The Urmodell
A '101' on the 911 F model range
The Porsche 911 models are, if you ask us, one of the most iconic classics. When people think of a classic car, many people think of a 911 F model, with its beautiful chrome and iconic lines. The 911 is still being made to this day, but we will only look at that first generation: the F model, also known as Urmodell. If you don't know the differences between a 911L, 911T, 911E and a 911S, don't worry, after reading this blog you'll be a true Porsche connoisseur.
Porsche 901 (1964)
In 1963 the Porsche 901 was introduced at the IAA (Internationale Automobil Ausstellung) in Frankfurt. The Porsche 901 was presented as the successor to the Porsche 356. In 1965 the production of the model started, but because Peugeot had claimed the trademark rights on car model numbers with three digits with a zero in the middle, Porsche had to change the name of the model. As a result, a total of 82 copies of the 901 were produced. Very unique!
Porsche 911 2.0 Targa (1967)
After producing the Porsche 911 2.0, Porsche thought it was a good idea to expand the success of the 911 to a different body. There was speculation that the safety laws would be adjusted in the American market with regard to rollovers, this would mean that a convertible would sell poorly in the American market, which was also the largest car market. Porsche came up with a new concept, the Targa. The Targa has a removable plastic soft window and a fixed roll bar that provides more reinforcement. However, America never applied this regulation, which means that producing a Targa was actually not necessary. Compared to its predecessor, the Targa had a wide sill and the emblem was only mounted centrally. The biggest difference was of course the bodywork.
Porsche 911 S 2.0 (Targa) (1967 – 1968)
The name already reveals what is different about the Porsche 911 S 2.0. The S stands for Super or Sport, this is because the number of HP has increased from 130 HP to 160 HP. Not only was the engine improved, but also the brake system and the dashboard were adjusted to an 'S' meter layout. The S model was the first model with so-called 'Fuchs' rims, this was also called a 5-spoke design. The gold-colored emblem was adjusted again, this time it was straight and centrally mounted. All previous models had windshield wipers that were directed to the right. From the 1968 model year onwards, this was changed to the left. This was much safer for the driver because it created more visibility for the driver in rain. No other changes were made to the Targa compared to the previous model.
Porsche 911 T 2.0 (Targa) (1968 – 1969)
A step backwards was taken for the Porsche 911 T in terms of horsepower. This made the Porsche Touring an entry-level model of the 911. Its predecessor models had 130 HP or 160 HP, but the 911 T had 110 HP. There was also a difference visible on the outside of the car. The 911 T emblem was colored silver instead of gold like the previous models. Just like its predecessor, the Porsche 911 S, the logo was mounted centrally and straight. In all other F models, the logo also remained central and straight. The windshield wipers were all directed to the left from the 911T 2.0 model.
Porsche 911 L 2.0 (Targa) (1968)
The Porsche 911 L is a model of which only 449 cars were produced, the L stands for Luxury. The 911 L was produced before the 911E was introduced in 1969, the 911 E was produced quite immediately afterwards, which is why the production of the 911 L was stopped. The 911S did not meet the emission standards on the American market, so the 911 L was introduced to still have a luxurious Porsche and to meet the emission standards. The model was actually the 911 2.0 from 1965 to 1967 with a number of minor adjustments. Furthermore, this model had a gold-colored emblem of the 911 L. The Targa version still had the old folding rear window made of plastic.
1969 Wheel Base & Liter Motor
For the 1969 model year, all cars had a SWB (Short Wheel Base), Porsche received feedback on this from a nice, lively, but also nervous driving behavior when it comes to the longer distances. As a result, 6.7 centimeters were added in 1969, making the cars LWB (Long Wheel Base), this provided a pleasant driving experience. The total length of the car did not change, the rear wheels were placed further back. On the outside of a 911 you can also see whether it is SWB or LWB. This difference can be seen from a circle on the outside of the car. With the SWB, the circle is closer to the wheel, while with the LWB there is space between them. The circle is there to be able to remove the torsion bar.
Porsche 911 E 2.0 (Targa) (1969)
The Porsche 911 E is a unique model where the E stands for Einspritzung which means injection. This referred to MFI (mechanical fuel injection) instead of the carburetors of the 911T. This was a type of fuel delivery system that as the name suggests relies on a mechanical method of injecting fuel into an engine. The system was designed to deliver fuel in a more consistent manner. The 911 E has 140 hp which makes it faster than the 911 T but slower than the 911S. The 911E does however have more torque at low speeds, which made it very popular as a real driver's car. The emblem was gold again this time compared to the 911 T. The Targa model now had ventilation slots on the side of the roll bar. The safety glass rear window was fixed.
