Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the designer of the original version of the iconic 911 sportscar, died today in Salzburg, Austria. He was 76.The Porsche 911 is one of the most recognizable cars on the road today; so much so that Porsche has taken great pains to ensure that every iteration of the 911 retains the same styling cues set forth by Ferdinand Porsche some 50 years ago. American cars would still have tailfins, engines measured in cubic feet, and hoods you could land a helicopter on if we still designed cars like 1962.
“As creator of the Porsche 911, he established a design culture that molds our sportscars still today,” Matthias Mueller, chief executive officer of Porsche AG, said in an e- mailed statement. “His philosophy of good design is for us a legacy that we will also honor in the future.”
It's interesting to note in the article that the Cayenne was Porsche's best-selling vehicle last year. A Porsche SUV is about as far from the spirit and intent of the 911 as humanly possible, and yet it's the model that sells the best. It's a testament to the power of the brand, really - there are many other SUVs to choose from, most at least as competent as the Cayenne and undoubtedly at a lower price. Yet it still sells...
Rest in Peace, Mr. Porsche. May your most famous creation inspire generations of young men and women to love and desire exotic sports cars for another 50 years.
That is all.
7 comments:
Ferdinand died in 1951...
Butzi just died.
Still haven't driven a Cayanne yet have you Jay??
Actually. The Cayanne (and it's cousin the Audi Q7) handle distintly differently than alomaos any other SUV and yet is still highly competent off road.
Yes... they are not 911's, but they are not like other SUV's either.
"Butzi" was named after his Father (died in 1998) and Grandfather ( died in 1951 ). His brothers Gerhard, Hans-peter and "Wofie" are still alive and active in Porsche circles. Peter was at last years PCA Porsche Parade.
The most scared I've ever been (not involving a Redhead) was in a 911 on
Route 219, West Virginia. No shoulders. Missing guardrails. Maniac behind the wheel. Learned more about Newtonian physics in 50 miles than two semesters at college.
Definitely a Lottery Car.
Stretch, don't wait for the lottery.
Prices for used Porsche cars in the US are ridiculously low - if you can run a second car, then just do it.
The smiles per mile factor alone makes almost ANY Porsche worth the price of admission. For example, the price on a 1998 Boxster is almost in the small change bracket - I have seen many under $10K.
Thing is, he didn't go by Ferdinand. He was Butzi or FA. His father also didn't go by Ferdinand, he was Ferry.
Quite common among families who only have the one name handed down.
Heh. McThag, I have *no* idea what you're talking about...
:)
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