One of the first assignments the new company received was from the German government to design a car for the people, that is a "Volkswagen". This resulted in the Volkswagen Beetle, one of the most successful car designs of all time.

The Type 550/550 A is powered by an all aluminium 1,498 cc (1.5 L; 91.4 cu in) naturally aspirated air-cooled 4 cylinder boxer engine known as the "Fuhrmann Engine" (Type 547).

It took Porsche two years, starting with the first prototype in 1948, to manufacture the first 50 automobiles.

Three cars were made in hand shaped aluminium by the bodywork company Reutter. One was destroyed early in World War II. One was used personally by Ferdinand Porsche. One was put in storage and discovered by American troops who cut off the roof and took it for a joyride until the engine gave out.

Some Porsche enthusiasts don't consider the 1997 Porsche 911 GT1 to be a true 911 because of its mid-mounted engine.

Porsche has designed tractors, forklifts, airplane cockpits, watches, and yes, even tanks.

The Porsche 550 has a solid racing history, winning the first race it entered, the Nürburgring Eifel Race in May 1953.

The prototype was first unveiled at the Frankfurt IAA Motor Show in 1963 as the 901, and was renamed the 911 for its market launch in 1964.

The engines were air-cooled until the introduction of the Type 996 in 1998, with the 993, produced from 1994-1998 model years, being the last of the air-cooled Porsche sports cars.

The sleek bodywork was designed by Erwin Komenda, who also had designed the body of the Beetle.