The name Porsche resonates globally with high-performance sports cars and a rich racing heritage. This legacy began with the vision of Ferdinand Porsche and his son, Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche, who established their company in 1948 with a dedicated team of 200 workers, driven to create something truly special: the First Porsche.
Ferdinand Porsche Sr. brought a wealth of engineering expertise to the nascent company, honed through decades at Daimler-Benz and his independent design firm established in 1931. His portfolio was already impressive, including the design of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle and groundbreaking innovations like the gasoline/electric hybrid vehicle from the turn of the century, and the dominant Auto Union Grand Prix cars of the 1930s. This profound experience in automotive innovation laid a solid foundation for the Porsche venture.
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Ferry Porsche played a crucial role in shaping the new company and was instrumental in designing the first Porsche sports car, known as the 356. Despite having a modest 40 horsepower engine, derived from a modified Volkswagen Beetle engine and mounted in the rear, the first Porsche, the 356, quickly distinguished itself. It was celebrated for its nimble handling and, remarkably for sports cars of that era, its comfort and reliability. These attributes set the 356, the first Porsche, apart from its contemporaries and established key Porsche characteristics that continue to this day.
The mid-1950s marked a period of significant advancement for Porsche. The company began producing its own engines, and more powerful iterations of the 356 were introduced, further enhancing performance and solidifying its reputation. Building on the success of the first Porsche, the 356, Porsche then unveiled a model that would become a true automotive icon: the Porsche 911. Launched in 1964, the rear-engine 911 was revolutionary for its time. It underwent continuous evolution for over three decades until a completely redesigned 911 Carrera debuted in 1999, showcasing Porsche’s commitment to constant improvement and innovation while staying true to its rear-engine heritage, a concept pioneered by the first Porsche. The 911 lineage expanded to include legendary variants such as the 911 S (1967), the formidable 911 Turbo (1974, introduced to the U.S. in 1976), the open-top 911 Cabriolet (1983), and the all-wheel-drive 911 Carrera 4 (1990), each building upon the foundation laid by the first Porsche.
Diversifying its offerings in the 1970s, Porsche ventured into front-engine models, starting with the four-cylinder 924 in 1976 and the unrelated 928, powered by Porsche’s first V-8 engine in 1978. The 924 evolved into the more powerful and refined 944 and 944 Turbo, culminating in the 968 in the early 1990s. However, by 1995, Porsche refocused its strategy, retiring both the 968 and 928 to concentrate on the rear-engine 911 and the mid-engine Boxster, reaffirming their commitment to the core sports car principles embodied by the first Porsche.
Racing has been integral to Porsche’s identity from the very beginning. Porsche cars entered competitive racing almost immediately after the company’s inception. To date, Porsche vehicles have achieved an astounding estimated 24,000 race victories worldwide, including an impressive record of over 50 class wins at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. This racing success further cemented Porsche’s image as a manufacturer of high-performance, reliable sports cars, a reputation that began with the first Porsche and its inherent engineering excellence.
A Humble Beginning (1948-1954)
1948
Porsche officially introduces the “356,” an aerodynamically styled car named after its internal design project number. In the initial years, through 1949, the company meticulously hand-builds the first 52 examples of the first Porsche in a small garage located in Gmünd, Austria. This marked the very start of Porsche production, a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship that defined the first Porsche.
1950
Seeking larger-scale production, Porsche leases space within the Reutter body factory in Zuffenhausen, a suburb of Stuttgart. Reutter becomes responsible for constructing the bodies for the 356, the first Porsche, and production volume reaches 369 cars for the year. Sportscar enthusiasts begin to recognize the exceptional qualities of the lightweight and agile 356. In a pivotal moment for Porsche’s global expansion, New York-based importer Max Hoffman places the first North American order for Porsche vehicles, recognizing the potential of the first Porsche in the burgeoning US market.
1951
A significant loss for the company, Ferdinand Porsche Sr., the elder Porsche and engineering visionary behind the first Porsche, passes away. Despite this setback, the development of the first Porsche, the 356, continues. Horsepower for the 356 model is increased to 60, demonstrating ongoing performance improvements.
1953
The introduction of the 550 Spyder road/race model marks a significant milestone. This model, derived from the engineering principles of the first Porsche, proves to be a formidable competitor, earning the nickname “giant killer” by outperforming larger and more powerful cars from established marques like Ferrari, Jaguar, Maserati, and Aston Martin. The 550 Spyder showcases Porsche’s ability to engineer lightweight and highly effective sports cars, building upon the foundation of the first Porsche.
1954
Expanding the 356 lineup, the Speedster model is introduced as a more affordable and “stripped-down” version of the first Porsche. Today, the 1954-1957 Speedsters are among the most highly prized and sought-after Porsche models by collectors worldwide, highlighting the enduring legacy of the first Porsche and its various iterations.
