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1966 Porsche 911 2.0L “Short Wheelbase” (SWB)
1966 Porsche 911 2.0L “Short Wheelbase” (SWB)
The 1966 Porsche 911 2.0L is far more than just a car; it is the genesis of a legend. Known to purists as the “SWB” (Short Wheelbase), it represents the very first generation of the 911—the car tasked with the monumental challenge of succeeding the 356. Produced before the wheelbase was lengthened in 1968, it showcases the original design by Ferdinand Alexander “Butzi” Porsche in its purest, most delicate form.
This model marks the dawn of the flat-six era, laying the technical and stylistic foundations that still define the Stuttgart brand’s identity sixty years later.
Caractéristiques du véhicule
Marque
Porsche
Modèle
911 2.0L "Short Wheelbase"
Année
1966
Numéro du chassis
NA
Date 1ère immatriculation
NA
immatriculation
NAOptions / Historique / Observations
Beneath the rear decklid, this 911 houses a budding legend: the famous 2.0-liter air-cooled “Flat-6.” Fed by carburetors (often Weber units on 1966 models, replacing the original Solex), this engine produces 130 horsepower and delivers an unmistakable metallic soundtrack. Mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox (frequently featuring the “dog-leg” first gear configuration), it propels the car from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 8.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 210 km/h. The primary technical hallmark is its short wheelbase ($2,211 \text{ mm}$), which grants the car exceptional agility and a lively, oversteering temperament. It requires true driver skill, which is exactly where its driving charm lies.
Aesthetically, the 1966 911 is a masterpiece of restraint. It is distinguished by its slim chrome bumpers with overriders, chrome horn grilles, and vertical headlights. The absence of flared fenders and the slender roof pillars emphasize the purity of the original silhouette. It typically sits on 15-inch slotted steel wheels with chrome hubcaps, though the iconic Fuchs wheels began appearing as options or on “S” versions shortly thereafter.
The interior exudes the functional luxury of the 1960s: the dashboard is adorned with a genuine wood trim (teak or mahogany) and features, for the first time, the five round green-faced gauges with the tachometer taking center stage. The large, thin-rimmed steering wheel—made of ebonite or wood—and seats often upholstered in “Pepita” (houndstooth) fabric complete this refined vintage atmosphere.
The 1966 Porsche 911 2.0L “Short Wheelbase” is more than a classic sports car: it is a piece of history, the gold standard of the “Neunelfer.” By offering a raw, unassisted driving experience directly connected to the road, it remains the Holy Grail for collectors seeking to own the original DNA of the world’s most famous sports car.
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