The Nurburgring in Germany is a notorious racetrack. It is a place many automakers go to test their vehicles since the track will push a car to its limits, exposing performance weaknesses. It is also a track where a vehicle that turns out a good lap time automatically garners some huge bragging rights.
The latest car to score big on the 'Ring is the new Porsche 918 Spyder. The hybrid supercar set a record with a lightning fast lap of just six minutes and fifty-seven seconds. That is a new record for any street-legal vehicle, beating out times logged by some pretty impressive cars. Anyone who doubted how much of a performance machine the 918 Spyder is should be a believer by now. Porsche definitely did not build another Prius!
Check out the on-board video of the record-setting lap:
I recently read a brief, rather uninformative article on CNN about how the Stingray Corvette is finally a Porsche 911 "killer." The author of the article did not really explain how that was, so I was left wondering how the Stingray accomplishes such a task.
I grew up idolizing both the Corvette and 911. As I grew older I realized they are different beasts. The Corvette is like a sledge hammer, brutally powerful but lacking the incredible finesse of the 911. The Corvette relies on a big V8 engine in front while the 911 has a relatively small straight six in the rear. Despite what the public at large thinks, the 911 is not the best handling car on the road. To an extent handling is a preference, but even the most rabid 911 fans have to admit the car is the undisputed king of oversteer. That can be a fun thing, but it also makes the 911 a tough beast to wrangle on a track, unless you have a model with all-wheel-drive.
The 911 also comes in many formats. The new 991 architecture, which boasts many improvements over the impressive 997, is also rolling out. So far only the race-hardened GT3 version of the 991 has been unleashed on the world, but it has picked up tremendous praise (despite its lack of a manual transmission). For the Stingray to hang with the 991, it will have to be as good as some are saying. I haven't had the chance to drive one yet, so for me the jury's still out.
One thing that annoys me about the claim that the Stingray "kills" the 911 is that there is no mention of what version of the 911 it does that to. I can only assume people are referring to the 997, since the GT3 is simply in another class of vehicle. But to just say the one car "kills" the other is quite oversimplified. There are many performance aspects to a car, and no car is perfect in every sense, yet none of these aspects are cited as reasons the Stingray is superior. Usually professional car reviews are more meticulous.
Here's my opinion: GM loves to make wild, blanket claims. How many times have I heard that some new GM model will turn the company around? Far too many. Wasn't that what Saturn was supposed to be about? Add to that the list of brands the company has killed due to gross incompetence, or in Saab's case pure sabotage, and I have become pretty cynical about GM's wild claims to out-engineer companies that have long track records for superb engineering.
So forgive me if I don't join in the ranks of American automotive writers who are eager to declare the quintessential American sports car beats the legend from Germany. Besides, the thing nobody is mentioning is how the Stingray stacks up against Nissan's Godzilla, or have we all forgotten about that incredible car?
Perhaps best known for much of his work that was claimed by George Barris, Dean Jeffries was one of the most legendary men in automotive culture. He was the complete package. He was a metal worker, a painter, a designer, a car builder, stuntman. He did it all. I mean, where do you begin?
Jeffries was born in Lynwood, California in February 1933. He had dreamed of attending the Art Center in Pasadena, but instead of doing well in school he gravitated toward cars like most teens do, learning from his father who was a mechanic. While stationed in Germany during his stint in the Army, he learned the art of pinstriping from a furniture and piano striper, and upon returning home to California, he continued to learn from Kenneth “Von Dutch” Howard. This landed him a job as the in-house pinstriper for George Barris. Along the way, he learned how to shape metal, as well, and began to take the customization of his clients’ cars further; during that time, he not only striped James Dean’s infamous Porsche 550 Spyder with the nickname “Li’l Bastard,” but also built Chili Catallo’s 1932 Ford three-window coupe, the one that the Beach Boys used on the cover of their Little Deuce Coupe album.
Jeffries also did work for Caroll Shelby. He painted the first Cobra as a favor to Shelby. He sympathized with Shelby’s effort to get the car done on a budget. “The body was a disaster, all heliarced and torched up. I had only three days from start to finish. I asked Shelby what color he wanted, and he said, ‘Any color you want.’ So, not knowing if it was right or wrong, I painted it pearl yellow because I had heard on TV that yellow stood out the best.” Shelby would later provide Jeffries with a Weber-topped 289-cu.in. Ford V-8 and four-speed transmission for Jeffries’s Mantaray, an asymmetrical single-seater based on a 1939 Maserati 8CTF Grand Prix chassis.
