New Study By Market Research Institute J.D. Power

Stuttgart. The Porsche 911 reaffirms its top quality: according to the latest “Initial Quality Study” by the renowned American market research institute J.D. Power, the internationally much in demand sports car from Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is the best vehicle of a European manufacturer.

Based on detailed surveys of more than 73,000 car buyers, the Initial Quality Study examined the level of satisfaction with vehicle quality in the first three months after delivery of a new car. A total of 234 car models (model year: 2011) were evaluated according to 228 criteria. They included entirely different categories – for example “driving experience” or “engine and transmission”. The second-best European car after the Porsche 911 was the Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo, which has been produced at the state-of-the-art plant in Leipzig since 2009.

“Increasing complexity in automotive technology and rising customer demands concerning premium vehicles represent a great challenge. Porsche is not only tackling this challenge, it is also continuously setting new standards in this respect”, says Stefan Knirsch, Head of Corporate Quality at the sports car manufacturer.

International Experts’ Conference At Leipzig Plant Deliberates On Future Programs

Stuttgart/Leipzig. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is girding itself for tomorrow’s challenges with a forward-looking quality strategy. The growth in vehicle production, an increasingly diverse model range and technical complexity, innovative drive concepts and discerning customers’ individual expectations of premium sports cars require the continuous development of all quality criteria. That is the goal of the international quality conference for which 150 experts from the sports car manufacturer’s development, production, purchasing and worldwide sales areas are meeting at Porsche’s ultramodern Leipzig plant.

“The degree of transparency of our customised lean production processes is one of the primary guarantors of our sporty vehicles’ extraordinary product quality”, said Wolfgang Leimgruber, Porsche AG Board of Management Member for Production and Logistics. Porsche production methods are constantly being refined within a continuous improvement process, collectively by all employees. They are held up as an example in expert circles worldwide – and are even transferable to totally different industries. Mr Leimgruber said: “The highly efficient Porsche principle gives us the flexibility to deliver on our customers’ many and varied individual equipment preferences while at the same time not merely maintaining quality levels but enhancing them. This cannot be taken for granted in the industry.”

The Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer does however depend on reliable partners. “The only way in which we can reliably achieve our objectives is if we and our suppliers adhere to the same jointly determined rigorous principles. That is why we believe in long-term partners we can cultivate and develop close ties with. At the end of the day quality does not stop at the factory gate”, explains Mr Leimgruber.

Dr. Stefan Knirsch, Director of the Corporate Quality department is pursuing a holistic approach with his strategy: “For us a perfect and fascinating product goes without saying. But that is far from being the whole story. Of all people, customers who purchase a high value vehicle expect premium quality in all aspects. Only if each customer care experience is perfect; before, during and very long after purchase as well, can brand quality achieve its full credibility.”

This is why Knirsch rigorously ties all parts of the company into a quality concept with uniform standards and objectives. He does though value individual solutions when it comes to delivery: “We engage with our customers’ different cultural needs with an empathy that rivals the precision with which, for example, we tailor our sports cars to extreme climatic differences in our more than 110 markets around the world. That too is quality.”

Success Story: 15 Years Of The Boxster Model Line

Stuttgart. A nice round number to celebrate the birthday: Almost exactly 15 years to the month after production began, the Porsche Boxster together with its sister model, the Cayman, exceeded the 300,000 mark for the number of vehicles built. Together with its timeless attractiveness, this two-seater, mid-engine car from the Dr. Ing. h.c.H. Porsche AG, Stuttgart has what it takes to make yet another sports car icon. As an anniversary model, a Boxster Spyder with Platinum Silver metallic finish and Carrera red natural leather interior trim rolled off the Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen production line in June, destined for a German customer.

There are solid reasons for this long-standing success: The Boxster and Cayman are continuously developed based on a rigorous mid-engine concept and are therefore deemed to this day to set the standard for sports cars of their class. In the important export market that is the United States, this is the tenth year already that they have been ranked among the “10 Best” vehicles and occupy second and third places in Germany as the vehicles that hold their value the best, hot on the heels of the 911.

The Boxster’s origins testify to the typical Porsche blend of capability, courage and farsightedness. In economically straitened times the company decided to go onto the offensive and unveiled a concept car for a classic mid-engine roadster at the 1993 Detroit Motor Show. In its design language, the show car was reminiscent of the 356 »No. 1« and the 550 Spyder. The overwhelming public response clinched the decision to proceed to series production of the Boxster, which began in the summer of 1996.

