Tag Archives: 911

1973 Porsche 911S Coupe

Early Porsche 911 ’s embody a combination that is rare among collector cars today. They have both unparalleled driveability and usability, especially when compared with other cars of the same vintage, but are also fully connected to an earlier era. There is a certain wholeness, cohesiveness, and agility that is only evident when they are driven, and it is no surprise that they have a fanatical following. They are simply a blast to drive, with the advantage of solid investment potential.

1973 Porsche - Front passenger side

  • 2.4 liter,
  • 6 cylinder,
  • horizontally opposed air-cooled boxer engine,
  • 190 HP,
  • 915-5 speed manual gearbox,
  • Bosch fuel injection,
  • independent front suspension on transverse links,
  • rear independent suspension on lateral links and transverse,
  • torsion bars,
  • 89.3” wheelbase

 

The 911S was introduced as a better equipped and more powerful version of the standard 911. It featured engine modifications that resulted in 30 extra horsepower, and in addition, the chassis was modified and bigger brakes were installed. An extra five pounds were saved from each corner of the car by using Fuchs alloy wheels. 911S models for 1973 gained a discreet spoiler under the front bumper to improve high-speed stability. With the cars weighing only 2,315 pounds, these are often regarded as the best classic mainstream 911’s ever, as well as holding the crown for being the longest running production sports car ever.

1992 Acura NSX

Every so often a car manufacturer builds a car that is so outside of its normal range that the whole automotive world stops and stares at it. Such was the case with the Acura NSX. Beginning as early as 1984, Honda had Ferrari squarely in its sights as it prepared to enter he world supercar market. Their benchmark vehicles were the world-class Italian sports cars of the day, and Acura even commissioned Pininfarina to design the first prototypes, with direction that the car needed to be as fast as anything coming out of Italy or Germany, but with superior reliability and a lower price point.

1992 Acura NSX rear

Much like high-performance aircraft or racing hydroplanes, the NSX’s cab-forward design with the power plant behind the driver optimizes visibility and at the same time, allows a very low center of gravity, great weight distribution, and thus, impressive high-speed stability. Much of the technology was derived from Honda’s successful F1 Motorsports program, including the all-aluminum engine’s ability to gloriously rev to 8,000 RPMs.

1992 Acura NSX front hood

3.0 Liter DOHC Aluminum V-6 engine,
270 HP,
5-speed manual gearbox,
4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension,
99.6” wheelbase

1992 Acura NSX engine

The NSX was the first production car to feature an all-aluminum monocoque body, incorporating a revolutionary extruded aluminum alloy frame and suspension. The use of aluminum in the body alone saved nearly 440 lbs. in weight over the steel equivalent, while the aluminum suspension saved an additional 44 lbs. Other notable performance features include an independent 4-channel anti-lock disc brake system, titanium connecting rods in the engine to permit reliable high-rpm operation, an electric power steering system, and Honda’s proprietary VTEC variable valve timing system. Chassis and suspension input came from the top, with no less that Formula One Champion Ayrton Senna and Indy 500 Champion Bobby Rahal lending their considerable race car experience to create the ultimate handling road car.

1992 Acura NSX left door

The proof of their success came in several forms. With a recorded 0 – 60 time of 5.03 and a very quick 13.47 in the quarter mile, the NSX is undeniably world-class fast. Second, the NSX has proven to be one of the most reliable and easy to service supercars of all time, with many examples able to exceed 200,000 miles of active driving before major engine service is requited. Third, numerous industry awards followed, including the coveted Automobile of the Year from Automobile Magazine and rave performance reviews from Motor Trend after the NSX stood out above the 911s and Corvettes of the day on the track.