Porsche 911 S 2.0 (Targa) (1969)
The Porsche 911S from 1969 was, together with the 911E from 1969, the last model with a 2.0 liter engine. The 911S had no other features than the 911E, only the name of the emblem. Furthermore, the 911S did have the adjustments that were implemented from the 1969 model year. The 911 from 1969 drove a lot more pleasantly compared to the previous S model due to the extended wheelbase.
Porsche 2.2 liter engines
Apart from the change in wheelbase, there is also another big difference. All engines changed from a 2.0 liter engine in 1969 to a 2.2 liter engine in 1970. The larger cylinder capacity naturally ensured greater combustion and therefore more power. From 1970, the Fuchs rims became standard.
Porsche 911 T 2.2 (Targa) (1970 – 1971)
In 1970, the new engine was installed, which increased HP from 110 to 125 HP. From the start of production, the car received an LWB and standard Fuchs rims. Just like its predecessor in the T series, it also received a silver-colored emblem, which made the Porsche 911T easy to distinguish from the other models. Another adjustment that was made from the 1970 models were the door handles. These could now be unlocked from the inside. This was adjusted because Porsche noticed that the exterior was getting damaged more quickly.
Porsche 911 E 2.2 (Targa) (1970 – 1971)
The Porsche 911 E was the more luxurious version of the 911T and this was of course reflected in the difference in HP. The Porsche 911 E had a total power of 155 HP where the 911T only had 125 HP. For the rest there were few differences compared to the 911T for both the coupé and the targa. The emblem was gold colored again this time.
Porsche 911 S 2.2 (Targa) (1970 – 1971)
The sports version of Porsche could of course not lag behind in increasing the number of HP. The increase in HP was no lie, instead of 125 HP or 155 HP the sports version had 180 HP. Especially for the S model Porsche has looked again at the engine. This resulted in an improved camshaft, larger valves, higher compression, better ports and larger jets for the Weber carburetors. This made it possible to increase the HP and get a better torque. What was also quite special about the S model was the absence of the choke. The accelerator pedal should be sufficient to start the cold engine. The acceleration was also reduced from 9.6 seconds to 8 seconds. This was because an overdrive was installed on the 5th gear, which ensured a higher ratio. An overdrive was obtained by the manufacturer adding extra gears to the gearbox.
Porsche 911 2.4 liter engines
All previous models had bumper guards including bumper rubbers, but from the 2.4 models onwards the bumper rubbers were only placed at the rear. The bonnet with chrome grille was also changed to a black grille with a chrome 2.4 logo. The chrome horn grille was also tackled and made black from model year 1973. It didn't stop there, Porsche also changed the chrome round exterior mirrors to a rectangular shape from model year 1973. A longer stroke was used in the 2.4 model, which increased the cylinder capacity from 2195 cc to 2341 cc. A longer stroke was used in the 2.4 model, which increased the cylinder capacity to 2341 cc. To top it off, Porsche changed the color of the logo to a black color with the emblem of the type added.
Porsche 911 T 2.4 (Targa) (1972 – 1973)
Just like with the 2.0 and 2.2 engines, the horsepower was also increased, with the T as an entry-level model with 130 horsepower. The engine not only provided more power and torque, but also helped Porsche meet the stricter emission measures that were being drawn up.
Porsche 911 E 2.4 (Targa) (1972 – 1973)
Not only did the number of HP increase from 155 HP of the 2.2 model to 165 HP. The 911 T had 2 Zenith carburetors, this changed to an MFI in the 911E. The interior of the 911 E was based on the interior of the 911 T. The 911 S was delivered with a new front spoiler that would reduce the front-end lift by 40%.
911 S 2.4 (Targa) (1972 – 1973)
The last model of the F models was the 911 S 2.4, this model outclassed every other model. The sports version had a power of no less than 190 HP. As previously reported, the 911 S was given a front spoiler due to its high speeds, which reduced front-end lift by 40%. This model came standard with front and rear stabilizer bars. The S model also had a larger fuel cell of 110 liters instead of the 85 liters of the other 2 models.
If you can't get enough of the Porsche 911 Urmodels, you're not alone! We have several 911 models in our showroom. Feel free to come take a look and we'll help you find the car of your dreams!