Dynamic lines, outstanding performance and an attractive price quickly catapulted the mid-engine sports car into the bestseller list while attracting new customer circles to Porsche. To put the successful concept on a broader basis, Porsche also developed a Coupé based on the open-topped, two-seater platform, that made its world debut at the 2005 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show as the Cayman. The enormous demand resulted in the Boxster and Cayman being built at Valmet Automotive in Finland in addition to Zuffenhausen.

The model range currently comprises the four open-topped variants, the Boxster, Boxster S, Boxster S Black Edition and Boxster Spyder. These are complemented by the Cayman, Cayman S, Cayman S Black Edition and Cayman R Coupés. The engine variants for the two model lines range between 255 hp (~ 188 kW) and 330 hp (~ 243 kW); thanks to Porsche Intelligent Performance fuel consumption is between 9.4 l/100 km (~ 30 mpg imp.) and 9.8 l/100 km (~ 29 mpg imp.).

Strong Demand For Cayenne And Panamera

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart again delivered significantly more cars to customers worldwide in June 2011. Deliveries increased by 29.5% compared with the same month the year before to reach 10,677 vehicles. The sports car manufacturer delivered a total of 60,659 new vehicles in the first half of the year, 36.8% more than from January to June the year before.

Bernhard Maier, Porsche AG Board of Management Member for Sales and Marketing, signalled his satisfaction with developments: “We managed to increase our deliveries significantly again in June. This is accompanied by better-than-expected sales figures. The significant increase in new vehicle orders, especially for our front-engined sports cars, Cayenne and Panamera, also gives grounds for anticipating good sales figures in the coming months.

In June 2011 Porsche managed to grow in almost every region worldwide. The response from Chinese customers was again especially strong: Deliveries more than quadrupled to 2,423 compared with the same month the year before. The most successful model apart from the Cayenne off-road vehicle was the Panamera. With 2,546 vehicles Porsche announced growth of 18.9% for the US market in June 2011. In the domestic German market, the sports car manufacturer delivered 1,344 vehicles in June, broadly in line with the same month the year before. The diesel version of the Cayenne was especially popular. On the other hand were weaker sales in a number of European markets such as Great Britain, the Netherlands or Austria that translated into a 6.5% Europe-wide decline in customer deliveries in June. Conversely, the Russian market showed a significant increase last month with 63.6% to reach 216 vehicles.

The Cayenne again enjoyed especially strong demand. In June alone the sports car manufacturer sold 4,994 of the sporty off-road vehicles, 69.2% more than in the same month the year before. First half-year deliveries almost doubled to 30,055 compared with the same period the previous year. This included more than 2,000 Cayenne S Hybrid, making Porsche the global market leader for hybrid off-road vehicles. In June the Zuffenhausen company sold 2,318 Panameras, 14.1% more of the sporty sedans than in the same month the year before. The sports car model lines also slightly exceeded their previous year’s level in the reporting month. 2,015 vehicles of the 911 model line were delivered – up 1%. With 1,350 vehicles delivered, the Boxster model line, which also includes the Cayman, posted growth of 6.5%compared with the same month the year before.

Cayenne Especially Popular With Customers

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, increased their customer deliveries in May 2011. With 11,679 vehicles, deliveries were 67.5 per cent higher than in May 2010. Looking back over the first five months of fiscal year 2011 a total of 49,982 vehicles were sold, an increase of 38.4 per cent over the previous year. During this period, demand for the Cayenne was particularly high: from January to May 2011 25,061 Porsche SUVs were delivered to customers. This is more than double compared to the previous year.

Bernhard Maier, Board Member Sales and Marketing of Porsche AG saw this development as a clear signal: “With these very good results in May, we have achieved great monthly results for new orders and deliveries for the twelfth consecutive time. As of this past May, current sales in all regions and of all model lines exceed our expectations. This speaks for a highly motivated global sales organization, which, with the implementation of various measures for process optimization in recent months, combined with our emotional products, is enjoying success on a broad front.”

All Porsche markets world-wide were able to achieve growth in May 2011. Particularly Chinese customers responded strongly: compared to the same month last year deliveries tripled to 2,380 units. In North America (U.S. and Canada) Porsche reported an increase of 51.3 per cent in May 2011 with the delivery of precisely 3,126 vehicles. Europe also followed the positive delivery trend, with 4,054 units sold (+ 29.5 per cent) compared to May 2010. In its domestic market, Germany, the sports car manufacturer delivered 1,545 vehicles, a growth of 23.3 per cent compared to the same month last year.

