In his extraordinary reference work Excellence was Expected Karl Ludvigsen quotes Ferdinand Alexander Porsche on his design of the 904. “It was my favorite because I did it alone and there wasn’t this fight to change it or make it newer. It was designed and finished. Time was very short. I didn’t have a free hand but it had to appear so soon after the clay model there was really no time for interference.”
-Karl Ludvigsen. “Excellence was Expected,” Chapter 15, 904: Beauty with Speed, page 313.
The first time I saw the Porsche 904 it resonated deeply. It was one of those designs so flawless in proportion and detail that one wouldn’t change a thing. It was consummate example of “Butzi” Porsche’s philosophy: “A coherently designed product requires no adornment; it should be enhanced by its form alone.” One of the primary reasons I bought my Porsche Cayman was I responded emotionally to the heritage of the 904 in its design.
Two more pictures from the 2010 356 Registry East Coast Concours:
My Cayman:
© Dale Kistemaker 1982-85, 2011-2025
2015 Motor Press Guild Bob D’Olivio Award For Photography – Best Photograph of the Year
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this original material without express and written permission from Dale Kistemaker is strictly prohibited.
Excerpts and links may be used on websites provided that full and clear credit is given to Dale Kistemaker and Poetics Of Speed with appropriate and specific links to the original content.
Original words and pictures:
© Dale Kistemaker 1982-85, 2011-2025
You must be logged in to post a comment.