Thank you for the incredible response! Not only has this outperformed (like for like in its first 24h online with my other uploads) my next best piece of content by 10x but the kindness and enthusiasm in the comments has been superb. I was a bit nervous about potentially poking the Porsche bear and its cubs but thrilled that it's been the warmest welcome yet. If you have a car you'd like to see on the channel then please let me know - petrolpoodle@gmail.com or find me on Instagram @petrolpoodle

I purchased my first 911 about a month ago. It’s a 79 911SC Coupe. I literally have wanted one since I was 15 or so, I am now 57. Wow…what a fantastic driving experience.

Brilliant. And I don’t disagree. However, you will get a 996 or a 997. I guarantee it. And after a ‘while’ you will long for this experience and regret having not just gotten the air cooled first. And then you will find the resources, come up with the cash, and buy one at whatever price the market commands. Because we all do. We all start rationally and practically and responsibly. Then you get older and reassess and weigh time versus money and what you sincerely value most. I cannot wait for you to get here with the rest of us fools who have ‘spent too much’ as most would say, for one of these. Great review, glad you did it.

My '85 has 152k miles on it, 53k of which I've put on it over the 28 years I've owned it. It's needed rear shocks, brakes, 1 module for the fuel injection, which was $147 from a dealer in around 2002, and an alternator. Trust me when I say that replacing the alternator on a 3.2 Carrera is a colossal pain in the ass for a DIY mechanic. The AC was never really very good, but the heater would set your shirt on fire. The brakes are fantastic, and the steering makes a mockery of every other car I've driven. I'm 6'1" and it fits me perfectly. It's not "quaint" like an MGB or Fiat 124. It's very analog, but properly quick. An old 911 does not suffer ham fisted fools, but you don't have to be going 200mph to be rewarded by it either. I grew up watching 911 derived race cars racking up race wins, and not 911s not breaking on people who actually drove them. Two favorite stories about the car - I had taken my then 9 year old daughter to Blockbuster to get some movies (Yes, it was back in ye olden times.) and as we were leaving, an older gentleman pulled into the parking spot next to us. My daughter has long, very straight, light red hair and tends to stand out a bit. She was used to people commenting on her hair from a young age. However, when the man told her that she was a lucky little girl to be "riding around in that car" she was at a loss. As we drove off, she asked what he was talking about. She was completely oblivious, as she was just riding in dad's car. A few years before he passed, my grandfather came for a visit. He had bought a '62 356 new, but sold it probably 30 year prior. I insisted that we go for a spin in my car. When we got back home, he had a faint smile on hi face, and said, "There's just something about that sound coming from behind you that you never forget."

"I don't know where the F@$# I am going BTW." That pretty much sums up the experience of driving an air cooled Porsche. You get so engaged and enthralled, you look up and you're just way out somewhere or you take the long way home, simply enjoying driving again.

I had various 911SCs for about 7 years in the 2000s. I couldn't believe how reliable they were.I dailied them every day,..rain or shine. Loved owning them. The engine note was to die for...if ever there was a usable classic.. It's an SC

I just picked up my first air cooled 911 and I can't stop smiling. Just an unbelievable experience.

Aircooled 911 will give you more sensations and pleasure at lower speed than 996. This is why I own a 964.

I love the little text commentary you've added to the video. You knew exactly who would be watching this video and wanted to mitigate the annoying comments. Made me laugh. Great video.

I own a 996, but fell in love with the 911 in 1977 when I was 12 years old and have wanted one since. The 996 is the 911 that I could afford and I absolutely LOVE my car. But a G body is my ultimate dream car.

Great video. I agree with your assessments of the steering and other aspects of this model. I've got 217k miles on my SC and I've owned it 40 years. I also have a 993 C4S and a 996 Turbo S. Prices on SC's went through a period where prices were flat 10-15 years but they have never dropped after they initially bottomed out in the mid 80's. . If you find the perfect air cooled car for you, and your budget agrees, I would get it. For every 911 I've bought there has been no shortage of people telling me they were over priced at that time. I could have bought a new Datsun for what I paid for my used SC in 1984 and i had many that reminded me of that. The SC is just special; from the faint smell of oil and hot metal to the sound when the door closes. Just my opinion.

