On 26 February 1936, after years of research and engineering efforts, Ferdinand Porsche introduced the “people’s car,” known today as the Volkswagen. This momentous event marked the beginning of one of the most influential automobile brands in history, shaping the future of accessible motoring.
Ferdinand Porsche: Visionary engineer
Ferdinand Porsche was an Austrian-German automotive engineer and one of the most significant figures in 20th-century car design. Born in 1875 in what is now the Czech Republic, Porsche showed an early interest in mechanics, designing his first electric wheel-hub motor at the age of 25. His career spanned several major milestones, including work with Austro-Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, and his own engineering consultancy, which eventually led to the formation of Porsche AG.
The birth of Volkswagen
In the early 1930s, the German government, led by Adolf Hitler, sought to produce an affordable car for the masses, a project that aligned with Porsche’s engineering expertise. Tasked with designing a practical and inexpensive vehicle, Porsche developed a streamlined, air-cooled, rear-engine car. The prototype, presented in 1936, became the foundation for the Volkswagen Beetle, one of the most successful cars ever produced.
The car, initially called the KdF-Wagen (Kraft durch Freude – “Strength through Joy”), was designed to be economical, reliable, and easy to maintain. However, World War II delayed its full-scale production, and the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg was repurposed for military vehicles. It was only after the war, under British control, that the Volkswagen Beetle began mass production, eventually becoming an automotive icon worldwide.
The legacy of Porsche and Volkswagen
Following the war, Ferdinand Porsche was imprisoned for alleged war crimes but was later released without trial. His son, Ferry Porsche, continued his father’s work, founding Porsche AG in 1948 and launching the Porsche 356, the company’s first sports car. Today, Porsche remains synonymous with high-performance and luxury vehicles, while Volkswagen has grown into one of the world’s largest car manufacturers, encompassing brands such as Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, and Lamborghini.
The unveiling of the Volkswagen in 1936 was a turning point in automotive history. What began as a government-commissioned project evolved into a globally recognised brand, with the Volkswagen Beetle becoming one of the most beloved and best-selling cars of all time.
Also read: ON THIS DAY: Beatles’ guitarist George Harrison is born (1943)
