Ferdinand Alexander Porsche facts for kids

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (born December 11, 1935 – died April 5, 2012) was a famous German designer. People often called him "Butzi". He was the son of Ferry Porsche and the grandson of Ferdinand Porsche. His most famous design was the very first Porsche 911 car.

While his father and grandfather were engineers, Ferdinand Alexander focused on how products looked. He saw himself as a skilled craftsman who shaped things, not just an artist.

Early Life and Learning

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche went to the Waldorf School in Stuttgart, Germany. After school, he started studying industrial design in Ulm, Germany. However, he left after one year because some people doubted his talent. In 1957, he began training at the family's sports car company. He worked in the body design department.

Designing the Porsche 911

The classic 1968 Porsche 911 car

Ferdinand Alexander was very involved in designing the body of the Porsche 911. This car became one of the company's most successful models. It was a family tradition for each generation to help create new car designs.

His father, Ferry Porsche, wanted the new car to have more space and comfort. It needed more room inside and a bigger trunk. Ferdinand Alexander's first drawings were well-liked.

However, some changes were made without his or his father's approval. Ferry Porsche then took Ferdinand Alexander's drawings to another company. This company helped give the car its final shape. The car was first called the 901. But its name was changed to 911 because Peugeot already had a trademark on car names with a "0" in the middle. Production of the Porsche 911 started in 1964.

The Porsche 904 Car

The sleek Porsche 904 sports car

Ferdinand Alexander also designed another important car, the Porsche 904. He said the 904 was his favorite car design for Porsche. The car's body was made from Fiberglass-reinforced resin. This material was used by an aircraft company called Heinkel.

The design team was in a hurry to finish the car. They needed to get it approved for racing by a certain date. Because of this tight deadline, no one had time to ask for changes. This meant the 904's design was Ferdinand Alexander's most original work.

Porsche Design Company

Later, the Porsche family decided to change how their main company was run. They wanted family members to step back from daily management. So, Ferdinand Alexander started his own design company called Porsche Design. It began in Stuttgart, Germany, and later moved to Zell am See, Austria.

First Product: The Chronograph Watch

The first product from Porsche Design was a special chronograph wristwatch. Ferdinand Alexander started designing it while still working at Porsche. It was launched in 1973. This watch was different because its case and bracelet were made of matte black chromed steel. It was meant for Porsche drivers and sold at Porsche dealerships.

Many customers wanted a regular-colored watch. So, a version made of bead-blasted stainless steel was also made. Later, the watch was made for several air forces and the NATO alliance.

Watches with New Materials

In 1978, Ferdinand Alexander worked with a Swiss watchmaker called International Watch Company (IWC). They created a watch with a compass. The watch case could open to show the compass underneath. Its parts were made of special coated aluminum.

Later, these watches used titanium. IWC and Ferdinand Alexander were pioneers in using titanium for watches. The Titan Chronograph, launched in 1980, was the first watch to use titanium. Its unique design had buttons for the stopwatch built into the side of the case.

Ferdinand Alexander liked using unusual materials. He also designed a very rare Chrono II watch. Its case was made of bead-blasted aluminum, and its bracelet was made of strong resin.

Watches are still a big part of Porsche Design's business. In 1996, Ferdinand Alexander's company bought the Swiss watchmaker Eterna.

Other Unique Designs

One of Porsche Design's most copied products is its sunglasses with drop-shaped lenses. These were popular in the 1980s and came in many bright colors. Ferdinand Alexander designed many other glasses. They often had special features, like a nose pad that adjusted itself. One pair even had lenses held by magnets.

Ferdinand Alexander also designed transportation items. He created ideas for city trains, a motorcycle, bicycles, and a racing boat.

As the company grew, it designed many different types of products. These included bathroom items, furniture, knives, televisions, and desk lamps. He even designed a grand piano for an Austrian company called Bösendorfer.

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche retired in 2005 due to his health. He was given the title Honorary Chairman of the Supervisory Board. This title was first created for his father when he retired. Ferdinand Alexander Porsche passed away in Salzburg, Austria, on April 5, 2012, at the age of 76.

See also

In Spanish: Ferdinand Alexander Porsche para niños