Porsche celebrates 50 years

For five decades, the 911 has been at the heart of the Porsche brand. Few other automobiles in the world can look back on such a long tradition and such continuity as the Porsche 911.

It has been inspiring car enthusiasts the world over since its debut as the model 901 at the IAA International Automotive Show in Frankfurt in September 1963.

Today, it's considered the quintessential sports car, the benchmark for all others. From the Cayenne to the Panamera, every Porsché carries a piece of the 911 philosophy.

Over 820,000 Porsche 911s have been built, making it the most successful sports car in the world. Its air-cooled, six-cylinder 'boxer' engine delivered 128hp giving an impressive top speed of 131mph.

Pictured above is the 1964 prototype 911 Type T8. Also pictured (left) is the Porsche Type 997 911 Carrera S 2005.