became a formidable competitor in motorsports.
The F-Body 911 established Porsche's reputation for building high-quality, performance-oriented sports cars. Its timeless design and engineering excellence have made it a sought-after classic among collectors and enthusiasts. The first-generation 911 set the standard for subsequent models, ensuring its place in automotive history.
In summary, the first-generation Porsche 911 (F-Body) represents a significant chapter in Porsche's legacy. Its innovative design, engineering prowess, and enduring appeal continue to captivate automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
Porsche 911 (1st Generation) Basics
Generation: First Generation
Known As: F-Body or Classic 911
Manufacturer: Porsche AG
Production Years: 1964 - 1974
Model Years: 1964 - 1974
Designer: Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, Erwin Komenda
Body Style: 2-door coupe, 2-door targa
Layout: Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engines: 1.6 L Aircooled Flat 4 (912), 2.0 L Aircooled Flat 6, 2.2 L Aircooled Flat 6, 2.4 L Aircooled Flat 6, 2.5L Aircooled Flat 6, 2.7 L Aircooled Flat 6, 2.8 L Aircooled Flat 6
Transmission: 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Premiere: September 12, 1973 IAA Frankfurt
Successor: Porsche 911 (G-Body)
Did You Know?
Initially, Porsche named it the 901. However, Peugeot had already trademarked the use of three-digit numbers with a zero in the middle for car names, forcing Porsche to change it to 911.
Early in development, Porsche considered putting the engine in the front of the car. They ultimately decided on the rear-engine layout that became a hallmark of the 911.
he distinctive rear spoiler on the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 was initially developed for racing to improve aerodynamics. It became a popular and iconic design element.
Lots More
If you want more first generation 911, check out our sister website Stuttcars.com for the ultimate guide to the Porsche 911 (F-Series).
A superior coupe of graceful proportions which embodies the optimum characteristics and advantages…" and "a clean, taut, well-balanced, yet handsome body that makes no concessions to passing fancy 'styling'…
From a 1964 Porsche brochure
Porsche F-Series 911 Model Variants
Below, we take you through in-depth guides for each and every Porsche 911 model between 1964 and 1973. We have summarized the core variants above, so just dive in to get under the hood now. These are the regular production models.
Porsche 901 (1964)
Years: 1964
Engine: 1.6 L Aircooled Flat 4
Production: N/A
Power: 90 bhp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 98 ft lbs @ 3500 rpm
0-60 mph: 11.6 seconds
Top Speed: 115 mph
In 1963 Porsche introduced their seminal 901 at the 911 at the Frankfurt Motor Show which would be renamed 911 for the 1964 model year. The new car was sold alongside the 356C as an alternative with more power and room for a rear seat. At the 1963 Frankfurt show the public saw Porsches new direction. Compared to the 356 it had a longer wheelbase, a more compact suspension setup and much more power.
Porsche 912
Years: 1965-1969
Engine: 1.6 L Aircooled Flat 4
Production: N/A
Power: 90 bhp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 98 ft lbs @ 3500 rpm
0-60 mph: 11.6 seconds
Top Speed: 115 mph
Put most simply, a 912 is essentially a 911-style body mated with a 356-derived 4-cylinder engine. The 356 was Porsche’s first mass-marketed sports car. The Porsche 911 is the most successful sports car of all time. the new 912 came equipped with 90HP motor was a slightly detuned version of the 95HP motor that had powered its predecessor, the 356SC. It was actually faster than the 356SC thanks to better aero.
Porsche 911 2.0
Years: 1965-1968
Engine: 2.0 L Aircooled Flat 6
Production: 4636 coupe, 986 targa
Power: 130 bhp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 128 ft lbs @ 4600 rpm
0-60 mph: 8.3 seconds
Top Speed: 130 mph
The "base" model was an instant hit. During this period, Porsche would make continuous improvements and tweaks to the body, to its short wheelbase (SWB) chassis, and to its 2.0 liter flat six engine. Model year 1968 would be the last for the early 911, a transition that would begin with the introduction of the higher output 911S in 1967, followed by the 911L and a new entry level 911T in 1968, and finally, the 911E in 1969. Available as Coupe and Targa.
