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Comment by tolmasky | Hacker News Reader

I have always hated the design of the Porsche. As a kid I was so surprised to learn that this was the famous "Porsche" I had heard so much about. I am not a car guy, and thus perhaps my opinion doesn't matter, but I can at least understand the visual appeal of a Lamborghini or a BMW. Or perhaps put a better way, I can at least see what they're going for. With a Porsche, I'm just kind of reminded of a smart car. Its so tiny and stumpy that it looks ridiculous and straight out of the 80s to me. I actually start considering the fact that it only has two seats (as opposed to most sports cars which I usually forget when just looking at it). It neither looks fast nor classy, I just don't get it. Also, to me it doesn't look timeless, it just looks old. When I see a new one I imagine a scene from an 80s wallstreet movie or something.

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The 911 was designed in the 1960s, the one displayed is from 1973. The reason the design is iconic is that the car is rear engined which gives it the unique characteristics of driving and style. It also allows for an aerodynamic profile while still having 4 seats. Having a horizontally opposed sir cooled engine also keeps both weight, cost and centre of gravity low, giving better handling, efficiency and mileage.

By the 1980s the design was quite dated but still popular because of the reputation of the car.

The reason pg probably picked the car was because the form followed the functions, it was designed rather than styled.

Same here. 911 to me is an acquired taste. I can appreciate their design now, especially the recent iterations but I remember I said it looked like a squashed frog with bulgy eyes when I first saw one as a kid.

"Mere exposure" effect. "Social proof". Anything long-loved and popular becomes attractive.

Also happens with people's faces. A person who at first might appear ugly I've found gets better looking the more you see them. They don't become good looking or anything but appear less ugly.

And sometimes you fall in love instantly. Happened for me with the 911 and the Countach, without me knowing that they were expensive.

Yes, but it is fair to say the design evolved nicely, to the point of "looking good" rather than "weird-good".

Meh, I've always liked the smooth shape. I also love the look of the much boxier and more aggressive looking Ferarri Testarossa and Lamborghini Countach, but I think they look much more dated than even the 73 911. Design always has some elements of personal preference, of course.

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