Why do Porsche's start with 9?

[Samson]

Originally Posted by schnellman

Pray tell, why?

Back when a LeMans-style start (drivers run up to and get in the car) was used, the driver could simultaneously start the car and put it in gear, saving a few fractions of a second.

[RandallNeighbour]

This thread should certainly be added to with "Porsche peculiarities everyone asks about"

I always wondered why the key was on the outside (I believe it's on the right side in a left hand car for the same reason... can any right hand drivers here validate this?)

[jhandy]

I have been told at some point that the key was on the outside of the wheel to aid in the speed of starting the car.
This was thought of because a famous race (perhaps LaMans) was once started by the driver standing out of the car and then they would dash to the car, jump into it, start it and then drive away.

May be a myth, but it that is what i was told.