Another Ferry Bites the Dust. Automotive Legend, Ferdinand Piëch Joins His Grand-Papi on the Tarmac

Many things have been said about Ferdinand (Ferry) Porsche. He is arguably the most influential automotive guru of the 20th century. Yes, Henry implemented the assembly line but Ferry envisioned, devised and monumentally altered the motorized buggy more than any other ... or did he?

Ferdinand Piëch (may he rest in peace), grandson of Ferry "the Professor" Porsche had some tremendous shoes to fill.

Yes, Ferry had invented the first hybrid car (the Lohner-Porsche Mixed Hybrid) but Herr Piëch was responsible for the VW XL1, 260mpg diesel-hybrid.

Yes, the Prof was responsible for creating Hitler's dream car. Please do remember that Hitler's dream car was the Beetle or "bug". It became the most popular car on the planet for some fifty years or so. That is until, under Piëch's leadership, the VW Golf, albeit with a few more comfort, reliability and sporty concerns were sorted out, surpassed the six legged or four wheeled creature.

While at Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft, Ferry was given the honorary title of Professor for his work on the highly successful i.e. the race winning and sexy Mercedes SSK. Piëch bought the Bugatti nameplate and created the fastest car on the world, the Bugatti Veyron.

The Prof came up with the Porsche 356, which ultimately became the Porsche 911. Glorified Beetle? ...possibly (but highly unlikely). Herr Piëch thwarted family take-overs whilst orchestrating his own dominance. The heir takes his place while taking Bentley, Lamborghini, Seat, Škoda, Ducatti, Bugatti, Audi and finally Porsche under his wing.

Which leads me to this presumption ... With a legacy as brilliant as his grandfather set, why would the junior Ferry be as ruthless as he was? It is because he loved these four wheeled marvels. He marveled and created in his own right. I did not meet the man but his reputation is well known (Kind of a dick). Brutal when heavily burden by expectations seems to be the driving force of this automotive legend but I do believe that it was his own passion that ruled his drive ... no pun intended.

Nonetheless, his drive created the Mark VI GTI (my Otto) which is my most favorite car ever.

Fair thee well Herr Ferdinand Piëch. The Prof was brilliant ... but your cars have given me so much more pleasure and usage than his.

Sincerely, from a great admirer and one that debates on who monumentally altered the automotive world most ... I cannot answer the question but I thank both of you.

ilia k.

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