Great video. Happy to lend you my 997 C2 manual which I won on Classic giveaways last year if you like for a review. Love the idea of aircooled but so happy with mine too for daily driving and still feel like the luckiest person around. Welcome to the addictive world of Porsche.

Excellent video, the best first time air cooled evaluation I've seen. Too bad you didn't have the opportunity to push it on track or mountain road. Very informative anyway, good work!

Great, straight, honest analysis. I have owned my 1979 911SC since 1980. I cannot part with it. As you say, driving it is a more raw experience, but that is the charm.

I bought an 83sc in 2005 for $9900 in Calif, high miles at 150k but had all checked out and it was all good.

I own a 996 myself. And I'm the first one to admit that air cooled Porsches look a million times better. Especially the 993, which is my favorite. But they're so crazy expensive that no ordinary car enthusiasts can afford them anymore. And because they made 964 and 993 only about 65 thousand of each and half of them cabrios/targas/automatics, the manual coupes will be appreciated even more in the future. They made over 1.5 times more of 996's alone than 964 and 993 COMBINED. They also made 212,964 units of 997. That's also why 996 and 997 prices are lower. But as you said 996 is definitely the best value for money Porsche. Still drives like an analog, small 911 and has just a bit more power and performance.

I think these cars have become attractive because they can be nearly fully self-supported in the owner's garage and have excellent parts availability. Many spare parts for competing exotics of this age are completely NLA and newer used examples aren't easily supported by the owner due to complexity. And while not a rare car by any means, Porsche 911 production in these years was just a small fraction of competitors like the Corvette.

What a wonderful road test! So refreshing to have a Porsche reviewed by someone who isn't an already-devoted fanboy (although I suspect you are going to become one!). This style of reporting is so relaxing and easy to digest, it's an absolute breath of fresh air and has made me an instant subscriber. Thank you for your excellent work 👍

Awesome review of the Porsche 911 SC ... it is definitely refreshing to view content which is not only honest but also includes a good balance of historical context, technical features, and driving impressions 🤓! As a longtime Porsche fan-atic, I probably am somewhat biased at this point having owned several different examples (both based on rear and mid-engine layouts). Within the rear-engine lineup, a few other models worthy of mentioning would be a 911 Carrera 3.2 and 993 series. However, in truth, each iteration has something unique to offer the sports car enthusiast! Again, thanks for a fun video and cheers from Colorado!

YES!!! at around 12:30 you really hit it. That little giggle int he wheel that reminds you that you are in fact in contact with the road. I can tell you that this is still the case in the 996.

What a car to come back with! I'm in the same camp, that 996 has left me longingly scrolling through autotrader despite being indifferent beforehand! Great review :)!

Interesting review. I'm fortunate to own a 1983 911 SC which I have owned for 24 years. Coincidentally, I drove it yesterday for the first time since Covid, when it was laid up during the first lockdown and subsequent life got in the way. A gap of that duration has made me revisit the car with fresh eyes, and I've got to say I'd forgotten how involving it is to drive, and actually still feels quick and nimble on the road. I'm looking forward to getting some miles in and re-learning how to get the best from it. I started recommissioning a couple of months ago and have replaced all of the brake discs, callipers and hoses, changed all of the fluids, plugs and filters and can confirm they are a realistic DIY proposition to work on. Parts are reasonably priced with plenty of availability from different vendors. The car has also inadvertently become a good investment as it is apparently worth several times what I bought it for! I am also a long-term owner of a 997.2 and still see these as the sweet spot for "modern" 911 ownership with them still being a "small" car with an analogue feel, but with many of the potentially (perhaps sometimes over exaggerated) but nevertheless financially scary aspects of earlier models (IMS/Bore scoring etc) addressed.

Great video - thanks. I really related to it, because I bought a G-series 911 last year and am in the process of falling madly, deeply in love with it. And that's despite its imperfections. As you said, there is so much scope to build on the excellent fundamentals of these cars to make them exactly how the owner wants them, and add value in the process (if the work is done really well.) That's what I plan to do to my car. Incidentally, it's a 1977 LHD ex-German car, originally a 2.7, but with a 180bhp SC engine fitted in 1998. I've owned a 996 (a C4S) and adored it. I've been fortunate to own a series of incredible performance cars over the years. But my 1977 car creates smiles and satisfaction on every drive, and that's worth a fortune to me.

