From the Archive: A new generation of Porsche proves they still have the master's touch...and then some.
Let it be understood at the outset that the 911 does not replace the 356, according to the factory. In the catalog, it replaces the fussy, little-appreciated Carrera 2 while the 356C and 356SC still roll off the assembly lines at about their normal rate. However, we can't believe that Porsche will continue making two entirely different cars, side-by-side, beyond the immediately foreseeable future. And let it also be understood that the 911 is not readily available.
As befits a driver's car, the controls are superb. The steering wheel is a special joy; the shallow "X" of the black anodized spokes provides perfect thumbrests without obscuring any of the unusually comprehensive instrumentation. The reach to the wheel is just right, and all the secondary controls are operated by stalks on either side of the wheel.
The handbrake is between the front seats, whence it migrated from under the 356's dash. The doors and dash abound with armrests, grab handles, door pulls, push-button door openers and locks, map pockets, a cigarette lighter, an ashtray, and a lockable glove box.The 911's engine is Porsche's first attempt at a six-cylinder; the two extra cylinders were added for smoother, less-highly-stressed operation.
The distributor, fan, valve train, alternator, and oil pumps are driven from the rear of the crankshaft. Dry sump lubrication is employed, with two whole gallons of oil circulated, by a scavenger and a pressure pump, through a thermostatically-controlled oil cooler and full-flow filter. The overhead valves are driven by a pair of chains via short rocker arms. The rockers allow the valves to be disposed at an angle to each other rather than in-line.
Operating the shift lever is confusing at first. First gear is to the left and back, with the other four gears in the normal H-pattern. Reverse is to the left and forward, but to go from first to second, you just push forward—toward reverse—not forward and right. You half expect it to go into reverse, but it won't—scout's honor. Everything else is a piece of cake , including changing down to first gear for those mountain-pass hairpins.
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