Porsche 911 S 2.0
Years: 1967-1968 (SWB), 1969 (LWB)
Engine: 2.0 L Aircooled Flat 6
Production: 4,582 coupes, 1,539 targas
Power: 160 hp ('67/8), 170 hp ('69)
Torque: 132 ft/lbs ('67/8), 134 ft/lbs ('69)
0-60 mph: 8.1s ('67/8), 8.0s ('69)
Top Speed: 141 mph ('67/8), 143 mph ('69)
In 1966 the beefier 160hp 911S was introduced as the first variation of the 911. The "S" which stood for "Super" boasted performance upgrades and modifications that included larger valves, a higher compression ratio, better porting and larger carburetor jets. Along with the mechanical tweaks, the 911S also received chassis upgrades in the form of a rear anti-roll bar, Koni shocks, distinctive 5-spoke Fuchs alloy wheels.
Porsche 911 L 2.0
Years: 1968
Engine: 2.0 L Aircooled Flat 6
Production: 1,169 coupe, 441 targa
Power: 130 bhp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 128 ft lbs @ 4600 rpm
0-60 mph: 8.3 seconds
Top Speed: 130 mph
In 1967 the A-Series Porsche production line was divided into the entry-level 911T, the standard 911 L for Lux and the sporting 911S. The 911L was effectively the 911 2.0 from previous years with only very minor updates such as new door handles, a brushed aluminum dashboard, a black steering wheel and other very minor details. In Europe, it featured engine Type 901/06 rated at 130 hp.
Porsche 911 T 2.0
Years: 1968 (SWB), 1969 (LWB)
Engine: 2.0 L Aircooled Flat 6
Production: 5,515 coupe, 803 targa
Power: 110 bhp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 116 ft lbs @ 4600 rpm
0-60 mph: 8.3 seconds
Top Speed: 129 mph
The Porsche 911L (Lux) was introduced in model year 1968 in both Europe and the United States in coupe and targa variants. Approximately 1,610 samples were produced in total, of which 1,169 were coupes, and 575 were Targas. For the 1969 model year, the 911L would cease to exist, paving the way for a new mid-offering in Europe and the US, the 1969 911E, and for the higher-end 911S in America.
Porsche 911 E 2.0
Years: 1969
Engine: 2.0 L Aircooled Flat 6
Production: 1,68 coupe, 858 targa
Power: 140 bhp at 6500rpm
Torque: 129 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
0-60 mph: 8.2 seconds
Top Speed: 134 mph
The Porsche 911 E was designed to fall nicely between the 911 T touring model and the top of range high-performance 911S. The Porsche 911 T would continue for its second year in Europe, and newly introduced into the United States market, as the entry level offering for the 911, sitting below the 1969 911E and the 1969 911S. The 1969 911E was powered by engine Type 901/09 with Sportomatic.
Porsche 911 T 2.2
Years: 1970-1971
Engine: 2.2 L Aircooled Flat 6
Production: 6544 coupe, 2545 targa
Power: 125 bhp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 131 ft lbs @ 4200 rpm
0-60 mph: 9.5 seconds
Top Speed: 127 mph
The Porsche 911T continued as the entry level 911 for the 1970 and 1971 model years, sitting below the 2.2L 911 E and the 2.2 L 911 S. The 911 T featured all the upgrades that came with C-Series production updates including longer wheelbase and Fuchs alloy wheels. During its production years it was available as both a Coupe or Targa bodystyle. As with the E and S, the 911T got a larger 2.2 liter engine.
