THE EVOLUTION OF EXCELLENCE: Five select Porsches celebrate the DNA of a champion sports car

December 18, 2015
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist Steve Statham

This 1965 356SC Cabriolet (Lot #1385) is one of several fine examples of the marque that crossed the Barrett-Jackson block at the 2016 Scottsdale auction.

There’s no better example of automotive evolution in action than that of Porsche’s rear-engined sports cars. Decade after decade, the progression from the pure simplicity of the 356, through the strength and sophistication of the 911, to the adrenaline rush of the 930 Turbo has earned generations of fans for the nimble cars from Stuttgart.

The selection of Porsches shown here ‒ which were offered for sale at the 45th Anniversary Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in January 2016 ‒ is a fantastic illustration of this process in action. Each model builds on the strengths of the previous editions while maintaining the distinctive personality that set Porsche apart from more traditional sports cars. Porsche began slow and fitful production of their unique aluminum-bodied coupes in 1948, followed soon by cabriolets. The underpinnings relied heavily on Volkswagen components and designs, but Porsche took those simple pieces to the limit. It wasn’t until 1950 that production in any volume occurred, which was also the same year the company began exporting to the American market.

Porsche was involved in racing from the beginning, scoring significant class wins at races from the Targa Florio in Sicily to the 12 Hours of Sebring in Florida. The company went on to capture a number of World Sportscar Championships. Lessons learned on the racetrack were always a part of Porsche development and led to many refinements in road-going cars.

California Dreamin’

Porsche evolution was already well along by the time this 1962 356B Super 90 Cabriolet (Lot #1386) was shipped to its new California home. The 356 was restyled for 1960 and Porsche initiated a number of refinements during the early 1960s. The base engine in the 356B was a 1.6-liter 60hp flat four, but the Super 90 engine option delivered 90hp thanks to dual Solex carburetors on a new aluminum intake manifold, 9.0:1 pistons with titanium connecting rods, larger valves and increased lift on the cam intake lobes. The engine was further refined with aluminum cylinders, larger main bearing journals, aluminum pushrods and a smaller, lighter flywheel.

This Reutter-bodied Super 90 Cabriolet is an excellent nut-and-bolt restoration on a rust-free California car. The overall fit and finish is superior and the engine compartment is highly detailed. The Ivory paint and black top are accented by a red leather interior and optional chrome wheels. Other options include VDO gauges and clock and a Blaupunkt radio. The car came with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.

The Need for Speed

By the time the final versions of the 356 were released in 1965, the evolution had produced further refinements. The 356C series was fitted with 4-wheel disc brakes, and the SC’s 1.6-liter engine had a higher 9.5:1 compression ratio that helped nudge output to 95hp. This Reutter-bodied, 4-speed 1965 356SC Cabriolet (Lot #1385) left the factory as a pure expression of Porsche’s vision, stripped down to the basics of speed. Its only original options were a driver’s side outside mirror, tinted windshield and Michelin tires.

During a comprehensive restoration by a Porsche specialty shop, desirable options were added, such as the C steering wheel with wood trim, Carrera deluxe horn ring, dash-mounted exterior temperature gauge, Blaupunkt three-band radio, and chrome wheels. The interior was changed to its present green leather at this time as well. The car comes with owner’s manual, tool roll, full-sized chrome spare wheel and a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.

The 356 series gave way to the 911 and 912 in 1965. Although the 911 was a larger and more sophisticated car, with modern suspension and a new flat-6 engine, it still retained the tested Porsche layout and driving personality. Sales rose dramatically as the 911 won rave reviews and converted new fans.

Raw Road-going Power

As the 1970s progressed, so too did Porsche’s image with the general public. A string of racing wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring didn’t hurt. A reputation for raw street power was added to the mix, and this 1977 930 Turbo (Lot #1367) is a great example of why. When the Porsche Turbo was introduced in Europe in 1975 and the U.S. in 1976, it earned the title of the fastest road-going Porsche yet. It was certainly one of the most distinctive cars on the market, with an air-cooled, turbocharged flat-6 engine. With Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, the 3.0-liter turbo produced 234hp. Combined with a 2,500-lb curb weight, the 930 Turbo had a power-to-weight ratio rarely seen outside a racetrack. The car was capable of reaching speeds above 150 mph.

All that ability wasn’t just concealed under the hood, either, as the dramatic fender flares and “whale tail” spoiler made the 930 Turbo hard to miss. The 1977 models received subtle refinements, including 16-inch wheels and an ATE brake servo.

This 1977 930 Turbo is finished in Porsche’s striking heritage color of Ice Green Metallic (Silbergrundiamant), with the desirable black leather seats with tartan fabric inserts. It has all the 930 Turbo options, including limited slip differential, electric sunroof and rear wiper. The car came with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity that verifies it as a matching-numbers 3.0-liter 930 Turbo with original engine and 4-speed transmission still in place. The car was sold new in Encino, California, and has never left the Golden State.

European Star

Although the 930 Turbo was withdrawn from the American market in 1980, a time of tightening emissions standards, it continued to be a star in Europe and other markets. By this time, the engine had been enlarged to 3.3 liters and an intercooler added, boosting horsepower to 300. Fender vents in front of the rear wheels added to the visual impact.

This Guards Red 1983 930 Turbo (Lot #1403) that was offered at Scottsdale is one of just 1,015 built to German specs. This No Reserve car is loaded with desirable features, such as power sunroof, leather sport seats, power driver’s mirror, air conditioning, driving lights and high-end stereo. It has accumulated only 33,463 mile in its life, just underwent a complete engine tune-up and service, and included a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.

A Nod to the Past

Although Porsche’s trajectory was generally one of “more, better, faster,” a deep appreciation by Porsche fans for what had come before led to the company creating the 911 Speedster in 1989. Evoking the spirit of the Porsche Speedsters from the 1950s, the 911 Speedster had a raked and low-cut windshield. It came without rear seats and had a twin-humped cover over the rear section for when the top was down. It was available in both narrow-body and turbo-style wide-body configurations. The 911 Speedster was only made in 1989, and 2,104 were built. Slightly more than 800 went to the United States.

The 1989 911 Speedster (Lot #1368) that rolled across the block in Scottsdale at No Reserve is an ideal showcase of the common DNA that binds together Porsches throughout the decades. It combines the shortened windshield of 1950s classic Speedsters with the wide, turbo-style body of later models. The 928 and 924 had brought front-mounted, water-cooled engines to the Porsche lineup, but the 911 Speedster’s 214hp, 3.2-liter flat-6 maintained the air-cooled configuration for which Porsches were famous.

This 911 Speedster has a short-throw 5-speed transmission, four-way power seats, air conditioning, leather upholstery, a Porsche sound system and Fuchs wheels. It has heavy-duty, 4-piston disc brakes with ventilated and cross-drilled rotors. The car has only 12,627 miles on it and has the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.

It’s rare for any car company to maintain such a steady evolution while retaining the character and soul of the originals. But a buyer of a 356 Porsche in the early 1960s would have had no problem recognizing and appreciating the 911s of the 1970s and 1980s. Rear engine, air-cooled, nimble handling, distinctive shape, great performance; there’s not another species quite like it in all the automotive kingdom.

– Written by independent automotive journalist Steve Statham

For the sale prices of these vehicles, click each car’s link in the article above.