Porsche's 60th Anniversary,
A Celebration of Engineering

In 2008 Porsche celebrates 60 years as the oldest independent producer of sports cars. For six decades the Porsche name has been synonymous with excellence in manufacturing and engineering.

Ferdinand Porsche began his design work in the early 1900s with the hybred gas/electric Lohner Porsche. As the early part of the 20th century passed Porsche had influenced design in several areas and with numerous manufacturers. Daimler Benz, Mercedes, Steyer, and in the 1930s Volkswagen, among others.

Engineering efforts were not all related to the automotive field. There were electric generating systems, aviation and marine engines, and farm tractors. But it was the field of automotive engineering where Ferdinand Porsche and his son Ferry made their most lasting contribution.

After the Second World War, while Ferdinand was still in a French prison, Ferry put pen to paper and designed the first car the carry the Porsche name. The resultant design, Type 356, formed the basis for what were to become a legend in the world of automobile design and racing. After the first 50 or so aluminum bodied cars were built in Gmund, Austria, Porsche returned home to its roots in Stuttgart, Germany in 1950.

The 356 era spanned through to 1964 when the new and improved Type 911 made its debut. The Porsche team had known since the late 50s that the four-cylinder engine had reached the limits of its design. There was then, even as today, a desire for a car that was faster and better handling than its predecessor. The 911 began sales in late 1964 and with many iterations continues to be produced today.

Ferdinand and Ferry Porsche both knew early on that one of the best ways to advertise their cars was through racing. In the 20s the small Austro Daimler Sascha and the mighty Mercedes Benz SSKL were prominent at the top of the results charts. Later in the 30s the incredible Auto Union cars carried Porsche engineering to an even greater status.

After the war the Porsche 356 carried the banner and became the car of choice for anyone wishing to win the small bore class. But Porsche wanted to be able to produce a car that would win an event overall. That required a new engineering approach to develop a car that would do just that. The Type 550 Spyder was a purpose built mid engine racecar that made its first appearance in 1953. Through continuous development the 550 Spyder became dominant not only in its class but also for the overall win.

Late in 1963 Porsche realized that in order to stay competive that they would have to adapt new technologies into their racecars. Up to that time their racecar bodies had all been hand formed lightweight aluminum. For their newest, most radical design, Porsche adopted fiberglass material for the Type 904. The 904 Carrera GTS was perhaps the most stunning Porsche ever built. Utilizing a fiberglass body over pressed steel, box section chassis, this new car used all of the latest design technology that was available. The 904 used several engine configurations. The first was the 2 liter four cylinder, four-cam engine that had been developed from the 550 Spiders. At 200 HP this was a potent package. But there was also the six-cylinder 2-liter engine that was being used in the Type 911. Additionally there was the type 804 eight-cylinder engine that has been transplanted form the Porsche 804 Formula One racecar. The design and success of the 904 cemented the design principle for the next two decades during the reign of the 917s and the 956/962 series.

In the early days the enthusiasm for the Porsche 356 was quite contagious. Their cars were so different from anything else available at the time that owning one put you into a select group of enthusiasts. When you get a group of like-minded people together to enjoy each other and their cars it doesn't take long for a club to form. In 1955 the Porsche Club of America was formed in the Washington DC area. It didn't take long before “regions” of the club were being formed all over the country. In 1966 those like-minded people in central Ohio joined together and formed the Mid-Ohio Region of the Porsche Club of America. Through the years club members have enjoyed many varied and different events in their Porsches.

As the 20th century drew to a close Ferdinand Porsche was awarded the title of Automotive Engineer of the Century. As time passes even some of his earliest designs are being reconsidered. The hybrid Porsche Cayenne with its gasoline engine/electric motor power plant will make its debut soon, validating the old Professors theories from so long ago.

Please join Mid Ohio Region PCA in celebrating the 60 years of Porsche engineering and innovation.

Ted Zombek, Mid Ohio Region, PCA