Growth and Success (1956-1963)
1956
A production milestone is reached as the 10,000th Porsche is built. The top-performing road car in the lineup is the 100-horsepower Carrera, demonstrating the continuous evolution of Porsche performance, stemming from the innovative engineering of the first Porsche.
1958
Another significant benchmark is achieved with the production of the 10,000th 356, the first Porsche model. As demand for Porsche cars continues to rise, the company begins to outsource body production to meet market needs, a sign of the growing success of the first Porsche and the Porsche brand.
1962
Porsche establishes its own independent distribution network across Europe. This move signifies Porsche’s growing maturity as a global brand, expanding beyond its initial markets and further building upon the foundation laid by the first Porsche.
1963
The successor to the 356, the first Porsche model, is previewed – the Porsche 911. Powered by an entirely new 2.0-liter, 130-horsepower six-cylinder engine, the 911 represents a significant step forward in performance and design, while still retaining the core engineering principles established by the first Porsche. Porsche acquires its former body subcontractor, Reutter, and establishes its own distribution network in the United States, demonstrating full control over production and sales in key markets. Worldwide annual production surpasses 11,000 units, a testament to the global appeal and success that originated with the first Porsche.
A Sportscar Legend (1964-1972)
1964
Production of the 911 commences, and the new model achieves immediate success. The 911, while a departure from the 356, the first Porsche, further solidified Porsche’s reputation for building exceptional sports cars. The US price for the 911 is set at $5,500, making it accessible to a wider range of enthusiasts.
1965
After 17 years and a total production of 77,361 units, production of the 356, the first Porsche, concludes. To address demand for a new entry-level model, Porsche swiftly introduces the 912. The 912 utilizes the body of the 911 but is equipped with the four-cylinder engine from the 356, effectively bridging the gap between the end of the first Porsche and the new 911 era. The US price for the 912 is set at $4,000, positioning it as a more affordable option.
1966-1970
Porsche rapidly expands the 911 model range, introducing innovative features and variants. This includes the Targa model with its distinctive removable roof panel (1966), the Sportomatic semi-automatic transmission (1967), the high-performance 911 S (1967), a more budget-friendly 911 T (1968), fuel injection technology (1969), and larger displacement engines (1970). This rapid evolution of the 911 showcases Porsche’s commitment to innovation and performance improvement, building upon the legacy of the first Porsche.
1969
Porsche’s total production surpasses 14,000 units annually. To accommodate this growth, Porsche expands its Zuffenhausen factory with a new multi-story assembly facility, reflecting the increasing demand for Porsche vehicles that began with the first Porsche.
1970
Porsche replaces the 912 with the 914, a lower-priced, mid-engine sports car. The 914 is offered with either a Volkswagen four-cylinder engine or a Porsche six-cylinder engine (914/6), further diversifying Porsche’s model range and appealing to a broader market segment, while maintaining the performance focus initiated by the first Porsche.
1972
Porsche inaugurates its Research and Development Center in Weissach, Germany. This dedicated facility underscores Porsche’s commitment to engineering excellence and future innovation, ensuring the continuous development of high-performance vehicles, a principle rooted in the creation of the first Porsche. Ferry Porsche assumes the role of chairman of the supervisory board of Porsche AG, guiding the company’s strategic direction as it moves forward from the legacy of the first Porsche.
Brave New World (1975-1989)
1975
Porsche introduces the 911 Turbo supercar in North America as a 1976 model. The 911 Turbo combines exotic car performance with a level of luxury and everyday usability, setting a new benchmark for high-performance sports cars and demonstrating how far Porsche had come since the first Porsche.
1976
Porsche replaces the 914 with the 924, a front-engine sports coupe. Powered by an Audi engine and built by Audi, the 924 features a rear transaxle for optimized weight distribution. Porsche becomes the first automaker globally to utilize heat-galvanized steel car bodies, offering a six-year guarantee against rust, highlighting Porsche’s commitment to quality and durability, attributes that were also present in the first Porsche.
1977
Cumulative Porsche production surpasses 300,000 units. This milestone reflects the sustained growth and global popularity of the Porsche brand, originating from the innovative design of the first Porsche.
1978
Porsche introduces the 928, a model radically different from the 911. The 928 features a front-mounted, liquid-cooled 240-horsepower V-8 engine. The 911 evolves into the 911 SC, featuring a 3.0-liter engine and numerous enhancements, demonstrating Porsche’s continuous refinement of both its traditional and new model lines, all stemming from the engineering principles established with the first Porsche.
1981
The 924 model lineup expands with the addition of the 924 Turbo. The 924 becomes Porsche’s most popular model and also proves successful in racing, showcasing Porsche’s ability to produce both popular and high-performance vehicles, a capability that began with the first Porsche.
1982
The new 944 model is introduced, based on the 924 but featuring a modified body and a Porsche-built four-cylinder engine. The 944 further refines the front-engine Porsche concept, offering enhanced performance and sophistication, while still reflecting the engineering ethos of the first Porsche.
