On September 3, 2025, the 150th birthday of Ferdinand Porsche will be celebrated. His contributions to the German and international automotive industry cannot be overstated. Although the name Porsche today primarily stands for sporty automobiles from Stuttgart, the patriarch laid the foundation for this success early on with groundbreaking inventions. As early as 1902, he built the first hybrid vehicle and went down in history as the "father of the Volkswagen." This book tells the story of his technical masterpieces, as well as his achievements as a company founder, team player, and family head.

·Comprehensive appreciation of Porsche's influence on the automotive industry
·Technical highlights of early automotive history and the prehistory of the VW Beetle
·Exclusive archive photographs and historical anecdotes

That Ferdinand Porsche's life's work is more relevant than ever is proven not only by the invention of the hybrid car. Even earlier, starting in 1899, he dealt with electric cars, designed wheel hub motors, and built the first automobile with all-wheel drive, the "Lohner-Porsche." He went down in history for his role in the construction of the Volkswagen, the "Beetle," of which more than 20 million units were built and which contributed significantly to mass motorization in Germany and worldwide. His design principles – rear-mounted boxer engine and rear-wheel drive – can still be found today in the brand's most famous sports car, the Porsche 911. In conversations with contemporary witnesses, family members, and historians, a multifaceted picture emerges of the man who is also not uncontroversial due to his connections to the Third Reich.

Karl Ludvigsen
Karl Ludvigsen is a renowned automotive historian, author, and journalist. He has written numerous books and articles on automotive history, vehicle engineering, and motorsport. Ludvigsen is particularly known for his detailed studies and publications on the history of Porsche and General Motors. In addition to his work as an author, he has also served in various leadership roles within the automotive industry.

Thomas Ammann
Thomas Ammann is a German journalist and editor-in-chief of "Porsche Klassik" magazine, a specialized publication dedicated to the history and culture of Porsche vehicles. He has a deep passion for classic automobiles, particularly Porsches.