Total 911’s five favourite Porsche 911 decklid designs of all time
The rear end of a Porsche 911 is one of the automotive world’s greatest views. However, it is not just the flared hips that make the angle so appealing; the sloping back of each Neunelfer also plays its part.
Whether its kitted out with an imposing wing or left plain and simple in flatback configuration, the decklid is an intrinsic part of the Porsche 911’s charming character. In no particular order, here are our five favourite designs from across the Neunelfer’s 53-year history:
Porsche 911 2.4S
Made famous on the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS, it was actually the E Series Porsche 911s of 1972 that began the short-lived tradition of engine capacity badges on the decklid.
The grill itself also switched from chrome to a black anodised finish for the 2.4-litre generation of Neunelfers, while the centralised model designation and spaced-out ‘PORSCHE’ badging used on previous iterations remained to create an iconic decklid style.
Porsche 991 50 Year Anniversary
After over a decade of predominantly plastic grills and vents (you’ll note there are no 996 or 997 generation cars on this list), the 50th Anniversary Edition Porsche 991 saw a return of genuine brightwork.
Not only was the decklid grill chromed though, the design itself was reworked with thinner horizontal slates to provide a more retro aesthetic befitting the Porsche 911’s golden anniversary.
Porsche 993 GT2
The huge wing obviously dominates the Porsche 993 GT2’s decklid but, as well as that spectacular spoiler, there are a number of other interesting details, such as the large horizontal openings in the grill itself, helping to feed the Widowmaker’s massive intercooler.
As would become de rigueur on later, water-cooled GT cars, the 993 GT2’s decklid also features a small ducktail-style flick underneath the main plane of the wing. But, the reality is, it’s all about those side air intakes…
Porsche 901
Produced for just one year – 1964 – after Peugeot protested the naming style, the Porsche 901’s decklid features a number of unique touches not seen on later short-wheelbase 911s.
The gold ‘PORSCHE’ running along the lower edge is a two-part badge (as opposed to the separate letters of later designs) while the grill is 20mm deep. Taken from a 356, it sits proud of the recessed air intake while the later 15mm grills provided a flush fit.
Porsche 964 Carrera 4 Lightweight
The whaletail is a cool wing, even more so in motorsport guise where it isn’t protected by the rubber strip necessary to satisfy pedestrian safety laws. However, it’s what’s not there that makes the Porsche 964 Carrera 4 Lightweight’s deck lid so cool.
There is no badging whatsoever, not even in sticker form, on the fibreglass panel. Jürgen Barth’s rally-ready creation is unswerving in its dedication to the Leichtbau mantra.
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