Although Porsche is the smallest car manufacturer in Germany its high profitability has allowed it (in recent years) to gain a controlling percentage of the Volkswagen Group (third largest car manufacturer in the world).
Started in 1931, Porsche originally was a motor development and consultancy firm and is widely accredited for developing the Volkswagen Beetle in 1938 and throughout its illustrious history has lent its technical expertise and consultation services to a host of car manufacturers including Audi, SEAT and Subaru.
Many of the early Porsche models included parts and designs derived from the Beetle including the Porsche 64 and 356. It was using this air cooled rear engine design that led Porsche to its flagship model, the legendary Porsche 911. Still available today, the 911 has won many accolades including being in the top 10 Top Sports Cars of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s (by Sports Car International) and voted number 2 in Automobile Magazine’s ‘100 Coolest Cars’ awards.
In terms of motorsport, Porsche is currently the world’s largest race car manufacturer and it is often cited that the 911 is the most successful naturally aspirated competition car of all time. In fact it even has its own racing series, the Porsche 911 series which has been running for over five decades. Porsche have also entered rallying and Formula 1 but has been most successful in the Le Mans 24hr competition, winning more races than any other manufacturer (a record 16 victories, including seven in a row, from 1981 – 1987). In total, Porsche has recorded over 28,000 race victories to date.