After leaving Barris' shop. Jeffries set up shop in Hollywood. This attracted plenty of celebrity clientele and made way for jobs creating and customizing cars for the movies and for the stars, including the Monkeemobile, the Chrysler Imperial based Black Beauty from The Green Hornet television series, and the Landmaster from Damnation Alley. He didn’t restrict himself to Hollywood cars, however: He also designed and manufactured the Kyote Volkswagen based dune buggies and built a number of custom and concept cars for Ford Motor Company, including a gullwing-door show car called the Cougar, the Falcon Python show car, and the Ford GT40. He also did some construction and painting for several Indy Car teams.
Jeffries also worked for a while as a stuntman. During the production of Honky Tonk Freeway in 1980, Jeffries performed a jump stunt with a truck in which he broke his back. He also performed stunts in The Blues Brothers and Fletch. What he will mostly rememberh him for if not through his cars then through his feud with George Barris, brought on by Barris’s habit of taking credit for Jeffries’s work throughout the years. “He couldn’t put a dent into something, never mind taking one out, but he’s a hell of a promoter, believe me,” Jeffries said. Barris retorted that he couldn’t “control what magazines write and who they list as the designer and builder.”
Jeffries remained very active in the industry until about five years ago and still maintained a shop in Hollywood.
Source & Photos: Hemmings Motor News & The Jalopy Journal
Porsche Carrera GT. Photo courtesy Porsche Cars North America
A while ago when I was purchasing a vehicle, everyone at the dealership where I made my purchase was buzzing about what had happened the day before. Apparently some guy had ordered a Porsche Carrera GT (this was back when the cars were brand new) and had come by to pick up the German supercar. I wasn't surprised when the dealership employees told me that the guy also came with an enclosed trailer, simply loading the Carrera GT into the back and towing it off instead of driving the car away. I'm sure these guys were thinking that if they had bought a supercar that costs as much as many people's homes they would speed off into the sunset in a cloud of tire smoke. The guy who bought the car was likely thinking of its value, since he likely planned to drive it as little as possible and mostly garage it until later.
There are plenty of people who think that supercars should be driven and driven hard. Unfortunately there are plenty of supercar owners who do not subscribe to this philosophy. There are owners who take their cars rally racing or even on a challenging racetrack like the Nurburgring. Anyone who knows about the 'Ring also knows it's a challenging track, and one Porsche Carrera GT owner paid for this challenge in the form of some new wheels and bodywork. Check out the video below, which unfortunately doesn't show the crash but does show the aftermath in excellent detail. Would you drive your supercar fast on a track?
2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Photo courtesy Porsche Cars North America
If there's one thing in life I hate more than anything it's whiners. We all know people who are never satisfied with anything, who always pine after "the good ol' days" when everything was obviously so incredibly superior and who find fault in so much that surrounds them. Sadly there are many Porsche fans who fall into the whiner category.
I love Porsches and don't have anything against the brand or the culture in general, just to get things straight before I continue.
2013 Porsche Boxster S. Photo courtesy Porsche Cars North America
The Porsche fan whining picked up when the 911 switched from air-cooling to water-cooling, with people declaring the car was "ruined" and wouldn't be as reliable. I know Porsche fans and owners who still swear the only "real" 911s are air-cooled models. In more modern times Porsche fans complained like hell when the Boxster was introduced in the '90s. These people called the Boxster all kinds of names and some still refuse to accept it as a "real" Porsche. The truth is the Boxster likely saved Porsche from going into bankruptcy, and who knows where that would have led.
In recent years there has been quite a bit of whining going on about the Porsche Cayenne and Panamera. Personally, most of the people I've known who complain about these two models are people who haven't driven them, while those who have say they are amazing vehicles (especially the Turbo models). But of course people complain that they are front-engine, larger vehicles that are better suited for everyday driving and so that means they're not "real" Porsches (okay, there are other reasons cited for this not-a-real-Porsche classification, but they're just as silly in my opinion).
2013 Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Photo courtesy Porsche Cars North America
Even if you think the Cayenne is ridiculous and you lust after a 911, you can't get away from the fact that Porsche is now flush with cash thanks to its SUV and sedan. In the United States alone half of all Porsches sold are Cayennes, making it a huge cash cow for the company. I say anything that allows Porsche to build more versions of the 911 is a good thing, not to mention other high-performance models like the Cayman R.
These whiny Porsche fans could learn a thing or two from watching Saab and its ugly, slow death as an automaker. Saab was like Porsche back in the day: both automakers produced very few cars that fit into a niche in the market. The big difference has been that Porsche has expanded out into more mainstream product channels, meanwhile Saab engaged in some badge engineering with a Subaru Impreza wagon and a Chevy Trailblazer of all things! Saab could still be alive today if it had produced vehicles like its too-little-too-late 9-4 back when things weren't so grim (and it wasn't owned by GM). Porsche fans could be crying about the death of their beloved automaker at the hands of GM or some other automotive behemoth that loves to buy companies and then destroy those companies like a child pulling the legs off an ant before frying it slowly with a magnifying glass.
