For those in the know who are aware that the first Porsche, the 1938 Porsche 64, sports not a few car parts similar in specs to those of the Volkswagen Beetle, the popularity and style of succeeding Porsche models is extraordinary. The Porsche 64 was introduced dressed with the same gear box, powered by the same engine, and supported by the same suspension system, as that of the Volkswagen Beetle. But, from James Deans’ silver Porsche 550 Spyder to Janis Joplin’s Porsche 356-C Cabriolet, Porsche cars have gone a long way from being the German automaker’s rip-off.
One reason for Porsche’s ascent to take the king of the hill crown may be credited to the specialization that the automaker has embraced. Never in the history of the automotive industry has a carmaker ticked in close to 28,000 victories in the world of motor sports. Porsche was able to accomplish that. Its baptism of fire in auto racing comes with the introduction of the Porsche 550 Spyder. It is the third Porsche model to roll off its manufacturing plant, but the first car really that can be considered as truly Porsche’s.
The launch of the Porsche Spyder marked the swansong of Beetle-powered Porsches. Cashing on the sharing of technology with the German automaker, Porsche pushed the envelope of auto racing technology by clinching the 1964 Road America 500 title, considered a remarkable feat then for a start-up automaker. Not long after this success, Porsche introduced the air-cooled, rear engine sports car called the Porsche 911. It sports the revolutionary six-cylinder “boxer” engine that further earned renowned for Porsche both on the race tracks and, this time, in terms of sales.
Many industry observers consider the 911 to be the marquee model of Porsche. As testament to its popularity and lucrative potential, the 911 this year goes into its 40 years of production. Safeguarding its competitive edge, however, the present version of the 911 is now marketed as the Porsche 912. But, under the modern-day look of the 911 series, can be glimpsed the same stuff that won for Porsche the Carrera Panamericana, Targa Florio, Mille Miglia, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Over the years in an attempt to take a hold of its lead in auto racing, Porsche’s racing program spans a wide array of dedicated racing cars. From the iconic five-liter Porsche 917 to the 550, 718, RS and RSK models, Porsche technology has arrived. Porsche’s success on the race tracks gives this young company its early identity. What many expect from modern-day Porsches like the Cayenne, Boxster and Cayman is the Porsche quality that the company is known for.
If the company’s current campaign on the race tracks is going to be any indication, this present crop of Porsches does justice to its pedigree. Chances are, Porsche owners hold a five-fold innovation on the legendary Porsche 911 series. It is exceptional on the tracks, decent on the streets, and its flat-out performance is rivaled by none. The only thing you will have to worry about is replacements for Porsche parts including its wearable components like the brake rotors and the tires.
