The Porsche sports car company has come along way since its early beginnings, the company was founded as Dr. Ferdinand Porsche in 1931 who was an Austrian engineer born in "Maffersdorf", at the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Porsche GmbH initially offered motor vehicle development work and consultancy for the then German Government and the first major project was to develop a car for the people, this was later called the Volkswagen Käfer (or VW Beetle as it became known to the English). It wasn't until 1939 that Dr. Ferdinand Porsche developed the first car the bore his name, the "Porsche 64", it was developed using many components from the Beetle. The first road certified Porsche that was available to the public to buy was the Porsche 356; it went on general sale in 1948.
The Porsche 356 is still an iconic sports car, and in with today's prices, commands a very high price if you can find an original early example or a rare Porsche 356 "Carrera" model, as these are always in demand by serious car collectors or Porsche fan's who want to drive some motoring history. As back in 1951, the little known Porsche 356 SL took a class victory at the Le Mans 24 Hour Race, which placed it firmly on the sports car map.
Next on the Porsche most wanted list would have to be the Porsche 550 Spyder, which was a roof-less out-and-out light weight developed race car, in 1956 the 550 Spyder took its first overall victory, at the Targa Florio, Italy. The 550 Spyder was immortalised with a one of its most famous owners and movie legend James Dean, who died behind the wheel of his 550 Spyder in a road traffic accident.
The 911 was first debuted in 1964 and went into production. This was another air-cooled, rear-engined sports car, this time sporting a flat six-cylinder "boxer" style engine. Because of the successes of both the 356 and the 550 Spyder, the Porsche 911 attracted immediate attention from around the world and today is what typifies the Porsche name and brand. In a recent international poll for the award of "Car of the Century", the 911 came fifth, so it just shows the car's popularity.
Also from the 911 stable is the Porsche 911 RS Carrera which was first produced in 1973 this was the Porsche to own on the 70's and was handed down technology and many parts from the factory Porsche Race Team, which was due to their many racing victories around the world. The 911 body styling influence can still be seen in most of the current Porsche water-cooled models.
Gregory Greene is writing on behalf of Romans International, the best choice for a Porsche Dealership Surrey or when choosing a Pre owned Porsche for your next luxury sports car.
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