Porsche Center Toulouse
Until Saturday, December 13, 2025
For a dream end to the year, the Porsche Center in Toulouse is putting the brand’s “Classics” in the spotlight by presenting a dozen models, including the different generations of the 911.
The story naturally begins with the 356, Ferdinand Porsche’s first creation, which drew on the experience gained in developing the Volkswagen Beetle to create a formidable sports car. With a flat engine at the rear, rear-wheel drive, and a simple but elegant design for a timeless coupe silhouette.
The 911 features the same ingredients, with a more powerful engine (6 cylinders instead of 4) and a slightly larger body but retains the DNA of the 356’s silhouette. However, to offer a more accessible model and ease the transition from the 356 to the 911 for customers, the first generation of the 911 (Type F or 901) was also available with the 4-cylinder engine from the 356 under the name 912, shown here in its Targa version with chrome roll bar. The Type F was logically succeeded by the Type G (but one should be wary of logic at Porsche, as we will see later in this article), which enjoyed exceptional longevity. It is shown here in its 3.2L convertible version with 231 horsepower and a soft top matching the body color. It was the Type G that saw the birth of the first 911 Turbo, a model that has since become iconic in the range.
After 15 years of production, the 911 underwent extensive renewal while retaining its style and architecture for a third generation (Type 964). Compared to the first 911, the displacement increased by 50% and the power nearly doubled. The fourth generation corresponds to the Type 993 and would be the last 911 with an air-cooled engine, considered by many purists to be the last “true” 911. The range expanded with several power levels, 2- or 4-wheel drive, and coupe, convertible, or Targa body styles.
In 1997, the 996 generation, the fifth incarnation of the 911, was a technological and stylistic shock. The car was completely redesigned and the engine switched to water cooling. While the overall style remained that of the 911, it adopted a front end with headlights and turn signals integrated into the line of the fenders and hood. This new, more aerodynamic design, but too close to the Boxster style, struggled to win over enthusiasts. The 996 is often a good deal for entering the 911 world, if you can accept its slightly different style.
For the sixth generation (Type 997), there was a return to the “911” style with round headlights and separate turn signals. The range continued to expand and included up to 24 models, not counting special editions. The 997 is on display in its ultra-sporty GT3 RS version, even if it seems a little “shy” today next to a 992 GT3 RS! In 2012, for the seventh generation, we were expecting a Type 998 or 999, but no, it will be 991! Longer and wider, but still with its instantly recognizable style, the 911 remains the benchmark sports car that all manufacturers try to measure themselves against. It was during the 991 era that the Porsche 911 celebrated its 50th anniversary, with a special series on display, limited to 1,963 units. Its versatility allows it to tackle long highway journeys, winding roads and laps of the racetrack like few (if any?) other cars.
The saga continues with the 992 since 2018, and phase 2, presented in June 2024, continues to unveil its variants, including the GT3 in December 2024. A visit to the showroom next to the exhibition completes the 911 saga with the latest 992 models, such as the Turbo S and GT3. Many car manufacturers keep the names of their models to retain customer loyalty and capitalize on their marketing efforts, but the styles often have little in common. On the contrary, the 911 has retained its style and general architecture over the decades. Even if a 911 Type F looks “slender” next to a 911 991 Turbo S, there is no doubt about their family resemblance!
The exhibition of this 911 history is complemented by two other models. A 914, a small mid-engine roadster that appeared in the late 1960s and can be considered the distant ancestor of the current Boxster. The 914 was sold by Volkswagen with a 4-cylinder engine (914/4) and by Porsche with a 6-cylinder engine (914/6). The 914 on display is a racing version. A red 968 CS (Club Sport) with matching rims illustrates the large family of front-engine Porsche sports cars, from the 924 to the 928.
The photos on this page belong to Automobile-Museums, no right of reproduction without the express permission of the owner.