The most successful model line in May 2011 was the Cayenne with 5,886 vehicles sold, more than a three-fold increase compared to the same month last year. The Panamera made a significant contribution to the successful performance with deliveries of 2,301 units, an increase of 27.8 per cent. The sports car model lines slightly surpassed the previous year’s level: 2,101 units of the 911 model line were delivered – an increase of 3.1 per cent. With 1,391 units, the Boxster model line, including the Cayman, posted a slight increase of 2.1 per cent compared to the same month last year. Of these, 835 vehicles were accounted for by the Boxster and 556 units by the Cayman.

Bob Campbell is very passionate about the Porsche 356.

Since 1964, Bob has been involved with the service, repair and restoration of the Porsche 356 Series. He considers himself very fortunate to have turned his passion and hobby into a rewarding career. The 356 Porsche is the ONLY vehicle he works with and he offers many services specific to these cars.

Here at PML, we love the Porsche 356.  They are neat, well engineered cars and will provide years of driving enjoyment – especially on twisty two lane roads at a brisk pace!

Pictured below are only a few of the fine Porsche 356s Bob has available.

For further information on these cars below, please call Bob direct: 661.251.3500 or shoot him an email: bob@356services.com.

1956 356 A Sunroof Coupe T-1: Chassis # 57394, Stock # D-118, 1957 (late) Engine #P66149, Exterior Color: White, Interior: Color Red. Offered at $47,500 USD

1964 356 C Coupe: Stock # S-134 Chassis #215773, Engine #P 710852, Exterior Color: Slate Grey, Interior: Brown Vinyl w/Tan carpets. Offered at $42,500 USD

1965 356 C Coupe: Stock #S-138, Chassis #221005, Original Engine #716253 616/15, Exterior Color: Black, Interior: Red Leather w/ Red carpets. Offered at $47,500 USD

1964 356 C Coupe: Stock # S-135, Chassis #216907, Engine #P 712102, Exterior Color: White, Interior: Red Vinyl w/Red carpets. Offered at $42,500 USD

To be sold at auction in Monterey…

• RM Auctions consigns the “King of Cool’s” 1970 Porsche 911S to its annual Monterey sale, August 19-20, 2011 in California
• The Porsche, as driven by Steve McQueen, stars in the legendary opening sequence of the epic film “Le Mans”
• Car to be displayed at this weekend’s celebrated Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and RM Amelia Island sale in Northeast Florida

AMELIA ISLAND, Florida (March 10, 2011) – Calling all Steve McQueen fans! RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house, will lift the gavel on the fabulous, Slate Grey 1970 Porsche 911S formerly owned by the “King of Cool” Steve McQueen. This very car was featured in his epic Hollywood film “Le Mans”. This highly-anticipated sale takes place in Monterey, California, August 18 – 20, 2011.

Built to the highest 1970 specification, complete with air conditioning and a full complement of factory options, the Slate Grey 911S stars in the film’s legendary opening sequence as McQueen’s character, hotshot Porsche driver, Michael Delaney, drives through the French countryside, reflecting on life, death, and racing.

In addition to its starring role in the film, the Porsche 911S was used as McQueen’s personal transport during the movie’s production, later joining his own stable of extraordinary motor cars in California – a collection that over the years included everything from a Jaguar XK-SS, multiple Ferraris, Porsches, airplanes, motorcycles and everything in between.

Today, the 911S is presented in exceptionally original condition, and is offered from the collection of one of America’s foremost Porsche aficionados. In advance of its auction in August, it will be displayed at this weekend’s world-renowned Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and RM Amelia Island sale, March 10 – 13 in Northeast Florida.

“There is no more iconic racing film than “Le Mans” and no more charismatic owner of many of the world’s great sports cars than Steve McQueen,” says Rob Myers, Chairman and Founder, RM Auctions. “We are delighted to have been selected to present this iconic car at our upcoming Monterey sale. Combining a well-documented history with an exciting celebrity and screen provenance, it will make for a valuable addition to any notable car collection.”

