The Porsche 911, with its sloping roof line, long hood and powerful rear engine, has been a sports car-lover's fantasy for the half century since its 1963 introduction. Its creator, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, grandson of the automaker's founder, is dead at age 76.
The Porsche 911, with its sloping roof line, long hood and powerful rear engine, has been a sports car-lover's fantasy for the half century since its 1963 introduction. Its creator, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, grandson of the automaker's founder, is dead at age 76.
Porsche died Thursday in Salzburg, Austria. No cause was provided for his death. Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller paid tribute to the 911 creator, saying in a statement that he "founded a culture of design in our company that distinguishes our sports cars even today."
The 911, now in its seventh version, remains recognizably the same vehicle, though with much updated mechanical parts and technology.
Born in Stuttgart on December 11, 1935, F A Porsche was initiated into the family business while still a boy, spending time in his grandfather's workshops and design facilities. He studied at the Ulm School of Design and joined the company in 1958, taking over the design studio in 1962.
The 911, now in its seventh version, remains recognizably the same vehicle, though with much updated mechanical parts and technology.
The new version was mobbed and groped when it was unveiled in September at the Frankfurt auto show.
Showgoers left the doors and roof smeared with fingerprints as they scrambled for a chance to sit behind the wheel.