So to the Porsche fans who are still whining and bitching and moaning about the Cayenne, the Panamera and other upcoming "baby" versions of these models, I say stop your whining and enjoy the fact Porsche is around and doing so well!
I'm a huge Porsche fan for many reasons. Anyone who knows about Porsche's very accomplished racing program's history will at least recognize the 917/20, a race car that is lovingly referred to as the "Pink Pig." The car won the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in 1970.
Not many cars can pull off pink very well, but the 917/20 wears its race livery with pride. That might be in part because the Porsche 917/20 was like the Superman of endurance race cars for its time. Part of the secret of the Pink Pig was that it incorporated a longer tail to help it travel at high speeds around the track, but it also incorporated the handling characteristics of short tail cars so it was able to stick the corners of the race track better than the competition. Anyone who's raced on a track before knows that if your car doesn't corner very well, you can lose many precious seconds in just one lap, which can result in a loss if the race is tight.
If you want to see the 917/20 Pink Pig in person, book your flight to Germany. The only one made now resides in the Porsche Museum, a place I could likely spend days touring. For now you're just going to have to enjoy this YouTube video that gives plenty of closeups of the car:
Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Adam Carolla, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld. These are just a few of the names of big time Hollywood car guys. Rumors are swirling that Jerry Seinfeld is working on a new show revolving around cars and some of his comedic friends. Details are scarce, but this photo of Seinfeld and Larry David with one of Jerry's cars, a vintage split window Volkswagen Beetle have started flying around the net.
I have always been a fan of the Porsche Boxster since it's introduction. The car reminded me a lot of the Porsche 914 from the 1970s. It was sort of an alternative to shelling out the big bucks for a 911.
Now, Porsche has given the Boxster a full redesign and I REALLY like what I see. The new car has a longer wheel base and wider track, yet weighs less than the outgoing model. What's more impressive is the upgrades in power. The Boxster gets a new 2.7 liter flat six that has an additional 10 ponies, pushing the power to 265 hp. The Boxster S now puts out 315 horse power from a 3.4 liter flat six. Both cars will be included with 6 speed manual transmissions as standard equipment with an optional 7 speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (don't worry, I can't pronounce it either.) PDK trans. The interior is also upgraded, taking some styling cues from the Carrera GT.
Pricing has also been announced $49,500 for the Boxster and $60,900 for the Boxster S as starting MSRPs.
Source: Porsche Cars NA Official press release. 2013 Porsche Boxster: Lighter, more muscular, more distinctive and more fuel-efficient ATLANTA, January 12, 2012 – Never before in the history of the Porsche Boxster has a change of generation been so comprehensive. The open-top two-seat car receives an entirely new lightweight body and a completely revamped chassis. The new Boxster weighs less than the previous generation and rides on a longer wheelbase and a wider track. These new dimensions are coupled with larger wheels and a new electromechanical power steering system to significantly enhance the mid-engine sports car’s driving dynamics. The new Boxster boasts superior performance and is also up to 15 percent more fuel-efficient than previous models on the European cycle.
The new Boxster benefits not only from an increased wheelbase but also shorter overhangs, while the windscreen has been shifted forward. The passengers are enclosed by the completely redesigned, fully electric top, which now dispenses with a convertible top compartment lid. The interior concept offers the occupants more space and reflects the new Porsche outline with a raked center console, which, originating with the Carrera GT ensures improved ergonomics in all models.
The new sports car generation makes its debut in the classic Porsche pairing of Boxster and Boxster S. Both models are powered by flat-six engines with direct fuel injection, the efficiency of which is further enhanced by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and start/stop function. The base model’s new power unit delivers 265 hp from a 2.7 liter displacement – ten hp more than its larger displacement predecessor. Technically, it is now based on the 3.4-liter engine of the Boxster S. This now delivers 315 hp, which is five hp more than before. Both models feature a manual six-speed gearbox as standard with the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) available as an option. Both sports cars achieve their best fuel consumption and acceleration performance with the PDK. With gear changes without interruption to the power flow, the Boxster sprints from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, the Boxster S in 4.7 seconds.
To enhance driving dynamics yet further, Porsche offers the Sport Chrono Package as an optional extra for the Boxster, featuring dynamic transmission mounts for the first time. Also new in the Boxster is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical rear axle differential lock.
The new Boxster models are expected in U.S. showrooms in early summer 2012. The basic list price will be $49,500 for the Boxster and $60,900 for the Boxster S, not including a $950 destination charge.
Ok, ok Bonhams auction house isn't exactly "new". They've been at it since 1793, before there were even cars. But, for 2012 they're joining the ranks in Scottsdale, AZ for what will likely become an annual auction. Their catalog is divided into two distinct sections, automobilia and cars. Looking at the cars, they picked a very nice selection for starters. Here's some that stood out to me.