Returning to the Monterey Peninsula, August 19 – 20, 2011, RM’s Monterey sale was the first and original auction held during the now famous Monterey Classic Car Week. Over the past two decades, the event has carved a reputation for bringing together the world’s finest automobiles with its most discerning collectors. The 2011 event is set to continue the grand tradition, featuring approximately 175 investment-quality motor cars. For further information on RM’s Monterey sale, please visit www.rmauctions.com, or call a RM Car Specialist at +1 519 352 4575 (North America) or +44 20 7851 7070 (Europe) to discuss limited consignment opportunities.

All Photos by Darin Schnabel: Courtesy RM Auctions

Editors’ Note: Here at PML we had the pleasure of viewing this car at a charity event known as “The Friends Of Steve McQueen Car Show“.  This is an annual fund raiser for the Boys Republic of Chino Hills, California (of which McQueen was an alumnus).  It’s a beautiful car, and everything they say it is.  Please note however that the passenger side windshield wiper is improperly positioned – we’re going to assume it’s just loose.  On 911s, both wipers should lay flat in front of the driver when at rest.  Prospective bidders should not worry about this – it’s a real simple, 5 minute adjustment with hand tools.  In fact, we’re surprised this got past everybody during the photo shoot!

And yes, we intend to be at this sale – watching this piece of modern cultural history go across the block…see you there!

This looks like an amazing example of an un-restored 1979 Porsche 930 Turbo. This 930 is a very rare color combination of Copper Brown Metallic with two tone Tan/Chocolate Brown leather.

This came to our attention courtesy of a collector friend of PML.  We have not seen this car in the metal, so you “now know what we know”. The current owner is a very knowledgeable (and pretty picky) Porsche Collector with an affinity for the early 930s. The owner told us he’d be more than happy to change out that over-sized Porsche badge currently on the steering wheel in favor of a smaller, properly-sized version.  He will also remove the UNGO alarm system that’s currently in the car.  Remember UNGO alarms? We remember them as being real effective – what usually happened is you’d turn the alarm on after parking the car, only to return to a real dead battery.

Enjoy these neat photos.

Car is in Baltimore. For further information please call Charles “Chuck” Goldsborough: 443.253.2715

Details:

• Two owner
• Original Paint
• Original windshield
• Options; Sport seats, two-tone leather, supple leather, Sunroof
• 30k miles
• No accidents
• Pre-purchase inspection on Feb.1.2011
• All original except for exhaust and radio
• Car has brand new tires and runs beautifully
• This is a great example of an unmolested ‘79 Turbo in a fabulous color combo

Larger (High Rez) photos are available.

The 930 was produced between 1975 and 1989. It was Porsche’s flagship 911, and at the time of its introduction the fastest production car available in Germany.

The 930 proved very fast but also very demanding. The normally-aspirated 911 was already prone to oversteer because of its rear engine layout and short wheelbase. Adding the turbo engine – with it’s not insignificant turbo lag – meant driving the car required more skill to drive at the edge of its now higher level of performance. Despite the rear engine layouts’ advantage of providing superior traction, sudden bursts of power to the rear wheels in mid-corner could turn the car into an expensive weed wacker. This effect was amplified when an unexperienced driver instinctively lifts the throttle in reaction. The 930 needs to be kept at high revs during spirited driving to minimise the turbo lag. Skilled drivers quickly learn how to drive the 930 properly, and with that knowledge comes the ability to drive the car above and beyond the levels of most other sports cars.

If you’re looking for something a little more challenging than a “normal” 911, you owe it to yourself to consider a 930.  We’re pleased to present three outstanding examples of the later-production 930 from three very well-known Porsche dealers: AIC Auto of Pennsylvania, Autokennel of California, and Truspeed Motorcars of California.

From AIC Auto: A 1988 930 Turbo Cabriolet In Grand Prix White Over Beige Leather

From AIC Auto: The Sports Seats In The GP White 930 Turbo Cabriolet

Since 1978, John Witmer, has been selling new and pre-owned Porsches.  John founded AIC (Automotive Investment Counseling) in 1989 and continues to help his customers in the acquisition of their dream cars. Today, AIC Auto Sales Inc. operates in a hand-hewn log building nestled in the woods of Southern Lancaster County Pennsylvania, right next to his home, where all vehicles are stored indoors in a climate controlled garage. John presents this gorgeous 1988 Turbo Cabriolet (pictured above), with 48k Miles on it. John is asking $47,500 for this incredible car, fitted with the rare sports seats.

