(first posted 4/6/2012) Until science makes a giant leap forward, there are two avenues through which humans can strive for some semblance of immortality. We can leave behind some of our genes, a fairly reliable method although hardly predictable. The other is to leave behind words or deeds of lasting import. The results are similarly unpredictable; did Thomas Crapper have any expectation that his improvements to the flush toilet would make his name immortal?
Ferdinand Alexander (“Butzi”) Porsche, who passed away yesterday (April 5th, 2012), shouldered a heavy burden when he set himself to the task of designing a replacement to the original Porsche 356. In his case, it was a double whammy: as a Porsche, he was literally responsible for the propagation of the family as well as the family business. That he succeeded with his Porsche 911 beyond any possible imagination is undisputed. Has it not replaced the VW Beetle as the most universally recognized car ever? How’s that for spreading your genes?
It was an immense task that faced Ferry Porsche in the late fifties: to replace the already iconic 356, the only car ever to wear the storied Porsche name. But it would have to be done, and some of the best designers of the time were given a crack at it. But their proposals were either too much a continuation of the 356, or too drastically different; all were rejected. No one had the right vision of what the next Porsche was to be: a truly new Porsche, but still a Porsche. It’s like having children: you recognize them as yours, even if they’re not just like you. So the job fell on the next Porsche scion.
“Butzi” had grown up around cars with his grandfather Ferdinand and father Ferry, exposed to every aspect of them. But design is what called him, even though he flunked out of design school after a year. So he joined the family company, training in the body design department under the designer of the Volkswagen Beetle and the 356, Erwin Komenda.
In that period of consideration of a 356 replacement, beginning in 1959, Butzi began fleshing out his own design, keeping in mind the dictum that his father laid out: it should have a bit more room, but “Comfort is not what makes driving fun, it is more on the opposite.” Although Butzi’s drafts were well received by his family, Komenda wanted to make very substantial changes. But blood is thicker than air(cooling); Ferry sent Butzi’s unadulterated blueprints to the coachbuilder Reutter, who built the prototype 901, and the rest is truly history.
The result was a perfect synthesis of the old and new; unmistakably Porsche, yet undoubtedly a new generation. A very worthy scion indeed, and one that has never been bettered. It took a Porsche to father a truly new generation of Porsche. Others have tried since, but none has come close to keeping the bloodlines pure like Butzi did with the 911.
Butzi Porsche (left) and cousin Ferdinand Piech (right), here with grandpa Ferdinand, didn’t exactly see eye-to-eye about the affairs of the family business (who ever saw eye-to-eye with Piech?) So in 1972, the family kicked them both out of the company, made Porsche a public company, and banned any family members from ever holding a management position again. Ferdinand Piech eventually found a way around that: buy the company, via Volkswagen. Butzi went on to form Porsche Design, which achieved considerable success with watches, sunglasses and a myriad of other products, just no new Porsches.
And what are the qualities that can be attributed to the 911’s immortality? In Butzi’s own words: “Design must be functional, and functionality must be translated into visual aesthetics, without any reliance on gimmicks that have to be explained” What can I possibly add to that? Very rarely has an automobile followed that dictum so honestly and so successfully. Did it succeed because of, or despite of its adherence to those principles? From some angles, the 911 is almost brutally functional; or just brutally German. Is there a difference?
But from other angles, it delights the eye with its gracefully dropping tail and iconic rear side window sweep. But who would have thought in 1963 that half a century later, its design cues would still be fashionable?
It was amazing enough that the 911 was still going strong after ten or fifteen years, despite the doubts of its longevity that induced the Porsches to create the 928, presumed to be its successor. But the 911 just needed faith and continual updating, in ways that improved its performance consistently and evolved its appearance. That’s honest, since its function was performance. Some even thought it got better looking with age. Even purists will have to admit that it took to the eighties better than any other twenty-year old design.
Even whale tails and wheel flares couldn’t ruin the 911, though they might not have been everyone’s cup of tea. Why? Because it goes back to Butzi’s dictum: they were still fully functional, not gimmicks, directly stemming from the 911’s prodigious racing successes. That would not be the case with so many of the 911 Turbo’s imitators.
Anyone who’s ever had the privilege and pleasure to slip behind the wheel of a 911 will acknowledge that rarely (if ever) has a car’s interior design so faithfully reflected its exterior: efficient, functional, timeless, handsome and utterly satisfying. And of course, very difficult to improve upon. Which explains almost everything.
