History of the Porsche Motor Car

The Porsche, owned by the Volkswagen Group, is one of the most popular sports cars imported to the U.S. from Germany. The car's early versions featured a spartan interior and, unusual for its time, a rear-mounted four-cylinder air-cooled engine. Today it combines a luxury cabin with a high-performance engine and remains a fierce competitor on the racing circuit.

History

The Type 356 racing coupe.
Porsche GmbH was founded in 1930 by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche who also was responsible for the design and implementation of the Volkswagen Beetle. He began building the Type 356 sports car in 1947.

Significance

The 1960s second generation 911.
The Porsche achieved success on the race track in the 1950s, prompting a surge in sales with the 356 Spyder.

Identification

The "hardtop" Targa model.
The convertible Type 356 is identified with it rounded fenders integrated with the body, low-cut windshield and tight cockpit.

Types

The 2006 Porsche cabriolet.
Porsche produces the Boxter, the 911, the Cayman sports car and the Cayenne sport utility vehicle.

Features

Porsche celebrated its relationship with Volkswagen with this 1974 914 using VW components.
Option packages on the Carreras include a multifunction steering wheel and an anti-theft system with interior camera surveillance.

Size

The 1993 911 Turbo S with 3.3-liter engine.
The 1992 Porsche 911 Turbo S is 168.3 inches long, sits on an 89.4-inch wheelbase, and is powered by 3.3-liter engine.