5 Reasons the Porsche 911 is Famous

The Porsche company, makers of the 911 convertible, did so well this year that they gave every single employee a check for 9,111€. The iconic Porsche 911 convertible is an integral piece of automobile history that most definitely helped propel Porsche to this epic win. Beginning production in the 1960s, the Porsche 911 has undergone many upgrades to improve performance without compromising the overall body style and spirit of the Porsche 911. Porsche constantly incorporated new features as technology advanced to maintain the 911’s status as a true luxury convertible. To celebrate the success of Porsche and the 911, we’ve put together a list of five reasons why the Porsche 911 is so famous.

Classic Body Shape

No matter which Porsche 911 model year you buy, you will still be getting virtually the same traditional body style as the original 911s. The body style has slightly changed over time, but Porsche decided long ago to not mess with a good thing. Adding racing stripes and aero parts can give any model year an upgraded look that’s hip and sporty. With these similarities in body style, many model year 911s have interchangeable parts that make it easier to find affordable replacements.

Affordability

Unbelievably, the Porsche 911 is a rather affordable luxury car with previously owned Porsche 911s boasting fantastic prices. While the 911 is extremely fun and reliable, previous designs flaws have made used 911s extremely affordable. For example, previously owned Porsche 996s (911s made between 1999 and 2004) have a flaw that can cause catastrophic engine failure. After thousands of miles, the internal lubricant of the intermediate shaft bearing will dry up causing the bearing to lock in place. While this may sound scary, the fix is relatively simple and affordable. Replacing the bearing with an aftermarket part eliminates the problem without major automotive surgery. This flaw is a fantastic negotiating point for buyers and incentive for sellers who do not want to take up the cost of replacing the bearing.  

Variety

There are over a dozen Porsche 911s from which to choose your favorite. These variants are diverse and powerful enough to please even the most particular drivers. No matter which model you choose, you’ll enjoy the roomy interior and classic timelessness for which the Porsche 911 is famous. Think about it, how many cars have options for both air and water-cooled engines?!

Loyal Previous Owners

Porsche owners are extremely loyal and dedicated, which ensures that the quality of previously owned Porsches will be extremely high. Rarely do you see a dusty or banged up Porsche 911. Owners typically take such good care of their 911s in the hopes of preserving the car’s value for the best possible resale price. This provides potential buyers with a wide selection of affordable 911s to choose from and allows them to shop around for the best possible deal.

Handling

The Porsche 911 is as famous for its handling as it is for its body shape. It’s unusual for car professionals to praise any sports car with a rear-engine design, but the Porsche 911 has been immune to such criticisms for years thanks to its unique design. The Porsche 911 has been able to remain at the top of the pack thanks to its amazing engine power, steering and control at high speeds.  

These are just a few of the reasons why you should consider a new or previously owned Porsche 911 convertible. The 911 is a versatile luxury sports car with a style that has survived decades of advancements, trends and fads. The result of Porsche’s dedication is an extremely loyal fan base and a spot in the hearts and minds of car enthusiasts the world over. What are your favorite features of the Porsche 911 convertible? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

Tips for Getting your Convertible Ready for Spring

Spring is fast approaching and you’ll soon be able to start driving your convertible again! Hopefully, you’ve properly stored your convertible for the harsh winter months. It’s now time to take it out of storage and perform the standard maintenance to ensure your convertible top is safe and functioning properly. The cold air can have a negative impact on your convertible soft top causing it to be less pliable and develop cracks when back in operation. With the proper care, your convertible soft top can last for years even with harsh weather conditions. We’ve put together the best tips for getting your convertible ready for spring weather.

Brush it off

Use a soft-bristle brush to remove any snow or debris from your convertible top. The brush will prevent any scratches or cuts from forming while you clean off the excess debris. Brushes with wire or hard bristles can scratch the fabric or material and can damage stitching or seams. Brushes with horsehair or soft synthetic bristles are the safest for convertible soft tops.