This 1969 Porsche 911S is a real looker with the Martini colors and full race trim. This car is fully set up for vintage SCCA race duties and has a Elverude built 2 liter motor that packs 225 horse power. This is a turn key vintage racer that was built right and ready to go.
I have a special spot reserved in my heart for early E-type Jaguars. This 1962 3.8 litre roadster is a true barn find. It has been in storage sine 1976. While it was redone at some point in the past, including a color change, you really can't fault the car's current condition. It presents itself really well and could make an excellent driver or be restored to it's original color combo.
One of the highlights of the auction is this 1930 Rolls Royce Phantom I transformable convertible sedan. This is one of two built with coachwork by Hibbard & Darrin, and was originally given as a gift by Paramount Studios and director Josef von Sternberg to actress Marlene Dietrich. A long history follows the car and has just received a comprehensive $500,000 restoration. And has not been shown since the restoration was completed.
This 1967 Porsche 906E was driven by Otto Zipper and Scooter Patrick to a 1967 USRRC under 2 litre class win. This car would be a welcome addition to any vintage race or concours and certainly the Porsche Rennsport Reunion. This ex-works car has been fully restored to it's 1967 championship livery.
When you think of the Monte Carlo Rally, your mind conjures up images of Mini Coopers and Audi Quattros. Not a full size Bentley sedan. But compete this 1952 R-type saloon did in the 1953 rally. At the hands of Mike Couper, this Bentley won the Concours de Comfort class.
Also part of this past weekend's Icons of Hollywood auction was the original "Michael Delaney" hero fire suit worn by Steve McQueen in his iconic 1971 film Le Mans. Estimated to sell for $200,000 to $300,000. Bidding went crazy, with a final bid of $800,000, plus a $184,000 buyer premium for a total of $984,000. This may very well be the single most valuable piece of Steve McQueen movie history that isn't a car. And certainly the record for a piece of motorsport memorabilia. The story goes that the suit was donated The Observer, a British news paper to be given away in a Le Mans contest and was won by a 12 year old boy by the name of Timothy Davies. He sold the suit a number of years later, and probably for a sum no where near this figure.
In August the 1970 Porsche 911S owned and driven by Steve McQueen in the opening sequence of Le Mans set a record sale at $1.375 million dollars.
Being a Pittsburgh based car guy and racing fan. I brag about the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix throughout the year. Not only do I show cars and participate in the events, but I also serve as a member of the Car Show Committee. Be it the car shows, the races, the fun of enjoying a nice weekend in the park, what ever fits your fancy, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has a little bit of everything. The best though is that ALL proceeds from the PVGP events benefit two awesome charities, the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School. This year, the PVGP set a new record, donating $200,000 to both charities at the recent "Victory Lap" check presentation ceremony. Representatives from the PVGP, event sponsors, car manufacturers, and participating car clubs were on hand at the Allegheny Valley School's campus for tours, a checkered flag waving and Terrible Towel wave (Myron Cope, inventor of the Terrible Towel sat on the board of AVS and the PVGP, and sales benefit AVS also). Each charity will benefit equally, receiving $100,000 each. This money will be used to provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals in the Pittsburgh area.
Since 1983, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has raised over $2.95 million dollars for both charities, with no signs of stopping.
Charity Ambassadors representing each charity; Anita Iyengar -Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Brandon Fisher - Allegheny Valley School were on hand to receive the $200,000 check.
left to right: PVGP Showside Director Bob Speer, Shop 'n Save's Rich Haeflein, Autism Society's Dan Torisky and PVGP Race Director Rocky Farrar with the 2011 check for $200,000.
Some automotive brands are pretty clear about how their corporate logos have come about. Ford, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Porsche and Ferrari all come to mind. One that's not well known, but also shrouded with a bit of mystery is the bowtie logo of GM's Chevrolet division.
Several stories have emerged as to how the now famous logo originated. One from Billy Durant's daughter who says that it originated from her father's imagination one night at dinner. Another from Durant's widow saying that her husband found a similar logo while reading a newspaper while on vacation in 1912. Others say it is a stylized version of the Swiss flag cross as Louis Chevrolet was born in Sweeden.
The official origin from General Motors is that Billy Durant saw the logo as part of the pattern on some wallpaper in a Paris hotel that he would tear down and return to Detroit with in 1908. The earliest known use of the the bowtie logo dates to 1913. So who's to say which one is the true meaning behind the bowtie? Durant passed away in 1947, so the answer has certainly gone to the grave at this point. But there is no denying that it ended up being the right choice as now, 100 years later the Chevrolet brand is still in business making cars.