Porsche 911 E 2.2
Years: 1970-1971
Engine: 2.2 L Aircooled Flat 6
Production: 1971 coupe, 933 targa
Power: 155 bhp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 141 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
0-60 mph: 7.6 seconds
Top Speed: 137 mph
The Porsche 911E continued as the midrange 911 for the 1970 and 1971 model years, fitting between the 2.2L 911T and the 2.2L 911S. It produced 155 bhp and featured all the upgrades that came with C-Series production including longer wheelbase, Fuchs alloy wheels. Both the E and S model 911 had an aluminium engine-lid and aluminium bumpers. Available as Coupe or Targa.
Porsche 911 S 2.2
Years: 1970-1971
Engine: 2.2 L Aircooled Flat 6
Production: 1,744 coupe, 729 targa
Power: 180 bhp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 147 ft lbs @ 5200 rpm
0-60 mph: 7.8 seconds
Top Speed: 144 mph
Along with all the C-series improvements to the 911 line, the 1970 Porsche 911 S was upgraded to include a 180 bhp version flat-6. This further improved the performance of the model which already had Fuchs light alloy wheels and bigger brakes. Engine had re-profiled camshaft, larger valves, better porting, higher compression and larger jets for the carburetors.
Porsche 911 T 2.4
Years: 1972-1973.5
Engine: 2.4 L Aircooled Flat 6
Production: 2517 coupe, 3476 targa
Power: 130 bhp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 145 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm
0-60 mph: 8.8 seconds
Top Speed: 127 mph
The 911T Coupe and Targa continued as the entry level 911 for 1972 and 1973. As with the higher-end E and S variants, Porsche upgraded the 911T to a new, larger 2.3 L engine, commonly known as the "2.4 L" engine. With the power and torque increase, the 2.4-liter cars also got the newer and stronger transmission. Non-US versions were carbureted and had the 911/57 engine.
Porsche 911 E 2.4
Years: 1972-1973
Engine: 2.4 L Aircooled Flat 6
Production: 1088 coupe, 935 targa
Power: 165 bhp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 151 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
0-60 mph: 7.5 seconds
Top Speed: 137 mph
The Porsche 911E continued as the midrange 911 model for 1972 and 1973, fitting between the contemporaneous 2.4L 911T and the 2.4L 911S. As with the T and S variants, Porsche would upgrade the 911E to a new, larger 2,341 cc (2.3 L) engine, commonly known as the "2.4 L" engines. The 911E version, designated 911/52 was rated at 165 hp (it was designated 911/62 with Sportomatic).
Porsche 911 S 2.4
Years: 1972-1973
Engine: 2.4 L Aircooled Flat 6
Production: 1430 coupe, 788 targa
Power: 190 bhp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 159 ft lbs @ 5200 rpm
0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds
Top Speed: 144 mph
The final early 911S befitted from Porsche's 2.4-liter engine the the long-wheel-base body. As such it is one of the final classic 911s before the 2.7 came out in 1973. It got a new chin on the front valence that was standard on the 911S and optional for rest of the range. The S model had slight larger 6Jx15 Fuchs alloy wheels over the other models. The final early 911S benefitted from Porsche's 2.4-liter engine the the long-wheel-base body.
Porsche F-Series 911 Special Edition & Race Models
There were several motorsport and special edition 911s in the first generation. The 911R was a very limited production racing version of the 911 whose concept would ultimately set the standard for GT racing domination for the next 40 years. The first 4 prototypes surfaced in the spring of 1967. Most famously, the Carrera RS debuted in October 1972 at the Paris Motor Show, and was the top first generation 911 and one of the best road cars of all time. It was the fastest production 911 and a solid race winner. Some feel it is still the best 911 ever built. But it wasn't the only special first generation 911, so make sure to check them all out.
Porsche 911 2.0 Bertone
Years: 1966
Engine: 2.0 L Aircooled Flat 6
Production: 1 unit
Power: 130 bhp @ 6100rpm
Torque: 174 ft lbs @ 4200rpm
0-60 mph: N/A
Top Speed: N/A
Southern California Porsche dealer Johnny von Neumann knew what his customers wanted, and a Targa top Targa 911 wasn’t it. With Porsche’s approval, he hired designer Nuccio Bertone to create a one-off 1966 Porsche 911 Spyder, in hopes of launching low-volume production. Just one example was constructed. The engine incorporated a vertically-mounted cooling fan, a 9.1:1 compression ratio and two triple-choke 40PI Solex carburettors.