Very nice Video. I have a 911S from 1976 and I really had to learn that you can and should drive the car as you just bought it new. Mine has done 150.000 miles with first engine and is happy all day. I invest my money in servicing it and maintaining it well. No plans for mature changes. Drive it carefully up to temp. and then use the rpm range.

I have owned a 1976 911s Targa for 32 years. It has the original engine and trans. 194,000 miles. We keep improving it with little things and maintain it. You will need to replace the fuel lines because of the gasoline and their age. A link will mean an instant fire. All parts are readily available. Enjoy tje ride

Great video, really enjoyed the in car stuff. Really nicely filmed.

7:12. Back in the mid 1980’s my dad had a euro spec 911SC (we’re in the states). Some of my best memories with my dad were going on a long on-ramp and hitting 60 in second gear. Thanks for taking me back to the good old days.

How can you not love this car with that beautiful Pasha interior. As for spinning out. well that was really an issue for the 930 turbo's, not so much for a standard 911.

Great video! I have a massive soft spot for G series 911s. I recently sold mine (Carrera 3.2) after 16 years of ownership because I wanted a change. I'm now in an MX5 and loving that it excels in different ways to the 911. I will always miss the unique feel and sound of the 911, when you gun it out of a tight bend, feeling the sublime steering, the rear squats and engine howls and she just goes!

Enjoyed the video. Production quality is excellent. Keep doing what you're doing and I'm sure the channel will blow up

I used to drive a 1983 Alfa Romeo GTV 6 and this is exactly the feeling I had. Every gear shift I felt as if I was reconnecting the car to the road. Every time I gave it throttle coming out of a corner I could feel the weight shift, the car dig in, and shoot out on the other side. I have never been able to replicate that experience.

I just purchased a '77 911s at the start of '24. You've nailed every aspect of what I love about mine (despite it not being a 3.2). Especially your comment that it just feels fast. You really do have to drive one to understand the obsession.

I wanted a 911 since I first got my licence in mid 1970s, and my aim to buy a 911 was the driving force for me to get into defense manufacturing in the 1990s. Three years after commencing Defense manufacturing I bought a red 911SC coupe with chin spoiler, tray spoiler, and black interior, electric sunroof, with cash in the bank. I owned my 911 for 5 years til selling it in 2005 to reinvest the money back into my business. In the five tears I owned my 911SC, I had two expenses out side normal servicing expenses, total spent, $300 for replace fuel pump and to service starter motor solenoid switch. I loved every minute of driving my 911SC. lovely to drive, gear change was simply a matter of experience with it, once I had owned it for 2-3 months, did not need to think about changing gears and when to change. Driving 911 through twisties, mean, brake before turning into corner and keep the accelerator slightly depressed. I absolutely loved the unique futuristic whirring sound of the flat six 911 motor. Loved how the engine sprang into life the instant the starter was engaged!. 911SC goes through corners and roundabouts like you would'nt believe! Braking was impressive too! Loved accelerating through round abouts sometimes getting rev hears think they could keep up with me. Ha! one spun out on exit of the roundabout. the other almost did but managed to straighten up. At the next traffic lights we were side by side, I lowered the pasenger window and said to the driver - good save! they smiled sheepishly. While i owned my 911SC, another 1982 930 came up for sale which i took for a test drive - the acceleration was indescribable compared to non turbo model, seemed to me it went faster than I could depress my right foot! I really do miss my 911. Love rear engineed cars, and as lament the passing of aircooled rear engined cars. That's my two cents worth!

We have an '88 with about 140k miles and love it for all the reasons you so beautifully articulated. Super fun to drive at all times. Reasonably reliable, so I have driven it halfway across the USA several times. But usable, a little worn, and not hidden away in a garage.

