Advertisement
BBC TopGear
BBC TopGear
We're changing how you comment on TopGear.com
Find out more
Classic

Video: watch a classic 911 drift around the ‘Ring

A Group B Porsche 911 around a snowy Nürburgring is essential viewing. Turn it up

Published: 02 Feb 2016

We recently drove the Lamborghini Huracán Spyder and noted how not all modern supercars require a turbo to be excellent. Here’s five minutes of proof that old supercars don’t need them either.

It’s footage of a 1980s Porsche 911 SC RS sliding merrily around a snow-filled Nürburgring. A place not exactly famed for its generous run-off areas and friendly, approachable limits, you'll be aware.

Advertisement - Page continues below

Thankfully, this is the GP circuit of the 'Ring. So, with gleeful abandon, driver Patrick Simon clambers in the Rothmans Porsche 911 SC RS – replete with that rather lovely, 3.0-litre naturally aspirated motor – and heads out onto a snowy, empty racetrack.

Cue lots of excellent drifting and a classic soundtrack. The SC RS, don’t forget, was Porsche’s 290bhp rally car prepped by Prodrive to compete in Group B. In 1984, it was good enough to win seven major rallies.

Being a rally car, a number of road-going cars had to be produced. These street cars used a 3.0-litre engine kicking out 255bhp, weighed in at just 960kg (based on the Turbo chassis), and could hit 60mph in just 4.9 seconds. 153mph was possible. Where applicable, of course.

Enough history, though. You want a classic Porsche going sideways at one of the world’s most fearsome circuits? In the snow? You got it. Hit the play button above.

Advertisement - Page continues below

Top Gear
Newsletter

Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.

More from Top Gear

Loading
See more on Porsche

Subscribe to the Top Gear Newsletter

Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.

By clicking subscribe, you agree to receive news, promotions and offers by email from Top Gear and BBC Studios. Your information will be used in accordance with our privacy policy.

BBC TopGear

Try BBC Top Gear Magazine

subscribe