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I read a post recently that I think sums this topic up the best... it's only 911 people that even notice or are aware of the headlight design. Everyone else just sees a beautiful 911.
I remember the first time that I ever really noticed the headlights on a 996. It was before I owned a Porsche. I was leaving the US Grand Prix Formula 1 race in Indianapolis. I was sitting in traffic trying to exit the track parking area, driving my Saab 9-5 Aero. There was a silver 996 MK II car directly behind me. I remember seeing the headlights in my rear view mirror, and I remember thinking that it looked really cool. I liked the way that Porsche integrated the turn signals into the headlight assembly. I had no idea that I wasn't supposed to like the design....
996 will be "the most distinctive 911" in history in another few years down the road....especially with most Boxters on the scrapheap by then (unfortunately) and a majority of the 996's....
I think the MK1 headlight will become iconic. The headlight was designed along with the body from the beginning. The car looks like its one precision piece. It "flows" well. One complete unit.
Let's not kid ourselves, and simply call a spade a !$^%!&# shovel. The haterade against the 996 headlights stems from the association with the Boxster. Those intellectual snobbery elitists who shun the Boxster get all worked up about the visual sameness with the far superior 996. sniff, sniff.
I'm betting the headlights are low drag compared to the 993 or later 997. Sure, it's only a minor segment of the whole, but if the function is fine, and the form is fine - the only thing left to hang your hat on is social stigma.
I too enjoyed the look and design of the lights before I was 'told' that they were veddy, veddy gauche. So, gimme another Pabst, and oh yeah - pull my finger.
Last edited by docmirror; Jan 22, 2017 at 06:42 PM.
When I picked up my 996 4 years ago, the 964 was the other red headed stepchild at the time...because, you know, those bumpers... but they have now found their own place and are getting some love. I think the Mk1 will find its own place as well. At least they were an original design. Mk1 aero is the best looking of the 996's and the headlight are perfect in that form.
When it comes to cars, I've always gravitated to the unpopular, ignored and overlooked. The prices are usually low and often a buyers market.
I presently drive a 996C2 Mk1, Crossfire SRT6 Roadster and Vanagon Multivan (Subaru swapped of course). All 3 fit this category. I'm enjoying variety for the price of one "nice looking" Porsche.
Oh, and my house is made from a Morton space building...Curb appeal?? I live on the inside!!!
kind of reminds me of the 2002 WRX aka the bug eye. Everyone thought they were ugly and now they are desirable... who knows maybe the 996 will be the ugly duckling that people think is a swan eventually... maybe
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