Very well done. I did what you saw as your conclusion - purchased a 996 C4 last year. I admit, I was trying to get into the 911 world with minimal investment, but also get into a car I could drive daily for nine or ten months of the year. I sold a late 60s Corvette to finance my 911 purchase, and I am very happy with that decision. I love driving it, and look for every excuse to do so. At the time, I was motivated by missing out on the purchase of a 1987 Guards Red coupe from a family friend who had owned it since the early 90s. But in the end, I got a 131,000 mile car that is now a rolling project. I’m making further investments in it, and there is no way I could recoup that money now after a year, but to me it doesn’t matter. It’s already much better than it was when I bought it, and want to drive this car to well over 200,000 miles, and I think that’s very possible. Cheers.

Great review! And interesting and honest conclusion. I decided between my dream car 993 and a 996. Ended up with a 996 3.6 C2 manual and put some money I saved on not buying the 993 on Ohlins coilovers, which made the 996 totally amazing. Needless to say what the 993 stands for for me but I had to realize the 996 ate it for breakfast from a drivers point and dynamically speaking, so that was my choice. The 997 felt too modern so, for me, the 996 is the perfect blend between analouge and modern sportscar. Either way, glad that older 911 is finding its crowd and as an antidote to highly competent but rather dull modern sportscars.

Well done video as usual. Yeah, back to basics has its appeal as well as a price tag suited for this age and era.

I can tell you what other car from 1985 you can absolutely thrash everyday. An AW11 MR2! The 996 turned me on to Porsches, and I still own both. Great review!

Nicely done! As a 50+ year lover of 911s, but having never actually had the opportunity to really drive one, I’d like to say that you cured me of my diabolical longing…but you didn’t - damn you! ;^)

Great video indeed! Thanks a lot! Love to see the appreciation growing, on the verge of turning into passion. Getting into the 911 world through a water-cooled model is an illusion, though. They are worlds apart from any air-cooled 911 and there is no substitute. The G-model does, imho, pair the perfect classic Porsche feeling, especially the pre-86 ones with the classic 915 gearbox (for the true feeling - and yes, it does work fabulously when correctly adjusted) with maximum reliability. I’ve done 20.000km / year in the last 4 years in my 1984 3.2 litre coupé and it’s an outstanding travelling experience. I actually even prefer it over my 987 Boxster. Hope you’ll get yours and then give us more reports like this!

Just found this channel - really enjoy your vibe. No bullshit, not trying too hard. Just being yourself and being natural. Surprised you’ve not got a lot more subs! If you wanted to compare this 911 to another car from the era, I’ve got a v well sorted DeLorean you’d be welcome to take out. (Assuming we’re in the same part of the country!)

Very good for a first time review and you picked a very good usable example and for a fella whose younger than the car 👍

Love this content-it’s the first of yours I have found! I have ridden in 911’s but never driven one, I always said I would own one one day-but I’m 75 now and not sure it will ever happen…… I decided recently to take a proper look at a Boxter-I could get in it reasonably easily-getting out with the roof up was a whole different ballgame-for context I broke my left hip 3 years ago which has significantly reduced my mobility. I had the chance to buy a 356 Super 90 back in the late 1960’s when I was at college-couldn’t raise the money unfortunately. Now that you ‘get’ the Porsche thing you really should try a 356……

Great car, love the subtle upgrades. The SC has always been a dream car from my birth year. One day and hopefully soon.

Those checkerboard seats are so classic. My best friend in high school had an 80's 930 Turbo, one of the Widow Maker types (we graduated in 1989) along with a 328, Coutach, 86.5 Supra new when they were released, and a few super bikes.

What a great review of a fantastic car. I own a Boxster and a '97 993 and kinda kick myself for not buying a couple more of the air-cooled Porsches back when they were more affordable! Would love to see a review of a tricked out 993.

Very great job man! It could be possible for next driving videos to fix a camera on the pedalbox to film your footwork please? :)

I had a 78 911SC that I used as a daily driver summer/winter in Alberta. It had 200,000 km when I got it and 300,000 km when I sold it. It is the minimalist essence of a sports car. You won't want to use it as a daily driver today, but when you're in it you'll never mistake it for your Lexus daily driver. If you can, get the L Jetronic version (or newer) as that system is very reliable.

Wow, what a return Jimmy. Glad to see you warming to Porsche, you know 996's are my soft spot, don't buy a Targa though, lol. I think it's time you had a go in my Boxster.

