I’m sure everyone in the motor trade or even with a vague interest in cars will be sad to have heard the news that Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, or ‘Butzi’ as he was commonly known has died at the age of 76 in Salzburg, Austria. Son of Ferry Porsche, and Grandson of the legendary Ferdinand Porsche who founded the Porsche Motor company in 1931, Butzi is credited for designing the iconic Porsche 911 in 1963, a design that still lives on to this day in the newly released 991 chassis.
Other highlights of Butzi’s career include the design of the Type 804 F1 car and the positively beautiful 904 GTS, seeing himself as more of craftsman rather than a true engineer like his father and grandfather before him. Butzi’s direction changed from automobiles to other areas of design in 1972, when he founded Porsche Design, manufacturing watches, eyewear and writing instruments.
Porsche’s current boss Matthias Muller has led tributes to Butzi, and an official memorial service has been scheduled to take place in Stuttgart. The motor trade owes him a debt of gratitude.
