Collectors & Aficionados
Unforgettable Car Geniuses: Ferdinand Piëch
Ferdinand Piëch was a visionary who transformed the auto industry. From creating the Porsche 917 to expanding Volkswagen’s empire, his legacy is immense. A man of excess and passion, he left an indelible mark before his sudden passing in 2019.
Not even a book could fully recount the true story of Ferdinand Piëch. His life was always extreme in choices, ideas, and behaviors, making it impossible to truly understand what he thought and which paths he would take to achieve his secret goals. What is certain is his ability to think big — even to the point of exaggeration. He did so in his private life with 12 or 13 children — it remains unclear — born from four different relationships. He also thought big when, still young, he worked at Porsche, where he created the invincible and magnificent 917.
When he joined Audi in 1964, the company was struggling to grow. He transformed its drivetrain from two-wheel to four-wheel drive, proving the quality of the idea by winning international rallies. He also went to extremes in 1993 when he took control of the Volkswagen Group, acquiring numerous brands including Bentley, Lamborghini, and Bugatti, expanding the portfolio to an astonishing 12 brands, including Ducati motorcycles. His drive for the extraordinary extended to developing 16- and even 18-cylinder car engines.
