December 11, 1935 – Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche, creator of the legendary Porsche 911, was born
Today, December 11, marks the 88th birthday of automobile designer Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (also known as “Butzi”), son of Ferry Porsche and grandson of company founder Ferdinand Porsche
“Butzi” joined the family business in 1958, not as a design engineer, but as a designer, and four years later headed the design studio of the German brand. “Butzi” created the image of the legendary Porsche 911, which was to replace the 365 model. The car debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963. His other important work is considered to be the creation of the image of the Porsche 904 (Porsche Carrera GTS). “Butzi” himself considered the 904 to be his main creation at Porsche.
In 1972, he founded his own company, Porsche Design. It is still engaged in the production of clothing and various accessories, including sunglasses and wristwatches. They still bear the discreet note “Design by F. A. Porsche”.
Ferdinand Alexander Porsche retired in 2005 due to his worsening Alzheimer's disease. “Butzi” passed away on April 5, 2012, at the age of 76.