From Autokennel: A 1986 930 Coupe Finished In Guards' Red Over Black Leather

From Autokennel: The Black Leather Interior Of The '86 930 Turbo Coupe

Paul and Ed Kramer developed AutoKennel as a second home for cool cars of all kinds and for those who enjoy them. Autokennel is a friendly, clubhouse style environment in which to hang out and enjoy some nice cars and conversation with like-minded enthusiasts. Paul & Ed are licensed California automotive dealers providing competitive and affordable sales and brokerage/consignment services. The Kramers are very passionate (almost fanatical) enthusiasts who truly enjoy being around cars and people. Paul & Ed are proud to offer this pristine, two-owner 1986 930 Turbo Coupe (pictured above) finished in Guards’ Red over Black Leather. It has 53k miles on the odometer and is a well optioned car, ready for the 3rd owner.  The Kramers are asking $44,990 for this great example.

From Truspeed: A 1988 930 Turbo Cabriolet Finished In Guards' Red Over Black Leather

From Truspeed: The Black Leather Interior Of The '88 930 Turbo Cabriolet

Founded in January of 2001 by Rob Morgan, TruSpeed is best known for having a great inventory of air-cooled Porsches. TruSpeed has delivered cars to more than 4,000 customers worldwide. TruSpeed offers only the best pre-owned Porsches to customers who are passionate about what they own and what they drive. Their success is attributed to its’ highly knowledgeable, passionate team of Porsche enthusiasts. Today, Truspeed proudly offers this outstanding 1988 930 Turbo Cabriolet, (pictured above) finished in Guards’ Red over Black Leather, with only 37k miles on the odometer. It is very well optioned, along with a fresh new top. Truspeed is asking $49,900 for this fine example.

Happy 2011!

The 964 Turbo platform is the final iteration of the classic 930 2wd Turbo Coupe. Porsche introduced the 964 Turbo model in March, 1990 as the successor to the 930. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough time to develop a turbocharged version of the newly developed 3.6 litre M64 engine. As a result, Porsche elected to re-use the 3.3 litre engine from the 930, with several minor revisions that made the engine smoother, less prone to turbo lag, and more powerful, with a total output of 320 PS (240 kW; 320 hp) @ 5750 rpm. A total of 3,660 of the  3.3 litre 964 Turbos were built. Porsche eventually released the 3.6 litre version in ‘93, building 1437 examples – making the 3.6 litre car a seriously rare animal and tough to find.

Here at PML, we’re proud to present three outstanding examples of the awesome 3.3 litre 964 Turbo – available now from two well-known Porsche Dealers: AIC Autos of Pennsylvania, and  Sloan Cars of Connecticut.

From AIC Auto: A Beautiful 1991 964 Turbo Coupe In Turquoise With Grey Leather

From AIC Auto: The Grey Leather Interior With the Hard-To-Find Sport Seats!

Since 1978, John Witmer, has been selling new and pre-owned Porsches.  John founded AIC (Automotive Investment Counseling) in 1989 and continues to help his customers in the acquisition of their dream cars. Today, AIC Auto Sales Inc. operates in a hand-hewn log building nestled in the woods of Southern Lancaster County Pennsylvania, right next to his home, where all vehicles are stored indoors in a climate controlled garage. John presents this gorgeous 1991 964 Turbo Coupe (pictured above), with 65k Miles on it. John is asking $47,500 for this incredible car, fitted with the rare sports seats.

From Sloan Cars: A '91 964 Turbo In Guards' Red Over Black Leather

From Sloan Cars: The Black Full Leather Interior Of The Guards' Red '91 964 Turbo Coupe

Richard Sloan collects all original, low-mileage Porsches and has done so since 1976. Today, Sloan Cars is recognized the world over by collectors and Porsche aficionados as one of the few resources for truly rare and hard to find Porsches. Today, he operates from a stunning and state of the art 12,000 sq. ft. warehouse in New Haven, Connecticut. He offers this pristine Guards’ Red over Black Leather 1991 964 Turbo Coupe (pictured above). A two owner car with only 32k miles covered, Richard is asking $53,900. Richard is also offering this Grand Prix White over Light Grey Leather ‘91 964 Turbo Coupe (pictured below).  This is another two owner car that has covered 36k miles and shows nicely. He is asking $53,900 for this example as well.

From Sloan Cars: A '91 964 Turbo Coupe In Grand Prix White Over Light Grey Leather

From Sloan Cars: The Light Grey Leather Interior - With Sports Seats - Of The GP White '91