Great video, thanks! Spot-on. I was lucky enough to be able to buy an '85 3.2 Carrera from the original owner, who lives nearby, about eight years ago, just as the prices were starting to rise but weren't crazy yet. It was low miles (about 50k) and all original. He bought it in Germany, and had all of the original manuals, etc... On my first test drive before buying it, my thoughts in the first mile or so were "this car isn't for me". I guess it was just too different from what I was used to (mostly older BMW M3's). But in a matter of just ten minutes of driving, I found myself not wanting to bring it back, haha. I'm so glad I bought it, and love driving it. I still want to just keep on driving when I'm in it. In the years I've had it I've addressed any issues it had and made some small but meaningful improvements. It's been very reliable. The steering is of course incredible, and as you said, it's got just about the right amount of power to have fun and at least feel like you're going fast. My wife loves it too. I wish I lived somewhere I could drive it year-round, but it makes Springtime all the more special when we can take it out again.

Interesting review, back in 2005 I test drove a 1980 SC as I’d dreamt of owning a 911 since I was a kid. They were still cheap in those days but even back then it was very much a classic car driving experience which wasn’t what I was looking for. I now own a 996 which I think is a fantastic drive but still feels like a modern sports car. I’ve driven the later 911 models up to the 992.1 and don’t really have any desire to swap my 996 for one. It’d be interesting to revisit an SC now as a comparison…

Great work :)

Nice to see you back mate 👍🏼

A well-considered overview indeed. I was gripped with the fever four years back and bought a 1980 LHD version in the US, which I imported, sight unseen. It was a moment of madness...that I have not regretted for one second. The car is a perfectly balanced, ultra-reliable classic, poky enough to raise a few hairs but perfectly fine as a daily drive. A punchy artwork on wheels that I enjoy every time I take it out on the road.

Great video. Fantastic car. More please!!

I had a ride in one as a kid and it left a lasting impression on me. It seemed so planted and the acceleration and squirtability gave the impression it could overtake almost anywhere in the shortest of gaps. But like you, I'd baulk at the current price and would probably settle for one of the later models at less than half the price. But if money wasn't the issue then I'd go for any 911 from the early 70s to this model.

I have an 86 Carrera, will be driving it across the US from Calif to Florida in the fall- The video will be called Cross Country Carrera. Every time I drive it, I have the same grin you had driving the SC. Admit it, what else has given you that smile that won't leave your face? You're going to do what you're going to do, but you'll still be dreaming of this analog car... for the rest of your life? We air-cooled owners dreamed of them until we finally got one. I'll never let go of mine...

thanks for wearing a proper wristwatch lol very nice review of the 911

Having wanted an air cooled 911 since I was a kid I started searching a couple years ago and stumbled onto a beautiful 89 911 3.2. Marine blue with linen interior. Put deposit down sight unseen. Price was under market value for 2021. PPI was great so signed the purchase agreement. Flew out to Ohio and drove it back to Pennsylvania. The last hour and a half was all back roads. By far my best car experience ever. Will never let this car go.

I'm 58 and the 911 was one of the quintessential sports cars in the 80's so for me air cooled represents tons of nostalgia. Also having seen the 1987 movie No Man's land made me want one even more though historically I was more of a 928 guy since the 90's and have owned three but in 2014 I suddenly became infatuated with classic air cooled 911's but the prices kept me from buying until I gave in last December on a grand prix white 1982 911 SC and I cannot stop looking at the car. It's truly an icon. I owned a 99 996 for eight years prior but it never hit the spot that this air cooled car does for me.

Great review better then most channels, most people just what to go on about how fast a car is where this is difference, l subscribe straight away this type or car is not transportation it’s love it’s a hobby 😂👏🏽👊🏽

I think what your video conveys so well is what a special feeling it is to drive these cars. Prices seem very high and aren't coming down where other classics are getting cheaper. One thing I think that may be a factor in prices staying this high apart from all the great things you mention in the video is the fact that Porsche still supports these models through their Classic program and are producing parts that are specific to these cars and might otherwise not be available anymore. For instance Porsche started to produce the Targa roof for the G-model cars again apart from many other parts. The other reason, obviously, is the fact that so many of us like to own, or do own a older Porsche. See all the reactions on this video; either owners are holding on to theirs and prospective owners are waiting in the wings to get their hands on one. A 911 is a beautiful thing to look at and there is a lot of value in enjoying a drive in an older 911. Can't do that in a Bitcoin 🙂

I do love a G body 911. This one is how I would set mine up too. slightly lowered suspension, the lovely fuchs wheels (this one looks to have the wonderful more aggressive wider 7", 8" fuchs, but I love any spec fuchs wheels), euro spec (which would include a more powerful engine, especially for the '81-'83 models with 204 hp) and one of the many rare but gorgeous colors offered by Porsche like this one has. I believe this is delphi green (when I google image searched the color). Fantastic color.

