Before yesterday's dream car became today's SUV, the reputation of
Porsche as a manufacturer of fine sports cars was established. It
started with the ideas of Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, and a world best seller
that spawned a revered line of sports cars. The Porsche 356 and 911
dominated their classes in international racing, leading to more
specialized designs that brought glory to the marque, most famously at
Le Mans.
Porsche's success was based on excellent engineering. The firm's design
consultancy has brought automotive innovation. Such excellence has been
centered upon Weissach, the go-to place for companies needing a high
tech helping hand. Commercial achievement is based on image too. Here,
Porsche has carefully chosen its models, and the way they have been sold
and promoted. The result, is a unique position in public perception and
media coverage.
Even during the golden air-cooled era, Porsche wasn't afraid to
experiment. The Square Porsche and front-engined coupés, all courted
controversy. However, Zuffenhausen believed a Porsche was a Porsche, and
soon others did too. The company's tremendous influence in design and
engineering has even inspired artistic creation. Like the cars, they
represent an inseparable combination of style and substance. Cranswick
on Porsche is a personal study of the designs and people behind the
Porsche marque during its golden air-cooled era.
