Porsches You Have To Drive

When the slogan says there is no substitute, it means there is no substitute outside the family

by Jim Schrager

You can’t understand the Porsche gestalt without driving the cars. Looking at pictures and reading stories is a great way to prepare yourself, but true enlightenment only comes to those who drink the Kool-Aid.

As my way of celebrating SCM’s 20th anniversary, here’s my list of 20 cars that will speak to you when you drive them and whisper (or, in some cases, shout) the inside story of a marque built around exceptional performance.

Prices can vary widely, and should be adjusted for condition, provenance, and numerous other factors.

Here they are, in chronological order:

1. 1950–53 Pre-A 356 Coupe Price range: $125,000–$160,000 Number made: 1,700 approx. The first production Porsches will surprise you by how old and fragile they feel. Most Porsches, even 40-year-old ones, have a modern feel about them. But not these,...