Porsche became the legend of the 20th century. He rejected one dictator and was treated kindly by the other. In 1930 Ferdinand, who was rather foresighted, felt the storm in the air and moved to Germany from his native Austria just in time. When heavy clouds were gathering above Europe, the wind was blowing towards the Third Reich which was ceasing the work of all unnecessary car companies. It was more a matter of politics than technology in Volkswagen story. Hitler was the first person to call Porsche “the greatest car engineer in Germany”.
In the 30’s car designers were part of the engineering elite and Ferdinand Porsche entered this beau monde right from the start. We are going to talk not about Porsche but about two of his legendary supercars. However, this story about the famous brand would make no sense without mentioning this charismatic and contradictory person. A man who had created two engineering wonders, which took two places among best five “Cars of the Century” world rating, is certainly worth mentioning. And those two cars deserve writing books about them — Volkswagen Beetle and Porsche 911. And our story is about their ancestors and successors.
First car by Porsche company was presented in 1939 and only 3 copies of it rolled off the production line. A beautiful car with streamlined body, unique design and powerful engine was called Porsche 64. Its air-cooled flat-four engine produced 100 hp and was situated in the rear part of the car. The great-grandpa of Beetle accelerated up to 160 km/h. The production of this car was related to politics. Close friendship between Germany and Italy was to be marked by Berlin-to-Rome car race. Like all other master’s works, Porsche 64 could win all world competitions. However, the war broke out and the race was cancelled. They had to cease the experiments performed in the aerodynamic tunnel and “the three musketeers” set off taking their chances. One of them did not survive the war after being hit by an aircraft bomb. The second one was stolen by the American soldiers who occupied Berlin but was soon thrown away as a long-familiar toy. Only one hero with a hand-moulded aluminium body survived till our days. After its renewal in 1947 this beautiful Porsche was even able to take part in Alpin Rally in 1950 and in show competitions of oldtimers in 1984. One should note that the ancestor of all modern versions of auto giant managed to put up a good show and retired with pleasure to his new home at Porsche museum in Stuttgart.
In 60 years from foundation of the club in honour of the German engineer and dedicated to its anniversary, the company produced 13 (according to the number of founders of the club — in 1952 13 owners of sport cars of the famous brand established a Porsche Club in Germany) special versions of Porsche 911 Club Coupé. The model is based on the 911 Carrera S. The successor of traditions of the legendary supercar is equipped with a modified 3.8-litre engine upgrading its power up to 430 hp. Top speed of the jubilee Carrera is 303 km/h and it takes it only 4 seconds to accelerate up to 100 km/h.
Strict luxury of the 911 Club Coupé can be seen both in its outline and interior. The seats are made of high-quality coffee-coloured leather. Sport car’s personal number engraved on a special plate pleases the eye of its owner emphasizing its unique character. A special colour of the body called Brewster Green fascinates and brings comfort to the eye. 20-inch light-alloy Sport Techno wheels are fitted with low-profile 305/30 tires on the rear axle and 245/35 tires on the front axle. PASM — Porsche Active Suspension Management — is adjusted according to the level of damping. All this beauty is completed by a modified bumper and “duck tail” spoiler.
A visitor can see only one out of thirteen “noble” cars at Porsche museum in Stuttgart. Twelve others will be offered for sale at €142,831 each. But only members of the club of this famous brand will be able to purchase a rather expensive supercar. In order to be able to buy one of the 911 Club Coupés one should also win in a rather special lottery. But in the end the winner will get a unique personalised edition as the door sill of the car will be decorated by a plate with his name engraved there.
Ancestors and successors. A foresighted, lucky and self-confident Austrian. The founder of the dynasty and a talented engineer who created a lot of legendary cars and fully deserved the “Engineer of the Century” title.
Photo: classiccarsoftheworld.nl, universproekt.ru, totallycoolpix.com