1983
The first 911 Cabriolet is launched. In the US market, the Cabriolet quickly outsells the Targa and accounts for approximately one-third of 911 sales, demonstrating the growing appeal of open-top Porsche models, expanding the brand’s reach beyond its initial sports car focus established with the first Porsche.
1984
Porsche Cars North America is established, headquartered in Reno, Nevada. Porsche AG becomes a public company, with the Porsche and Piech families retaining a significant stake. The 911 is now designated as the Carrera, featuring increased performance from a 3.2-liter engine, marking another step in the continuous evolution of the 911 lineage that began with the inspiration of the first Porsche.
1986
The Porsche 944 becomes the first car sold in the US with both driver’s side and passenger airbags as standard equipment. This demonstrates Porsche’s commitment to safety innovation, extending beyond performance and reflecting a holistic approach to vehicle design that started with the first Porsche.
1987
Production of the 911 reaches 250,000 units. This milestone underscores the enduring popularity and iconic status of the 911, the successor to the first Porsche, and the core model of the Porsche brand.
1989
Body production ceases at the former Reutter plant. Production operations are relocated to a new factory across the street. Porsche begins contract-building the 500E high-performance sedan for Mercedes-Benz. Over 11,000 of these cars will be built through 1995, showcasing Porsche’s engineering capabilities extending beyond its own model range and demonstrating the versatility of the company that started with the first Porsche.
Returning to Roots (1990-1996)
1990
Porsche introduces the all-wheel-drive 911 Carrera 4 and the rear-wheel-drive 911 Carrera 2. These models represent a significant advancement, sharing only 15 percent of their parts with the previous 911 generation. The new Tiptronic automatic transmission becomes available for the Carrera 2, providing a choice between automatic and clutchless manual shifting. This technological leap forward in the 911 range highlights Porsche’s ongoing innovation while staying true to the performance spirit of the first Porsche.
1993
Dr. Wendelin Wiedekin, head of production and materials management, is appointed chairman of Porsche AG. With a renewed focus on 911 development, Porsche introduces the final version of the air-cooled classic 911. In the same year, Porsche unveils a concept for a mid-engine sports car named “Boxster.” The overwhelmingly positive public response convinces Porsche to proceed with developing the Boxster, which would debut in 1997. This strategic shift back to core sports car models, alongside the evolution of the 911, demonstrates Porsche’s commitment to its founding principles, inspired by the first Porsche.
1995
Porsche discontinues its front-engine models, the 968 (the final evolution of the 944) and the 928. This decision signifies a strategic refocusing on the rear-engine 911 and the mid-engine Boxster, reinforcing Porsche’s dedication to its core sports car DNA, a legacy initiated by the first Porsche.
1996
The one-millionth Porsche is built in July. The 911 Turbo now features the all-wheel-drive system from the 911 Carrera 4, dual turbochargers and intercoolers, and 400 horsepower. This milestone production number and the enhanced performance of the 911 Turbo highlight Porsche’s enduring success and continuous improvement, all stemming from the initial vision behind the first Porsche.
Toward a New Millennium (1997-2000)
1997
The Boxster is launched, featuring a mid-mounted 201-horsepower, 2.5-liter engine. To meet global demand, Porsche establishes a second Boxster assembly site in Finland. The Boxster marks Porsche’s successful return to the mid-engine sports car segment, expanding its model range while staying true to its performance heritage, which began with the first Porsche.
1998
Ferry Porsche, son of Ferdinand Porsche Sr. and a key figure in the creation of the first Porsche, passes away at the age of 88. Porsche introduces the first completely new 911 model since the original 1964 version. This new 911 breaks with tradition by adopting a liquid-cooled engine, though it remains a horizontally opposed six-cylinder. The all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 introduces the Porsche Stability Management system, further enhancing performance and safety. This new generation of 911 represents both a tribute to Porsche’s heritage and a step into the future, building upon the foundation established by the first Porsche.
1999
Porsche confirms its plans to build a new sport-utility vehicle in Leipzig, Germany. This vehicle, co-developed with Volkswagen, is scheduled for debut in 2002. This marks a significant diversification for Porsche, venturing into the SUV market while still maintaining its commitment to sports car excellence, a balance that reflects the adaptable spirit of the company that produced the first Porsche.
2000
The Boxster receives a larger 2.7-liter engine. The Boxster S is introduced with a 3.2-liter, 250-horsepower engine. The all-new 2001 911 Turbo is launched, featuring an engine derived from the GT1 racecar that won Le Mans in 1998. The Tiptronic S five-speed automatic transmission becomes available as an option. Porsche unveils the Carrera GT concept car at the Paris Auto Show, a mid-engine, open-cockpit supercar concept with a 5.5-liter V-10 engine and a top speed exceeding 200 mph. These developments showcase Porsche’s continued commitment to performance and innovation across its model range, from the Boxster and 911 to the future Cayenne, all inspired by the legacy of the first Porsche.
The New Millennium (2001 and beyond)
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