Even its wheels became iconic, and that gas tank filler, and… It’s like re-examining your first toy car: every line and detail is so familiar; or is it like looking at a member of the family? Have we all absorbed a bit of Porsche blood over the decades? Maybe it was the blood-curling scream of its chain-saw six under that louvered tail? Have you ever heard an original two-liter 911 approaching redline? I’ll up the ante: a two-liter 911S? An infernal-combustion dentist’s drill.
The problem was that the 911 became irreplaceable. With the Porsches out of management, a truly new scion of the 911 became seemingly impossible. Porsche has become the caretaker of the family jewels, which is not exactly the same as putting them to proper good use. No one has had the guts to do what Butzi did: sire a new generation.
Lacking the fortitude or means to regenerate in the way evolution saw fit, Porsche has taken to “cloning” the 911, seemingly perpetually. Well, the results could certainly be worse, and it is a tribute to Butzi’s design that it’s even been possible for so long. But it’s not quite the same either. Traditional reproduction and regeneration is a genetic gamble, and sometimes the results surpass all possible expectations. Or they don’t. But as long as Porsche plays it safe, that will never happen. No human Porsche will ever again feel the familial obligation and inspiration that created the original 911. Sometimes, it really is about the DNA.
In memory of Ernst Niedermeyer, who also passed away on April 5, 2012
Great article as always, Paul. Sorry to hear about your father. I am sure everyone else’s thoughts and prayers are with you, as are mine.
Wonderful words about a true automotive icon; my sympathies as well.
Seems to me your father left a worthy legacy as well, Paul. Lord bless and comfort you and your family in these days…
Excellent and touching write-up. Any father would be proud.
Heartfelt condolences, for both Mr. Porsche and Mr. Niedermeyer. Maybe they’ll talk cars in heaven.
From what I have read on CC on Paul and his father, Paul’s father doesn’t seem like much of a car guy.
My condolences to you and your family, Paul.
Really nice write-up; always had an eye for the original 911 and Targa. Though one of the more recent water-cooled flat sixes in a Vanagon Syncro might be more my style these days. 🙂
So sorry to read of your father’s departure, please accept my condolences.
Good write up Paul of a car I have little interest in it was worth reading Thanx. Sad about your Dad I lost mine so I know roughly how youll feel.
Sorry to hear about your father. I hope he was proud of what you and your children have accomplished.
RCP
Paul, I am sorry to hear of your father’s passing.
May he and Butzi ride down the Autobahn together in a whaletail 911 Turbo in another realm.
One of your best, Paul, heartfelt and smart. My condolences for your loss.
Exactly true, we leave our kids and our work behind as proof we were here and did our best.
Very sorry for your loss Paul, though you were fortunate to have him for so long.
Nice piece on the 911 Such a pity that Butzi never got to do any more cars.
My condolences on your loss. Our prayers are with your family.
I will add my condolences as well. The fact that the passing of the older generation is in the natural order of things does not make it easier to bear. We who became somewhat acquainted with your father through your writings will miss him as well.
Paul, my heart truly aches for you and your family. I know what it feels like. I pray that God will comfort you during this time. I have no doubt your father was proud of you, as he had every reason to be.
-Richard
I am sorry for your family’s loss. Great article as always.
Paul;
Sorry to hear about your Dad. He would have been proud of the “Great” obit you wrote on Butzi. Excellent work!
Mike
Paul,
let me add my condolences.
alistair
Fitting tribute indeed. Condolences to you and your family.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family for your loss, a lovely read as usual.
So sorry to hear about your father, Paul. How did your Dad feel about these rolling sculptures?
That british racing racing green 912 is utterly beautiful, is it the green that causes the lines to pop out so well. That vintage is miles ahead of the bloated 80s versions
my condolences, as well.
Condolences on your loss, Paul…and congratulations on a wonderful article!
First, condolences on your loss. I’m glad to have gotten to know your father just a little through his writings, and I’m thankful that he brought you to these shores, so that we could get to know you as well.
Second, the original 911/912 is a car I’ve lusted over since I was a child…I may break down and buy one at some point (I may even prefer the 912). What else has lasted so well as a basic design, really?
My condolences on your father’s passing. May his memory be a blessing to the Neidermeyer family.
Ernst kicked some genetic ass having you as a son, Paul.
My condolences as well, Paul.
May fond memories of your father’s quirks, habits foibles remain with you.