Porsche 911 R
Years: 1967-1968
Engine: 2.0 L Aircooled Flat 6
Production: 4 proto, 20 units
Power: 210 bhp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 152 ft lbs @ 6000 rpm
0-60 mph: 6.0 seconds
Top Speed: 152 mph
Based on the 911S, the 911 R was produced by Porsche to compete in the FIA’s GT 2.0 category. To make it competitive, the 911R was powered by a flat-six engine, Type 901/22 from the Porsche 906, capable of 210 hp. It went on a diet too, with weight savings coming from everywhere, getting the 911 R down to just 1,800 pounds dry. Four prototypes were constructed after which Porsche had coachbuilder Karl Baur build another 20 customer cars.
Porsche 911 T/R
Years: 1968
Engine: 2.0 L Aircooled Flat 6
Production: 35 units
Power: 210 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: N/A
0-60 mph: N/A
Top Speed: N/A
To homologate the 1968 911 for competition purposes, Porsche began with the Spartan 911 T which were a full 54 kg (118 pounds) lighter than their 'S' siblings. Porsche offered clients the opportunity to buy a 911 T outfitted with competition equipment directly from the factory, and the resulting cars have become known as the 911 T/R. They were built in low quantities to a range of specifications.
Porsche 911 S/T
Years: 1970-1971
Engine: 2.2/2.5 L Aircooled Flat 6
Production: 33 units
Power: N/A
Torque: N/A
0-60 mph: N/A
Top Speed: N/A
Porsche developed the S/T, of which 33 were built in 1970 and 1971, taking full advantage of new FIA rules allowing a two-inch wider track. Accordingly, wheel arches were widened to accommodate seven-inch front and nine-inch rear wheels. Weight reduction was even more radical, including thinner-gauge steel for the roof and floorpans. Heating ducts, seat slide supports, the glove-box and more were deleted to save weight.
Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 2.8
Years: 1973
Engine: 2.8 L Aircooled Flat 6
Production: 55 units
Power: 280 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 215 ft lbs @ 6300 rpm
0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
Top Speed: 178 mph
Introduced in 1973, the RSR was a factory-built racing car based on the 911 chassis. The Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 2.8 was the first 911 to ever wear the RSR badge. Homologated for racing by the iconic 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS, the RSR’s racing career got off to the perfect start thanks to Brumos Racing’s overall triumph in the 1973 24 Hours of Daytona, while a factory car won the latest ever Targa Florio road race.
Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring
Years: 1973
Engine: 2.7 L Aircooled Flat 6
Production: 1,380 units
Power: 210 bhp @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 188 ft lbs @ 5100 rpm
0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
Top Speed: 152 mph
Revealed at the 1972 Paris Auto Show, the Carrera 2.7 RS was a special model used to homologate the 911 in Group 4 racing. Developed from the 911S, the 2.7 was more potent in almost every area. Compared to the standard Carrera, the 2.7 RS featured a larger engine, wider flares to accommodate the Fuchs alloy wheels, stiffened suspension, larger brakes and a ducktail rear spoiler.
Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Lightweight
Years: 1973
Engine: 2.7 L Aircooled Flat 6
Production: 200 units
Power: 210 bhp @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 188 ft lbs @ 5100 rpm
0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
Top Speed: 150 mph
Of all the 1580 Carrera RS 2.7s, only 200 were made were ordered as lightweight ‘Sports’ trim which made it more responsive and purposeful. In many ways these few cars were the ultimate road-going Porsche of the 1970s. Known as the Sports, Lightweight or even the M471 option code, these cars had improved the power-to-weight ratio. 75kg+ was stripped from the standard model.