To say it right away: the shown engine is really one of the first, those on the two other pictures are newer ones. One should take a closer look at the 1963 engine to be able to appreciate its technical features particularly in the light of that time.

In 1959, who did honestly think of applying eight crankshaft bearings to a six-cylinder boxer engine or to completely suck off the engine oil and supply it to a separate container? On the other hand, Porsche has always concentrated on oil since it is the most important regulation possibility for temperature household in an air-cooled engine.

Also the use of magnesium for the crankcase must be mentioned, even though this practise was already used for the Beetle. The weight problems of a vehicle with such a powerhouse in the rear are rather substantial, particularly since suspension is still far away from today`s standards.

The specific features of the chosen materials will always be with this engine. The first cylinders are made from cast iron. Then for 911 S only aluminium-coated cast iron sockets are applied, a procedure which is partially used even today. Lateron they use certain procedures for coating and corrosion, for the results see picture 3.

Did you know that at this time there is another option, a six-cylinder boxer engine with two camshafts below, one above and one below the crankshaft? Thank God it was too noisy and you saw the other disadvantages. For if the boxer engine no longer needs to be modeled on that of the Beetle, the overhead camshafts have in addition to the known the extra benefits that the engine and so the center of gravity may lie deeper.

Certainly not every idea is to improve the various Porsche products from Ferry Porsche himself, but it is his credit, that he has successfully prevented some wild growth and that as long as he has the decisive influence the course, seen today, be made whole right, perhaps not without involvement of his sister in Salzburg. 12/09