Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

It happened on September 19th: Ferdinand Anton Ernst Porsche is born

|
Get the best interest rate
Josée Paquet
Ferdinand Anton Ernst Porsche, son of Ferdinand Porsche, was born in Austria on September 19th, 1909. Better known as Ferry Porsche, he designed the first-ever Porsche, called 356, in 1947.

The two men have always worked closely and they established their design studio in Stuttgart in 1931. They introduced the original Volkswagen Beetle in 1938 at the request of Adolf Hitler, who wanted a small, affordable car for German families -- much like Benito Mussolini commissioned the Fiat 500 Topolino two years earlier.

After World War II, Ferry Porsche took over the company as his father was arrested and jailed in France. A contract with Piero Dusio was completed for a Grand Prix car, the Type 360 Cisitalia, and the money it raised was used to redeem Ferdinand Porsche from French prison.

The Porsche 356 enjoyed big success, selling over 80,000 units in a decade and a half. It was followed in 1963 by the first 911, jointly designed by Ferry Porsche's son and nephew.

Source : caradisiac.com

The designer Ferdinand Porsche (left) with his son Ferry (right) in 1934
The designer Ferdinand Porsche (left) with his son Ferry (right) in 1934 (Photo: Porsche)

1947 Porsche 356  3/4 view
1947 Porsche 356 (Photo: Porsche)

Josée Paquet
Josée Paquet
Automotive expert