Press Release:
DETROIT, Sept. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Globally recognized today, the Chevrolet bowtie logo was introduced by company co-founder William C. Durant in late 1913. But how it came to be synonymous with the brand is open to wide interpretation.
Durant's version of how the logo came into existence is well known. The long-accepted story, confirmed by Durant himself, was that it was inspired by the wallpaper design in a Parisian hotel.
According to The Chevrolet Story of 1961, an official company publication issued in celebration of Chevrolet's 50th anniversary:
"It originated in Durant's imagination when, as a world traveler in 1908, he saw the pattern marching off into infinity as a design on wallpaper in a French hotel. He tore off a piece of the wallpaper and kept it to show friends, with the thought that it would make a good nameplate for a car."
However, conflicting accounts have emerged, each of which is plausible enough to deepen the mystery and suggest it may never be solved. Two of the alternate origins come from within the Durant family itself.
In 1929, Durant's daughter, Margery, published a book entitled, My Father. In it, she told how Durant sometimes doodled nameplate designs on pieces of paper at the dinner table. "I think it was between the soup and the fried chicken one night that he sketched out the design that is used on the Chevrolet car to this day," she wrote.
More than half a century later, another Bowtie origin was recounted in a 1986 issue of Chevrolet Pro Management Magazine based on a 13-year-old interview with Durant's widow, Catherine. She recalled how she and her husband were on holiday in Hot Springs, Va., in 1912. While reading a newspaper in their hotel room, Durant spotted a design and exclaimed, "I think this would be a very good emblem for the Chevrolet." Unfortunately, at the time, Mrs. Durant didn't clarify what the motif was or how it was used.
That nugget of information inspired Ken Kaufmann, historian and editor of The Chevrolet Review, to search out its validity. In a Nov. 12, 1911 edition of The Constitution newspaper, published in Atlanta, an advertisement appeared from by the Southern Compressed Coal Company for "Coalettes," a refined fuel product for fires. The Coalettes logo, as published in the ad, had a slanted bowtie form, very similar to the shape that would soon become the Chevrolet icon. Did Durant and his wife see the same ad – or one similar – the following year a few states to the north? The date of the paper was just nine days after the incorporation of the Chevrolet Motor Co.
One other explanation attributes the design to a stylized version of the cross of the Swiss flag. Louis Chevrolet was born in Switzerland at La Chaux-de-Fonds, Canton of Neuchatel, to French parents, on Christmas Day 1878.
Whichever origin is true, within a few years, the bowtie would emerge as the definitive Chevrolet logo. An October 2, 1913 edition of The Washington Post seems, so far, to be the earliest known example of the symbol being used to advertise the brand. "Look for this nameplate" the ad proclaims above the emblem. Customers the world over have been doing so ever since.
Many variations in coloring and detail of the Chevrolet bowtie have come and gone over the decades since its introduction in late 1913, but the essential shape has never changed. In 2004, Chevrolet began to phase in the gold bowtie that today serves as the brand identity for all of its cars and trucks marketed globally. The move reinforced the strength of what was already one of the most-recognized automotive emblems in the world. More than 4.25 million Chevrolets were sold in more than 120 countries and regions during 2010.
About Chevrolet -- Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com
There's hardly a person out there who doesn't know who Steve McQueen is. It is also no secret that he had a great passion for anything powered by gasoline. He owned and raced numerous cars and motorcycles, and even on occasion few a few airplanes before his untimely death in 1980. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in anything and everything Steve McQueen. However, on the rare occasion, you can find something that he actually owned. Take the case of this Slate Grey 1970 Porsche 911 S. This car was purchased new from Porsche by McQueen for use while filming his movie LeMans. Not only was it owned by McQueen, but it also appeared in the opening sequence of LeMans as Michael Delaney's personal car. After filming wrapped, the Porsche was sent back to Porsche for some upgrades (the car was already heavily optioned including a leather interior and A/C) before being shipped to LA. In late 1971 McQueen put the Porsche for sale, the theory is due to his also owning a 1969 911 S that was nearly identical, but having an upgraded stereo installed (that car is still in the McQueen family today).
Since that time, the 1970 has passed through several collectors hands, all knowing the cars unique place in history. It also remains largely original, having only received a fresh coat of paint and a new interior along with the usual maintenance items. Also surprising is that the car has covered well over 100,000 miles. So it's been driven, just the way Steve would have had it. The current owner elected to offer the car for sale and commissioned the car to RM Auction's Monterey sale (fitting) and with an opening bid of $200,000, the Porsche quickly rose to $1 million dollars and ending just short of the high auction estimate of $1.35 million.