I've owned and driven several vintage' Porsches; they are wonderful.

3:23 Pascha interior! Gorgeous!

I had a 911 991.2 type and an old backdated 911SC and ended up cringe SC 9 out 10 times as it was so much more fun and engaging. Sold the 991.2 and still have the SC.

Love my 76 911S Targa. All Analog. on the rails cornering. Smiles for miles.

I own a few Porsches- my love of air cooled starts with a 356, a heavily modified 1968 and a 1972 (work in progress😳) then … my favorite, the ‘92 964. It’s the most remarkable car which captures a toe hold in the old and a glimpse of what’s to come; followed by what I would call the great transition 911 which is a ‘96 993 C4 wide body. It goes on from there to a 997.1 Turbo and two 991.2’s (a turbo and a Cab) I’m not beating my chest here, I’m blessed to own these cars. What do I jump in when I want to go somewhere? The 964 or the 993

If you must, a 3.0 SC with the updated chain tensioner, the air box flapper install on the CIS box, and a vacuum advance. They are the best hope for a normal guy who wants to keep one on the road.

Fantastic video

Nothing else ticks more boxes than an aircooled 911. Most of the owners I know have owned their cars for well over 10 years, myself included with 18 years with the same car and over 80k miles, although the car now has 160k and has never been apart. Porsche, there is no substitute!

Thank you heaps for celebrating the best classic 911 iteration (imho). You're obviously too young to have a comprehensive experience of driving these cars, and you've told some inaccuracies. But your driving description is quite accurate. I've had the two versions of the SC (188 bhp and 204 bhp) as daily drivers, and these were the absolute best 100% analogue 911. It changed completely with the Carrera 3.2 not the SC. I agree with you that these cars are not cheap, however they're only gone up with the overall 911 market and are still, in my opinion, way overlooked compared to a 3.2 for instance. Thanks for this video ! Cheers

One of my grail cars, lovely.Thank you.

I own a 1976 911s with a bigger engine but still the 915 gearbox, I think you got the review spot on how rewarding these cars are to drive 996 just hasn't got the same feel. When you drive one of the older cars they are more of a challenge to drive well. I think they are still undervalued a ferrari of this age would cost more to buy and would cost more to keep on the road.

Great vlog…do w hat makes you happy mate…

I had a 997, currently have an 1986 3.2. Even though the 997 was faster and had all the modern amenities. I truly enjoy driving the slower analog 3.2 more. Something about rolling through the gears with the old 915 trans as you mentioned, really thinking about where each gear is, putting more effort into each shift that makes it more enjoyable.

Love the color ❤❤ What's the best color for an old 911?

@1:35 The 914 is one of my favourite cars. We bought one in to the 90's for $10K

Manual steering is a shock nowadays but wow the feel for the road can’t be beat.

The first 911 that I drove was a ‘81 SC and I’ve wanted one ever since. Unfortunately I waited to long and prices went crazy. My early build, cable throttle 996 C2 coupe is as close to an air cooled 911 that my budget for a 3rd car allowed. Honestly I don’t think that I’m missing that much and believe that the 996 is a great value for the rear engine Porsche experience.

The best thing to do with the 911SC is buy it ten years ago before they became popular and you had to compare them to used 997s. You're welcome for the free advice!

Nice review. I love Porsche, however, it’s the 80’s bedroom poster children lusting after these (myself included) so the prices flown up now that they have some cash, look at the prices of Sierra Cosworths…or Lancia Itegrale. I love the shape of the G-Body, however a manual 997 for me, step up shape/technology with some analogue nostalgia and great value half the price.