On days when things are at their lowest, the funny memories are the things that last…
Paul, sorry for your loss. CC is an apt living tribute to him.
As to having heard a two-liter 911 at full song? Yes, it was at LeMans in 1967. There were two 911s from a German team, both white, no advertising, decals or any of that crap. For awhile I watched this duo running nose-to-tail from outside the big right-hand sweeper leading up to the Dunlop bridge. The lead car would set up for the curve by kicking its rear end out immediately followed by the trailing 911. Synchronized drifting (in the old sense) lap after lap, all the while sounding like a very angry buzz saw.
I later moved down to the entrance of the esses where the 911s did a slip and slide through this challenging section. The Ford Mk IVs, Chaparrals and Ferarris went through the esses at a much higher speed, but without the entertaining tail wagging of the 911s. Not nearly as much fun to watch.
Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts.
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing, Paul. All of us in your virtual extended family here are sending warm thoughts to you, and all the Niedermeyers.
“Porsche has become the caretaker of the family jewels, which is not exactly the same as putting them to proper good use.”
I am impressed, but hardly surprised, that you could summon up such a sneaky and topical pun at a time like this!
My condolences to both the Niedermeyer and Porsche families;(
I quickly skimmed through this piece, promising to come back when I had a bit more time. I completely missed the in memoriam.
A beautifully written piece, both about cars and about fathers and sons. I look forward to getting to know Ernst Niedermeyer a little better through his automotive history, when you get around to writing it.
From what little I know from your writing, your father was a committed Catholic. As such, is there really a better time to pass than on Holy Thursday? I would imagine not.
I’m sorry for your loss Paul. I loved the article as I always do when you’re the author.
Sorry to hear of your loss Paul,
I lost my Dad back in 1998 so know the feeling well, though I do still have my Mom who’s 80 years young. In fact, I’m at her place for Easter weekend as I type this while watching Jesus Christ Superstar on the TV via DVD.
As to the article, it was very well written as I’ve always admired this model Porsche for its classic design. I’ve always felt that the early iterations of the 911 look rather timeless even now and that’s a testament to Butz’s design.
May your father rest in piece.
That green 911 is a classic. If they would only Americanize it..
Mr. Niedermeyer, I’m sorry for your loss. I’ve never met you or your father but through your writing I feel like I have.
As much as I want to pack up and scoot to the PNW, the Midwest still has a lot to offer..
My condolences to you and your family, Paul.
This is a great piece, Paul. It brought me to tears. I love your work.
You and your family are in my thoughts.
Good article in the NY Times today, marking the 911’s 50th birthday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/automobiles/collectibles/timeless-but-not-frozen-in-time.html?ref=automobiles
I’ve always liked this generation Porsche 911. Probably more than the current generation.
Saw a current generation 911 Targa, yesterday, and it looked like that glass rear window was extremely large/long,. It actually reminded me of a 1st generation Barracuda rear window, just a tad bit longer and a bit shallower, but deep enough to make it appear the car could be used to transport legless tables under that glass.
Incredible that a design that 1st hit showrooms more than 50 years ago, still looks sweet. Just as incredible is the amount of power now being placed under the hoods of 911s.
Terrific article on a great car .
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I had a 1967 912 5speed, similar in looks, very different under the skin .
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In the 1970’s I got to drive a 1969 911S, a truly fun machine but so delicate….
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I really love the Irish Green one above, I had the chance to buy an Irish Green ’66 912 once and let it slip away much to my eternal regret .
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Your Pops must have been a fine man to have created and raised up a Son like you .
.
-Nate
I remember an article in Motor Trend magazine in 1970 comparing a 911 against a 350 cid Corvette. It made kind of a big thing about the rivalry between the two camps. There was definitely a philosophical difference in both camps approach to performance cars. While the 911 was smaller than the Vette, it still had room for a couple of small rear seats. A good place for tiny kids or some extra luggage. The Porsche way to performance at the time, was through finesse, not overpowering force.
When I was younger I never really “got” the Porsche ideal. Fifty years later I now appreciate the timeless simplicity of the 911 design. I used to hate the 356, but now I like it even more than the 911. I guess I appreciate the simplicity and purity of design. Too bad that I can no longer afford to sample either model. I remember looking at a used 80’s 911 back around 2002, it was selling for around 12,000 dollars. Now one would be going for at least three times that much. Oh well, If I hurry I can probably find a nice 944, which is another design that I admire.
