Porsche 911
which you haven’t heard about until now
Could you list all the models of Porsche? Many petrolheads, especially Porsche fans, could do it without even a blink of an eye. But have you ever heard anything about the Porsche 911 HLS?
Let me introduce you to the car which manufacturing started back in 1964. But for some reason, not only the Porsche but also the students at the University of Aachen who developed the car, have been forgotten.
The seventies were a success for Porsche. On the race tracks, Porsche bolides regularly won prizes. On roads, Porsche 911 increased attention not only in Europe but also outside, especially in Japan and the US.
Porsche execs with all the aces in their hands were able to take a holiday and not worry about the future of the Porsche brand. Well at least for two weeks. But Germans are Germans and after one finished project, they were eager to start the next one.
In February 1966, Porsche execs decided to create a new version of the 911. But instead of regular car development procedure Germans chose to work with students from the University of Aachen who, with enormous enthusiasm, agreed to be a part of this unique project.
The car’s sketches, miniature model, and structural solutions were the result of students, not Porsche itself. Lads from the University of Aachen were meeting Porsche executives at least weekly and updated them on how is it going to create a Porsche 911 HLS.
Students made body parts from aluminum, taking into account the philosophy of the Porsche brand. This decision enabled to reduce the weight of the vehicle and achieve a decent weight distribution between the axles.
In addition to its appearance, the 911 HLS differed from other 911 models with open-up doors or rather – a roof. Students decided to get rid of the regular doors which were considered too heavy back then. This unconventional solution has made it possible to save tens of kilograms.
The car was completed in a record short period. But students who spent numerous nights at the project were very disappointed as the final product was not of interest to any of Porsche board members. For this reason Porsche 911 HLS had to accept the idea that it will spend the rest of its life in a closed garage.
As you see, the car that has been abandoned in the garage for many years is in a very poor state. 911HLS needs a full restoration, but people who have found this unique piece of student’s work say that the current owner of Porsche doesn’t want to sell it. And doesn’t even want to negotiate. What a pity. Worldwide there would certainly be at least one enthusiast who would love to resurrect this distinctive Porsche model from ashes.