Description
Patrick Paternie and Peter Bodensteiner, Softbound, 208 Pages, ISBN: 9780760347607, 3rd Revised & Updated Edition, 2015 (Earlier done 1998 and 2004)
- Specifications, Options, Production Numbers, Data Codes and more
Porsche 911 Red Book is designed to be a portable history and reference manual of the Porsche 911 from pre-production prototypes to 2014 production models. It is not intended to replace any of the excellent detailed history books that have been written about the 911 but to be a quick and handy way to study and evaluate the originality and authenticity of a particular car, especially if it is being considered for purchase. The book uses chassis and engine serial numbers to trace the 911's year-by-year production history along with color charts, interior appointments, options, and customer racing versions. Factory reference codes for engines and transmissions are also provided to assist in identifying any "parts swapping" that may have been done.
The book is divided into sections that group model years by production similarities. These sections represent major developmental changes in the 911's history, which are explained at the beginning of each section.
When inspecting a car, the chassis serial number, or VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). is the primary way to determine the correct year and model. On 1970 and newer 911s built for the United States, the VIN will appear on the driver's-side windshield post as well as on tags mounted to the door jamb and inside the trunk. Cars built before 1969 will have the chassis number located only inside the trunk.
Please note that Porsche has used several chassis serial numbering systems through the years. Numbers or letters were added to depict differences in engine type, body style, safety equipment, or the vehicle's intended country or market. In 1981, automakers around the world, including Porsche. adopted a 17-character system that is still in use today. Refer to the notes below each year's production chart for the explanation of the serial number code for that year.
Because emissions, noise, and/or safety laws have varied between countries at times. Porsche has built cars that are specific to meeting those laws. This has been particularly the case for cars delivered to the United States and Canada. Cars not identified for a specific country are referred to as "Rest of the World" (RoW) models. The VIN will differentiate RoW models from US cars, providing a means of identifying "gray market" imports or cars that may not meet US laws. Purchasing one of these cars could lead to problems in terms of registration, insurability, and/or warranty claims.
Once a car's year and model have been determined to be correct using the VIN, check to see that the engine serial number falls within the proper range of numbers for that given year and model.
While every effort has been made to provide information that is as accurate and as detailed as possible given the scope of this book, not all information for every year was available. This was especially the case with optional equipment. Through the years, optional equipment in some countries was included as standard equipment in other countries. To obtain information for a specific car, it is recommended that Porsche be contacted directly. Other investigative means to determine authenticity should also be used, especially when purchasing rare or racing models. The Porsche Club of America should be able to provide referrals to experts regarding various models of the 911.
The author assumes no responsibility for any loss arising from the use of this book. Readers who have corrections or interesting additions should feel free to contact the author in care of Quarto Publishing Group USA.
