The older generations of 911s had a reputation for being unwieldy, but this onboard footage shows that that’s precisely the opposite of what they were. On the limit, they oozed refinement and poise, but were prone to a bit of oversteer — in fact, it seemed to be the best way to drive them. At the daunting Spa Francorchamps, this committed driver has to contend with both some difficult traffic and a naughty 911, making a masterful display of driving skill in the process.

It’s no secret that the older cars were a bit tail-happy — after all, some of them were known as “widowmakers.” But the idea that they were out to kill their drivers is just hyperbole. The older 911s were just lively, but they could be harnessed. Perhaps the clearest example of this characteristic is seen as the driver bravely enters Eau Rouge with a light brake and bit of throttle feathering (00:41). His entry uses a smooth application of opposite lock, just slightly “bending” the car through the first corner, before lifting slightly to rotate the car and have it pointing the right way towards the exit, all the while transitioning from grip to slip very progressively. He really is driving this old 911 like a rally car on a dirt stage!

Opposite-locking over the crest at Eau Rouge might have some changing their underwear, but not this man.

By planting the tail end with a delicate spoonful of throttle, he is stabilizing the nervous rear while accelerating. One thing people often forget about 911s is that a bit of wheelspin isn’t a bad thing, since with that rearward weight bias, they can still generate quite a lot of forward momentum with the tires lit up. Sure, this dramatic driving style is intentional, but it shows that even when laying long black lines on the asphalt, old 911s really are a peach to drive, assuming the driver has the requisite skills.