This is another car, that I personally would love to have in my collection, even if it didn't have the Steve McQueen pedigree. There is something about the early 911s that just look so right, even today. And when topped with the subdued slate grey paint color, it makes for one classy ride. Congratulations to the new owner, and hopefully the 911 will be see out on the road and at car events rather than locked away in a garage.
A special treat at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix this year, may just have been one of the cars that could probably have been confused as a replica. There is no denying that one of the coolest Porsches ever made was the 911 RSR IROC used in the 1974 season of the International Race of Champions. The 911 RSR was used for only the 1974 season before IROC switched to Chevrolet Camaros. Only 15 RSRs were built by Porsche and then prepared by IROC. The later was so that the cars would be prepared identical with the exception of color to keep an even playing field. The 1974 911 RSR above is owned by former racer and Porsche dealer Bob Nikel. He purchased the car shortly after the 1974 season ended and added it to his private collection of cars.
The car was originally born in Aubergine before being repainted in Peru Red. As impressive as the car is to look at, even more impressive is the list of drivers that drove this very car in 1974. Peter Revson finished 2nd to Mark Donahue in this car. A.J. Foyt drove it Race 1 at Riverside and finished in 6th place. Richard Petty drove it Race 2 at Riverside, finishing 10th, and Emerson Fidapaldi dove it Race 3, finishing in 3rd place after starting 10th. What also makes the car unique, is that with the exception of the color change, the car is largely original. Only a few minor modifications have been made to the car since 1974. And even more astounding is that the car is driven regularly.
Coming up next weekend in Stuttgart, Germany. Porsche will be teaming up with Mercedes Benz and Audi to stage a 125 car parade through Germany's car crazy town. 2011 marks the 125th birthday of the automobile and what a great way to mark the occasion. Porsche will be pulling 45 of their most historic cars. Porsche's presence will include everything from 1948 Porsche 356 no.1 to a 917 that won LeMans in 1970 to a Carrera GT to a 356 Cabriolet police car. Many of the cars will be driven by current and former Porsche factory race drivers which is an added bonus. All of the festivities will kick off in the Porscheplatz in the center of Stuttgart. This will certainly be a birthday to remember.
Source: Porsche
Press release:
The "125 years of the car" birthday procession kicks off on the Porscheplatz
Porsche classic cars on the streets of Stuttgart
Stuttgart. On Sunday 8 May 2011, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, will be teaming up with Mercedes-Benz and Audi, two other car brands also based in Baden-Württemberg, to stage a car procession through Stuttgart. 125 vehicles, contemporary witnesses all, will bring the history of the three carmakers to life – in some cases with well-known drivers at the wheel. The Zuffenhausen sports car manufacturer will be putting 45 current and historic vehicles from more than six decades of Porsche history on the start line.
The “125 years of the car” procession will get under way at 11.00 a.m. at the Porsche museum, which will be offering visitors free admission on the day. Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Board of Management of Porsche AG, will head the birthday procession in a Porsche 911 Turbo S – together with his Mercedes-Benz and Audi opposite numbers. Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche Automobil Holding SE, will be driving the first Porsche prototype, the Type 356 “No. 1”, developed by his father Ferry Porsche in 1948.
Current and former Porsche AG works and racing drivers will also be taking part in the drive through the town. For example, racing legend Hans Hermann will be piloting the Porsche 917 KH on the streets of Stuttgart, the same car he and Richard Attwood drove in the 1970 Le Mans 24 Hours when they won the first ever overall victory for the Zuffenhausen company. The three times winning Porsche 908/03 Spyder is being withdrawn from the Porsche museum’s exhibition for Porsche works driver Marc Lieb. Finally, the 612 hp (450 kW) Carrera GT high performance sports car, once limited to 1,270 units, will be driven by double world rally champion Walter Röhrl.
In addition to a “police presence”, the car procession will also give an outing to the Swabian sense of humour. Stuttgart “Tatort” (Crime Scene Investigation) Inspector Richy Müller will be switching on the blue lights on the Porsche 356 C Cabriolet. In the Sixties, this classic car was used by the Württemberg motorway police. And cabaret artist Christof Sonntag will be behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 Targa (Type 964).
The destination of the procession that will start at Zuffenhausen’s Porscheplatz is the Schlossplatz in the centre of Stuttgart. Here there will be an opportunity on Sunday afternoon to admire all the participating vehicles at close quarters. Porsche will also be showcasing itself on the Schlossplatz as part of an innovation exhibition true to its “Porsche Intelligent Performance” philosophy: more power with lower consumption, increased efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions. Three modern day Porsche vehicles await the visitor there, providing an impressive demonstration of alternative driveline technologies: the Porsche Boxster E, the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid and the Porsche 911 GT3 R.
