THE SEEDS 911OF BEAUTY A QUICK STEP BACK INTO THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF EUROPEAN CAR DESIGN, DS FROM 1930 TO 1960. Wind Sculptures at the beginning of the ‘30s car design started to be influenced by the new concepts of aerodynamics, in particular blimp design. Paul Jaray, an engineer who had worked at Luftshiffbau Zeppelin, brought the wind tunnel into the automotive business. Right: Ludwig Prandtl, considered the father of modern aerodynamics, in the Led Zeppelin’s wind tunnel facilities. Blimp on Wheels Porsche and Citroen were not the only ones interested in streamline design, of course. Left: the 1932 SSKL designed by Reinhard Koenig-Fachsenfeld for Daimler Benz. Right: a 1937 prototype designed for BMW. Erwin Komenda, who initially worked for Steyr, became a leading designer at Porsche for the development of the VW Beetle and various Porsche sports cars. Right: one of his original sketches (1936) Below: the lost plans of Auto Union Type 52 supercar, designed by Komenda, which later inspired Porsche’s work. The origin of species The Czech Tatra 87 Limousine (1936) designed by Hans Ledwinka, Erich Ubelacker and Paul Jaray. This is considered the predecessor of all subsequent streamlined vehicles. It’s no secret this car has influenced Porsche and Bertoni alike. You notice at first glimpse the P. Jaray stylistic solutions adopted by 911 and DS’ tail-drop design. Genealogic Tree Béla Barenyi (VW, 1925) Porsche’s Type 12 (Zundapp 1932) Porsche/Werlin (D.Benz, 1932) Ledwinka/Jaray Tatra V570 (1931) Porsche Type 32 (NSU 1932) proposed vehicle for Audi Maybach SW 35 Paul Jaray’s Tatra 77 (Tatra 1933) Some revealing lines: the original Porsche’s smooth tail design and the classic Citroen DS’ steep-angled windscreen can be seen on the Tatra 77 by Paul Jaray. The car industry was thrusted by unprecedented innovation but unable to keep its secrets, having most of its best minds migrating from shop to shop all the time. F.A. Porsche and Flaminio Bertoni pose in front of their creations. The two men belonged to two different generations, being 32 years apart, yet their cars became immortal icons that bridged the gap. Porsche and Citroen’s studies. Quick! which is which? parallel bio A COMPARISON MAY SOUND 911 LIKE SACRILEGE. YET, RIVALS MIRROR EACH OTHERS IN A NEVERENDING ANTAGONISM THAT, IN THE END, BECOMES DS A MUTUAL INSPIRATION. Flying beauty Porsche and Citroen, between 30’s and 60’s, raced along parallel roads. There couldn’t be a more different personality between the two, but they both raced for the very same ideals: creating the best and most beautiful cars ever produced. Flying over competitors. Porsche and Citroen swept out competitors and collected innumerable victories on races and rallies. More importantly, they won the unconditioned trust of millions customers around the world. Reputation is built on oil, nuts and sweat but, in the case of DS and 911, seduction played an important part. These cars were simply irresistible. Sources the research has been gathering historic and technical information from printed and digital sources, embracing the challenges of car design and the life history of its most inspiring protagonists. The purpose of this digest is just a first step, aimed to spark the interest of both car industries for the 911DS project. .