FERDINAND ALEXANDER PORSCHE never had his sights set on being famous. He was always a worldclass designer who preferred to work silently in the background. We have consulted every known source to find out more about him—from statements in interviews and articles to the recollections of his closest relatives—to paint a picture of a personality as complex as he was creative.

“I like being in nature, and you think of things more easily when you’re relaxed. You come up with ideas.”