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is an event that we support and have participated in every year since 1997. Every year continues to get bigger and better and 2011 with the 29th annual event is no exception. Big news is that sanctioning for the vintage races held at both Schenley Park and at BeaveRun raceway has been transferred from the Vintage Sports Car Club of America(VSCCA) to the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association (PVGPA). This means that now the race classes will be expanded to cover cars made well into the 1970s and thusly, lowering costs to racers participating in the events by $50.
Also new for 2011 will be improvements to the Schenley Park race course. This is welcome news as 360 days a year the course serves as public roads around and through Schenley Park and the Schenly PArk Golf Course. This includes repaving and the addition of new timing equipment.
On the car show side of the event, Porsche will serve as the 2011 Marque of the Year and along with the Allegheny Region of the Porsche Club of America celebrating their 50th anniversary. They are planning for this to be one of the largest Porsche gatherings in the U.S.
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is unique in the world of vintage sports car racing in that all of the racing takes place on city streets, just like in the old days. Since 1983, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has raised over $2.5 million dollars for the benefit of the Allegheny Valley School and the Autism Society of Pittsburgh with 100% of the proceeds from the races and combined car shows going to charity. And has grown from a weekend event to a 10 motorsports festival filled with car shows, races, parades, parties, and much more.
This year the PVGP is set for July 10th through the 24th with race weekend and the famed international car show taking place July 23rd and 24th. The full schedule is available at www.pittsburghvintagegrandprix.com
Press release:
Vintage Racers,
As the 2011 racing season draws nearer, we are very excited to welcome everyone to the 29th renewal of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Plans are underway and we anticipate another outstanding event at Schenley Park.
The best news is that Schenley Park will be less expensive in 2011. For those participants who enter early, the entry fee will be reduced by $50. In addition, there will be an option for the entry of a second car at nearly half price. Other benefits are available for those who want to enter both the Schenley Park and the BeaveRun races together.
The PVGP continues to encourage sponsorship of cars. Sponsorship funds directly benefit children and adults throughout Pennsylvania with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities through the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School. We anticipate continuing a car sponsorship program for 2011 with many benefits for both the sponsors and drivers.
We are going to continue the traditional large PVGP tent at the head of the paddock. It will be the site for the Friday night Happy Hour get-together and the Saturday night driver/volunteer dinner. Plans are underway to expand and upgrade the menu for the Saturday night dinner. As in the past, we will hold all driver meetings at this location and it will remain open during the event for dining and other functions.
Based on comments from prior participants, there will be changes in the dining arrangements. A continental breakfast will be provided on Saturday and Sunday mornings and is included with your entry. In addition, there will be several food vendors offering a wide variety of lunch items at reasonable prices. We hope that this will provide more flexibility and convenience for participants who make their own dining arrangements.
Improvements to the race course include repaving the start/finish straight as well as a permanent transponder line. If you have a transponder, you will be timed. Rentals will be available but limited. It is recommended that participants have their own transponder. As has been the case over the past several years, we are continuing to expand the eligibility in each of the groups to accommodate more cars. Rest assured that we are not going to open up eligibility to those cars that do not fit the unique course that is Schenley Park. We will not compromise safety for the cars, drivers or the spectators. All participants at Schenley are strongly encouraged to take notice of the PVGP Driver Policy as excessive exuberance or unsafe driving will not be tolerated.
Porsche will be the featured marque for 2011 and it is expected to draw a large number of participants in the marque race as well as a large representation on the show field. In addition, if participants wish to paddock together, we strongly encourage that they send the PVGP their space requirements. We are anticipating a large entry this year and paddock parking is expected to be very tight.
As Competition Director this year, I look forward to maintaining the tradition and uniqueness of the only city street road race in the country. I have been working in many capacities at the PVGP since its inception in 1983 and expect that the 2011 event will continue to provide all of the fun for participants and spectators that it has in the past. All of the PVGP team, including, Jim “Rocky” Farrar, Race Director, Mike Connolly, Assistant Race Director, Donna McDonough, Chief Registrar and all the other outstanding volunteers welcome and offer you the opportunity to enjoy and participate in the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, recognized worldwide as a premier vintage racing event, through the spectacular Schenley Park in Pittsburgh.
Please join us in making the 29th running of the PVGP the very best ever.
Richard Barnes – PVGP Schenley Park Competition Director 412-767-8611 Jim “Rocky” Farrar - PVGP Race Director Mike Connolly - PVGP Assistant Race Director
Coming soon to a garage near you, if you are the lucky bidder. The 1970 Porsche 911 S driven by Steve McQueen in the opening scenes of the cult classic Le Mans will soon be crossing the auction block. Current owner Frank Gallogly has consigned the car to RM Auctions Monterey sale later this year. The owner won't disclose his asking price for the car and the details on the auction have not been released yet by RM. Once they are made available, we will pass on the details here.
