The 911 as a niche concern, propped up by mass-market stable-mates at which the purists turn up their noses. That's kind of how things are today (take a look at the Cayenne's sales figures) but back in the 70s and 80s the situation was even more pronounced. Basically, if it wasn't for the front-engined funsters then Porsche would most likely have gone out of business.
So next time you're out and about and see a 924, 928, 944 or 968, doff your cap to the car and whoever chose to buy one. They took one for the team, to a man/machine.