Quirk Database1960sGermanyNormal-looking, weird inside
Porsche 911 (classic)
The Porsche 911 (classic) is a rear-engined sports car made by Porsche in Germany from 1964 to 1989. Its weirdest quirk: The ignition is to the left of the steering wheel. The usual explanation is the old Le Mans running start: twist the key with your left hand while your right hand grabs first gear.
The air-cooled, rear-engined original that Porsche built from 1964 to 1989. Everything about it is a little backward, starting with where you put the key.
Weird features:Steering & ignition
Quick facts
- Maker: Porsche
- Years: 1964–1989
- Country of origin: Germany
- Body type: Rear-engined sports car
- Engine: Air-cooled flat-six, rear-mounted
- Weirdest quirk: The ignition is to the left of the steering wheel. The usual explanation is the old Le Mans running start: twist the key with your left hand while your right hand grabs first gear.
- Sold prices logged: 3 (latest: $41,200 at Bring a Trailer, Nov 3, 2026)
Sold prices
| Date | Venue | Car | Price | Mileage | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bring a Trailer | 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet | $41,200 | 178k mi shown | Result for 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet at Bring a Trailer ↗ | |
| Bring a Trailer | 1973 Porsche 911T Coupe 5-SpeedRefurbished and modified 2017–2020, per the listing | $143,000 | Under 100k mi shown | Result for 1973 Porsche 911T Coupe 5-Speed at Bring a Trailer ↗ | |
| Bring a Trailer | 1980 Porsche 911SC Targa (RoW) | $55,000 | 79k mi shown on replacement speedometer | Result for 1980 Porsche 911SC Targa (RoW) at Bring a Trailer ↗ |
Prices as published by each auction site, in the currency the car sold in. "TMU" means total mileage unknown.
Fact-check pit lane
Specs, dates and production figures on this page were checked against:
- Wikipedia: Porsche 911 (classic)
- 24 Hours of Le Mans: An unforgettable starting style
- Porsche Newsroom: 911 press kit, Interior
- Sold prices: each auction result linked in the table above