The car is a slate gray 1970 911 S that was purchased by McQueen's Solar Productions from Porsche to drive while on location in France. Many assumed it was the same Porsche that Steve McQueen owned in the states, however that car was a 1969 model in the same slate gray. The 911 came equipped with air-conditioning, a Blaupunkt AM/FM radio, leather interior, electric sunroof, aluminum wheel trim rings and driving lights. As with any vintage car, some restoration work has been performed over the years which included a fresh coat of paint and a new windshield. The car was thought to have been lost for decades, but the truth was the car was sent back to Porsche for some modifications before being sent back to McQueen in California. The car was later sold when Solar Productions filed for bankruptcy. The car changed hands a few times with each owner knowing exactly what they had.
Recalling one of the most famous road Porsche's in history, Porsche is launching the 4th generation Speedster. Based on the 911, the Speedster recalls Porsche's heritage of the original 356. The new Speedster is set to debut in Paris next month and will officially go on sale in December. Porsche is only going to produce 356 copies of the new classic. So act fast. Instantly noticeable is the lower ride height, wider rear track and raked windshield. All paired with the hard cover that goes over the 911s rear seat area. There are a few other body changes, like the rear bumper and side skirts. And who can deny those awesome modern Fuchs alloys taken from the 911 Sport Classic? The new Speedster packs a healthy 408 horsepower. The new 7 speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe transmission is the only choice and also Richard Hammond's favorite to pronounce. The Speedster will only be available in the exclusive Pure Blue paint or optional Carrara White. However, I'd imagine that further color choice are available to make your new Speedster a truly one of a kind car. The interior again is unique to the Speedster, but color options are not available. Check out the full press release after the video.
Read the press release below:
Exclusive Small Series Limited to 356 Cars
Fourth Edition of a Sports Car Legend: The New Porsche 911 Speedster Stuttgart. Very low-slung, very sporty, and very rare: The Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, launches a small edition of a new 911 Speedster. Paying homage to the first Porsche model that bore the name Speedster – the 356 Speedster –, the production run for the new model is limited to 356 cars. The two-seater is significantly different from the other members of the 911 family. In the best tradition, the 60 millimetre lower, more raked windscreen, the flat contour of the sporty-look manual hood, and the characteristic double-bubble hardcover for the soft top define the striking profile of the new 911 Speedster. This makes the body of this rear-wheel drive with its 44 millimetre wider rear stand out even more. The new Porsche 911 Speedster will celebrate its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in early October.
The new 911 Speedster combines the classic features of this type of Porsche sports car with further improved performance of the current 911 generation: The 3.8-litre flat six delivers 408 hp (300 kW), 23 hp more in comparison with the 911 Carrera S. With its average consumption of 10.3 litres/100 km (27.43 mpg imp) (NEDC), the new Speedster is no less efficient than the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet without Powerkit – an effect of Porsche Intelligent Performance. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) is in charge of transmitting power to the rear axle fitted with a standard differential lock. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) are standard, too. Add to that exemplary protection for driver and passengers in the new 911 Speedster. Especially for this model, the Porsche engineers further improved the rollover protection system which is standard in all open-top Porsche cars.
The conception of the current Speedster comes from Porsche Exclusive – the company- owned "enhancer" specialising in individualisation of Porsche cars and small series. The 911 Speedster heralds the 25th anniversary of Porsche Exclusive which will be celebrated in 2011, and once again, demonstrates the small-series competence of Porsche Exclusive after the big success of the 911 Sport Classic.
Living up to the Porsche Exclusive standard, the 911 Speedster features almost all optional equipment of the 911 series and its appeal also comes from its meticulously hand-finished interior in black smooth-finish leather with numerous exterior colour painted details exclusive to the Speedster. These include decorative designs with checkerboard patterns in the seat centre section of the adaptive sports seats reminiscent of a chequered flag, and the leather side bolsters in the exterior colour.
The sporty flavour is further enhanced by the exterior colour “Pure Blue” that has been developed exclusively for the Speedster, providing an intriguing contrast with the tinted front lights, black headlight rings, black windscreen surround and other black decorative designs. Upon request, the Speedster is available in Carrara White, at no extra cost. It also features a special front apron, specific sideskirts and a distinct rear apron.
In 1953, the Speedster series was launched with a puristic sports car based on the Porsche 356, which had two sports bucket seats, doors with slide-in plastic side windows, and a shortened, elegantly curved windscreen. In 1988, the Speedster based on the 911 Carrera celebrated its revival with an added feature. For the first time, the hood compartment lid had the characteristic double bubbles. In 1993/1994, the next evolutionary stage of the 911 Carrera was ushered in with yet another Speedster.
In Germany, the 911 Speedster including country-specific equipment and 19 % VAT is priced at Euro 201,682 and will be launched in December 2010.