I have had a similar arc with this car as Jose Delgadillo mentioned. I just never understood what all the love was about. They seemed so expensive for what you got and seemed to be more about the cult of Porsche than about the car.
A few years ago I worked with a guy who owned one from the mid 80s. Actually riding in the car (he never let anyone drive it) was a revelation. I have always been a fan of a tight structure, and this Porsche was one of the tightest I had ever experienced. I came to really appreciate what these are and why people love them so.
I prefer the earlier versions for their pure and simple looks. But even with the later ones, I get it.
:” to replace the already iconic 356, the only car ever to wear the storied Porsche name”
Quote.
As a youngster I looked at photos of James Deans’ crashed Porsche and wondered why it just didn’t look like a 356.
As for the 911, to me a good part of the reason the 911 is iconic is that when it was already obsolete, Porsche put a bodykit on it, and tweaked the motor, and won Le Mans. And other less modified versions went rallying and cleaned up there too. Surely the most successful sports car of all time – and it had back seats…
Saw a pretty red 356C cruise by the Marble brewery in Albuquerque today. Kind of a sketchy industrial area, but the beer was good. 🙂
Great piece on the timelessness of good design. The original 911 stood the test of time so well Porsche are incapable of doing better. I only ever went in one once, over 20 years ago — it was a 1984 Turbo, and I remember every second of it. Unfortunately, I was in the back seat, but the feeling of being squashed into that tiny space by the roaring flat-6 behind me was out of this world.
Also read the Baltimore Sun’s 2012 obit on your father — that’s some life he had! I never understood people who are “proud” of where they were born, of their name, their class or ethnicity. The only thing one can dare to be proud of, IMO, is one’s deeds. I hope your father felt proud of his considerable achievements.
In the 9th picture, the first yellow Porsche is being photo bombed by a Japanese clone (CRX) or am I the only one that sees any resemblance?
Perhaps the best integration of the 5mph bumpers ever.
I grew up with this car across the street.
Babied by its owner
Had its own garage.
It was a 1967 911.
Same color.
Lots of memories of that car.
I’ve never owned a 911 though I’ve ridden in a few 911/912’s and have been fortunate to drive one of each, albeit briefly. I was about 10 years old when I became aware of the 901/911 from books and magazines, perhaps before I ever saw on in real life. Within a few years it had become a fairly common sight on the streets, and was very successful in European rallying and Touring car racing and other under 2 litre classes on the track. As the engine size grew, it continued to dominate even against bigger cars. By early high school (1970-ish) I knew that this was the car I wanted to own “when I grew up”. By the time I was in college, the desirability increased along with the horsepower, fender flares and tire sizes. As did the price. By the time I could afford one, I was no longer interested. But there’s still a part of me that thinks that the 911 has been the most important car in my life. On the other hand, I think at the time I drove each, 20 years apart, I liked the earlier 2 liter 912 better. Go figure.
Great video of Chris Harris driving the (original?) Porsche Type 64. Amazing piece of history.
@ ROBADR :
Is this the 1938 Porsche that was at the 1982 Monterey Historics ? .
-Nate
I did a little searching on the Internet, and I think it probably is. Chris Harris says it was built in 1939 but he could just be off by a year, or it could be that this particular car was built in 1939.
I found a report on the 1982 Monterey Historic Races, which identifies the Porsche at that event as a 1938 ’60–K10′.
http://amv-prod-aut.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/s3fs-public/AW_TBT_20160811_MagicMonterey.pdf
The Wikipedia article on the Type 64 co-identifies it as the Type 60-K10, uses 1938 as the build date, and confirms that there is only one remaining example. It also shows a picture of this car (you can see the plate number) racing in 1981, so it would appear that the owners were racing it at that time. It also links to the Chris Harris video.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_64
The Wikipedia article goes on to say that it was up for sale in 2019, which is when this video was shot. Maybe that’s why Top Gear was given the opportunity to drive it. The car was expected to fetch $20 million, but a technical malfunction in the bidding displays led to the cancellation of the auction.
Thank you Sir ;
You are correct, what I saw was indeed VW based .
I’d forgotten the Auto – Union racer, listening to it idle was amazing .
Sadly under load it popped, wheezed and coughed it’s way ’round the track .
-Nate
While I had a one hour lesson on how to use a manual, on a 1972 Capri four cylinder, I really learned how to use and drive a manual on a 1973 911 E Targa back in 1974 for two weeks. That was also the last time I drove a Porsche.