what does 928, 911 ect. stand for? thanks

[928SROCK]

Did anyone see that porsche show on national geographic last night? did u know they hand paint these cars.

[Linderpat]

I didn't know they hand painted them until I saw the Nat Geo show last night - very cool! As to the numbers, my understanding is that they were/are internal project designation numbers. Not sure of the significance beyond that, but others surely will.

[JhwShark]

A great source for Porsche info is on Wikipedia:
Porsche - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
At the page bottom are two colored header bars on their right is a show/hide toggle; it shows history by model in a nice linear chart. You can also see some nice pic's including the famous Porsche Turbo Tractor.
If there is any correction to info or addiditions you can make the edits...enjoy!

Contributors have done this for a lot of the major Brands: BMW, Maserati, Bentley, MZB...they probably even have American brands...though I have never owned one.

Best,
Jon

[CROWSC]

Not sure, but I know the SC stands for SUPER CARRERA

[JK McDonald]

I had read in one of the History Books on Porsche a few years ago that many of the earliest designations were selected to disguise the actual number of models Dr. Porsche had under test and development.

The book proposed that Porsche wanted the buying public to assume that there had been 355 models tested before the release of the 356. The same idea was used in selecting the 911. A later change in their designation theory was the 928. It was supposed to indicate a 900 series/two door/eight cylinder. I believe the “S” designation was for superdooper…..

Michael

[psychII]

The 911 was originally called the 901, but Peugeot had the rights to all car related three digit numbers with a 0 in the middle.

That's all I got.

[JK McDonald]

I have liked the term land shark ever since I heard it used in reference with the 928. Here is a rare photo of one of the designated examples ..... I call her Miss Purdy ....

Michael

Update to a question: Yes - One of my vehicles is a Scorpio. It has been a fine runner for years. Because she is a great highway car - We call her "Long Legs La-Roooo". The 911SC is named "Frau Helga" - a bit of a temperamental German. I tend to gravitate toward orphans that can be bought very reasonably.

Michael

[BLK87S4]

Is that a Scorpio in your garage? I had a Cosworth powered Scorpio while in Germany. We had a scorpio here (US spec) but the dang thing kept blowing head gaskets. I've had three XRs. I've taken my lumps and walked away. The 928 and my old Falcon are my only toys now.

[DPW928]

All of the 9xx numbers are sequential project numbers assigned to the engineering department. An exception, as Chris noted, is the 911. These project numbers were used for any project like the Harley V-rod engine, the VW 425 sports car or the 928. Now that all the 9xx numbers are used up, it appears that Porsche is going by name only on their new vehicles.

Dennis