Brief History About Porsche
Porsche was founded in 1931 in Germany by Ferdinand Porsche. The company was mostly an engineering works and consultancy group. That was until the German government asked them to build a car for the people in 1934, which resulted in Porsche creating the 1938 Volkswagen Beetle (Volkswagen was used to market the Beetle, where Ferdinand was also Chairman of the Board of Management).
During the 2nd World War Porsche was involved and helped with mainly the development of tanks. After the war Ferdinand Porsche faced war crimes and spent 20 months in prison. During this time, with his father in prison Ferry Porsche, who had just finished helping to build the Porsche 360 Cisitalia race car, decided to build his own road car and restarted the Porsche company with his sister Louise and built the lightweight and quick-handling Porsche 356.
In 1951 Ferdinand Porsche died and then leaves the Porsche company in the hands of his son. During the mid 50’s Porsche started to build their own engines and also introduced the Speedster in 1954.
Porsche was involved in motorsport with helping various motor racing teams early on, but by the mid 50’s started racing their own cars with much success and have continued their success in a variety of different motorsport events, including victories in the Targa Florio, the Monte Carlo Rally, 24 hour Le Mans and GT Racing.
By 1964 they needed a new car and so the now legendary 911 was born. The 911 was and still is a hit and development of the car continues to this day. Air cooled from 1964-1998 and water cooled from 1998 on.
During the late 70’s, the 80’s and early 90’s Porsche built a few front mounted engine cars, such as the 924, 944, 928 and 968. Some liked them, but most of the Porsche purists didn’t. A few highlights in the 80’s and 90’s also included the introduction of AWD, the Tiptronic gearbox and the Boxster.
In 1998 Ferry Porsche Dies and Porsche also release an all-new 911, which like its predecessor, continually evolves over the years. In 2000 Porsche showcase the Carrera GT concept.
In 2002-2003 Porsche releases its first SUV, the Cayenne and then its first 4 door saloon, the Panamera in 2009.
Porsche have collaborated with a few other manufacturers over the years, most noticeably Volkswagen with the 912, 914, 914-6, 924, 944 (to a lesser degree) and Cayenne. VW and Porsche are now closely linked in partnership, sharing many resources.
Cayman (987c) 2005-2013 & (981) 2013-2016
