Articles | Barrett-Jackson Auction Company - World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions

May 24, 2016

Posted by: Barrett-Jackson

Written by: independent automotive consultant Roger C

SOPHISTICATED PORSCHE POWER … Generation after generation

May 24, 2016
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive consultant Roger C. Johnson

Porsche’s classic style and intriguing mechanicals helped create one of the most enduring and alluring automotive design executions of all time. The flowing, unpretentious lines of the body’s shape and the inspired engineering underneath are so pleasing to the eye – and all other senses – that the brand has established itself as one of the most admired performance cars in the world. Here before you, and covering a span of 40 years, are three great reasons why Ferdinand Porsche would ultimately be recognized as the car engineer of the 20th century.

1956 Porsche 356A (Lot #696)

This gorgeous and virtually original Lagos Green coupe is even more striking with the first metallic paint ever offered on a Porsche. The “A” model is identified by its curved, one-piece windshield that blends into the body lines with the smoothness most car manufacturers have only recently adapted. Even the bumpers seem to morph out from the bodywork rather than be simply attached to it. It’s another design element the mainstream industry didn’t capitalize on for more than a decade.

As a testament to the German engineering we so often use as a benchmark, they utilized a driveline configuration that seems counterintuitive by mounting the engine out back, past the rear axle centerline. It’s the perfect location to create unwanted polar inertia and degrade the car’s handling characteristics. Yet somehow, the end result was a sports car that not only handled well, it became utterly world famous for its superb traction and responsiveness. It was as if the engineers simply willed that to be the case.

The car’s iconic, air-cooled Flat 4-cylinder power plant did sit low in the chassis and the 356 did have fully independent suspension, so its performance DNA has always been there. A manual 4-speed transmission stirs the total package effortlessly. This concours example of one of Ferdinand’s finest comes with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and is part of the expansive Wilson Collection.

Here’s a car that represents early classic Porsche history yet continues to look more contemporary with each passing year. Don’t let this piece of history and insightful German engineering pass you by.

1966 PORSCHE 911

1966 Porsche 911 (Lot #686)

This second-year 911 Porsche continues a body style that will last forever. When so many domestic car companies were getting rapped by the automotive media for their planned obsolescence, Porsche was happily taking the high road in the opposite direction, as though they had peered into a crystal ball and saw the future. And the future for Porsche would certainly be the 911 model.

Naturally, this car would continually be refined, but its basic look would always shine through. No one, especially Porsche designers, would keep searching for perfection if they already found it. This California car was restored to factory standards and specs. It has been finished in Irish Green with tan Leather interior along with plaid seat inserts.

This car’s 2.0-liter Flat 6 produces the power and sound you’re after in this classic example from an era that seems like only yesterday. Total production of the 1966 model was merely 1,710 units, so this car’s rarity rivals its beauty and style. Another keystone from the Wilson Collection – and it also includes a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity to add even more to this car’s historical significance. Consider it the well-balanced middle child of the Porsche family; you can adopt it now and make it a member of your own.

1988 Porsche 930 Slant Nose (Lot #648)

When the Porsche 930 was introduced, it was the fastest production car available in Germany. Known to the public as the 911 Turbo, the car was produced between 1975 to 1989. It wasn’t until 1981, however, that Porsche offered a “Flachbau” or slant-nose style – sourced from the 935 race car – under their special order program. Each unit was handcrafted by remodeling the front fenders, and very few units were made; between 1987 and 1989 just over 300 were imported to the United States.

The package included flip-up headlights accentuated with functional louvers, extended rocker panels and widened rear wheel arches with grilled scoop vents. The 505 version was destined for the U.S. only. The example on offer for the Northeast Auction has a production date of November 23, 1987, and is a true factory-optioned 505 Slant Nose featuring a 6-cylinder engine with a 4-speed manual transmission. Only driven by two owners, this car has travelled just 37,900 miles in its 28-year life. This bright red beauty is optioned with factory sport seats that have electric height control, limited-slip differential and an electric sunroof. Velour carpet adorns the luggage compartment. This original, unmolested model sold new from a Porsche dealer in Hicksville, New York, and comes complete with its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.

If you intend to become an official member of one of the most exciting car clubs in the world, any one of these three Porsches are the perfect stepping stones to cross over into that reality. It is a place where history, engineering and the pure love of automotive style and performance greet all who enter with open arms – and the kind of good vibrations that will remain a thrill for a lifetime.

Enjoy the gallery below of just some of the Porsches lined up and ready to cross the block at Barrett-Jackson’s Inaugural Northeast Auction at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, June 23-25, 2016. For descriptions and up-to-date information on these cars, click HERE.