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The early years (1963-1973)
The 901 concept of 1963 heralded the start of a production run even Porsche probably didn’t expect to reach – and no doubt surpass – six decades. Trivia fans can rejoice at the fact the name changed form 901 to 911 to avoid potential fisticuffs with Peugeot. -
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The G-series (1973-1989)
Each new iteration of 911 was internally codenamed with a letter of the alphabet, but it wasn’t until reaching G that there was a discernable difference in styling and tech, and the dawn of a new generation. The G-Series ran for a long time, too, debuting in 1973 and only being replaced in 1989. The most significant move made in this time was the introduction of turbocharging to the 911, the Turbo you see above arriving in 197ighty 260bhp powering the rear wheels. -
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The 964 (1989-1994)
The 964, to give it its internal codename, arrived at the very end of the 1980s, bringing with it some mildly updated styling but a whole heap of new tech. In fact, it was 85 per cent new. Four-wheel drive arrived for the first time, as did other tech goodies like power steering, ABS brakes and airbags. -
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The 993 (1994-1998)
We’re going to stick with Porsche’s internal model codes, both to avoid confusion and because they’re reasonably well known among car nerds. The 993 arrived just five years after the 964, and is still regarded by many Porsche die-hards as the prettiest and best-judged of the lot. -
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The 996 (1998-2001)
Following such a loved generation of car, the 1998 arrival of the water-cooled 996 was met with grumbles and cries of ‘it’s lost its character’, something of a running theme for new-generation 911s and the implacable Porsche aficionados they’ve tried to please. Those nonplussed by the change in hardware were probably upset by the looks, the 911 gaining its first major styling change, not dissimilar to the cheaper Boxster and notable for its – shock horror! – non-elliptical headlights. -
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The 997 (2004-2008)
Round headlights made a swift return in 2004, with the arrival of an all-new 911 generation. Its shape was broadly the same as the 996, but its detailing more delicate. All had more than 300bhp, while a new GT2 entered unchartered territory with 530bhp. -
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The 997.2 (2008-2011)
The looks barely changed, but there were bigger changes afoot underneath them for the updated 997. More efficient direct injection engines marked the first nod to more environmentally caring 911s, while the PDK twin-clutch gearbox arrived. Immediate response wasn’t rapturous, but after Porsche fitted the double-clutcher with proper paddles, its appeal over the clunky old Tiptronic automatic was clear. -
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The 991 (2011-2015)
The 991 arrived in 2011, and while it may have been coined the prettiest 911 in decades, nothing could save it from a wrath of criticism for its new electric steering. Still, there’s been plenty to distract from that, with an amazingly new round-edged GT car character in the regular Carrera models, and a new level of savagery with the bonkers GT3 RS. The Targa is also cool again.