Wash Your Convertible

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it is important to give your convertible top a good washing to remove the more embedded dirt and grime that has been accumulating over the winter months. A soft-bristle brush or sponge and a quality car shampoo are perfect for getting in deep without damaging the material. Apply sufficient pressure to uproot tough stains without adding stress to the seams and fasteners. Rinse away all excess shampoo to reveal any remaining stains or discoloration and dry with a micro-fiber cloth or towel.

Polish or Wax your Convertible Top

Choose an approved convertible polish or wax to preserve and protect your convertible top. This will help restore the material to its original shine while infusing a protective coating that will repel rain and dirt while keeping your convertible top looking its best. Polish or wax should be applied generously and evenly to ensure the entire convertible top is protected. The polish will dry best if in a dry, open and covered area.

Visually Inspect your Convertible

This is one of the most important aspects of owning a convertible car (That’s why you’ve probably noticed this tip before!). You will need to perform visual inspections frequently to address and preempt any potential issues. Use a flashlight to check from the inside of the convertible passing over every corner and seam. Use your hands to check for loose stitching, cracks or frayed material, and any other inconsistencies in the way the fabric is reacting and settling. Raise and retract your convertible top several times while closely watching to identify any potential snags or pulling.

Listen to your Convertible

After a thorough cleaning and visual inspection, it’s time to listen to your car. If there is any damage to your convertible top not found to this point, driving and listening to your convertible may help identify those issues. If you hear unusual sounds including buzzing or flapping, you will need to do a further inspection to find and remedy those issues.  

Once you have completed all of these steps, it’s time to start enjoying the open road and wind in your hair. If your convertible top is beyond repair, make sure to check out our wide selection of convertible tops for all major makes and models. What are your best tips for prepping your convertible for spring? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

How to Survive Winter with a Convertible

So, your convertible has almost made it through the harsh winter months. Spring is right around the corner and there are a number of things you’ll need to do to ensure your convertible top survives the last leg of winter. We have put together a list of the most important steps to help you keep your convertible in peak shape.

Brush it Off

Hopefully, your convertible is in a covered garage or carport. If it isn’t, it’s important to continue to use a scratch-free brush to remove snow and debris as frequently as possible. If you haven’t been doing this all winter long, you should definitely get started now. Even if your car is not covered with snow, brushing will remove sticks, leaves and debris while loosening stubborn buildup without damaging the fabric.

Drive your Convertible

Even if it is too cold to drive with the top down, you’ll need to start cranking your car and take it for a drive. This will ensure that the battery stays charged, the fluids in the car have a chance to circulate and you are given the opportunity to identify any issues before the driving season begins. Drive the car without the stereo playing and listen carefully to how the car is performing. It will take several minutes for your convertible to warm up, so take a lengthy drive and enjoy!

Wash & Condition

Thoroughly wash and dry your convertible top before applying any type of protectant coating to keep stains or debris from permanently sticking to the material. Removing the dirt, snow and grime that has built up over time is essential to preserving both vinyl and canvas convertible tops. Applying a protectant coating will not only help extend the life of your convertible top, it will help restore the original shine and seal the tiny cracks that can eventually turn into big ones. Periodically washing your convertible and applying an approved protectant is the best way to prevent premature cracking and discoloration brought on by the elements.

Visual Inspection

Now that you’ve listened to, cleaned and washed your convertible, it’s time to do a thorough visual inspection. Use a flashlight and slowly inspect every inch of the inside (and outside) including all tension cables, latches and seams. If anything appears to be compromised, consider replacing or repairing before you have an equipment failure or leak. In many instances, a new pair of cables or a little preventive maintenance can go a long way.

These steps must be performed periodically to keep your convertible top looking its best. While we make convertible top replacement extremely fast and affordable, that doesn’t mean your current top doesn’t deserve some tender loving care. Tell us your favorite tips for keeping your convertible top in shape. We’d love to hear from you!