Good video right up until 16:12 when you said you would have a 997 over a 996...........How could you NOT want the last Porsche with a throttle cable! Never seen your stuff before but just subscribed on the strength of this vid.👍

I was close to buying 1972 911 2.4 -went for an Alfa 105 series GTV instead, then came a Delta Integrale EVO2, and now the F355 GTB with a manual gearbox, (and in between I had an Alfa 147 GTA and a little Panda 100hp). For me, the iconic Italian cars combine that delicate feminine beauty (even the Integrale has subtle delicate touches to its design) and ferocious muscularity, which the 911 just seemed to lack, but this is obviously my personal view on it. The engines are similar, when one really listens to them; a ferocious beauty to the notes. None of the Italian cars I owned caused me troubles reliability wise, but the vigilance is there, crossing fingers a little, all part of the experience, and as long as they are lovingly serviced, they look after themselves, and cause huge smiles for miles. I would not dismiss a GT3, or an old RS, but I just sense that I would not be so enamored by a 911. Oh and I owned a BMW 328...for 3 months. It is all very personal though, a lot of it is subjective, and depends on what you value.

Nice review. Is it worth the money these days is a good question. There are a lot of options for the same money. Most modern cars will be faster 0-60 straight off the showroom floor with creature comforts (like airconditioning that actually works - yes good retrofits as produced by the owner thankfully) if thats what's important to you. But as an 84 Carrera owner - the drive, feel and sound of that flat 6 pushing from behind is addictive. I've pushed it into corner far harder than I should have and as long as you don't lift off it just tracks around. On purchase I was recommended to drive it like a motorbike - slow in and fast out and the back just plants firmly on the tarmac. It is the one car in my garage that will never be sold. I'd sell the house or my other cars or motorbikes! It is so much fun and egaging at speeds that won't be an instant loss of licence.

The tail swapping was more the Turbo - the combination of the turbo lag, the rear engine and the torsion bar suspension led to a handful.

Agree with everything you said. I have the 85 Carrera

Amazing

fun car to drive and worth it and more

This Porsche is fitted with the 915 gearbox, not the best but remember that car is over 40 years old and will most likely drive better than most cars of its day and is still a great drive today. I know as I own a 1987 model and love it every time I take it out.

I love the style, and the feeling of connection with the vehicle, but i do agree that a vintage sports car like this just gets absolutely gapped by a modern day minivan - isn't worth a $75k+ usd price tag.

Superb review, when you talk about value for money I’m a 996 c2 and a Boxster 986s owner, the 996 in my opinion is not 2 or 3 times the car that the Boxster is when you look at them from a price point of view. Early 986 has 2 boots, will eat the miles on a road journey, modern enough and for a decent one values start at 6k.

What a beauty

Beautiful Porsche! I am all for retrofitting better parts as long as the aesthetics and functionality are kept within the spirit of the car, if you will. I really do not need the clunkyness and massive weight of older and less efficient parts to just keep it original.

Like the muscle car market, the 911 market lost it's mind around the 90/00's You could buy NICE muscle cars for under $4000 in the early 90s all day. Chevelles, Corvettes, Tri-power GTO's, Impalas etc. I bought a 1966 Mustang GT with all options including A/C for $3600 that could have simply been polished. However; my dad opened his checkbook for me to do a full restoration and learn more about cars than I ever thought I would over a summer.

that "other car" is a 1981 VW diesel rabbit. Bulletproof !

I rented an '83 911SC a few years back and the main thing I noticed was how HEAVY all the controls were. It was very raw and analog, just felt much heavier than it was. It made me think that an early 911, like from the 60s, with skinnier tires, would be a more fingertip, delicate driving experience, which is what I prefer. Those early 911s are also much more expensive, perhaps for good reason.

This vintage 911 is still very twitchy at the back. I remember doing a full 180 at a junction when I floored it out of an industrial estate in my now wife’s 1977 911 SC. Luckily no damage, can’t remember the steering being particularly heavy well at least not compared to a Testarossa.

7:27....there it is. Happens in EVERY "what's this 911 thing about" video. That realization. That very moment the addiction starts.

One of the best cars I’ve ever owned. I still have the 72 911t and love the daily driver 99 996 c4. I’ve had the 72 since 1990 will not part with it for any money.