Engineer and automotive designer Ferdinand Porsche inspired the design of the VW Beetle. Before being assigned to design the "people's car" by Adolf Hitler in 1933, he had already created several sports and racing cars.
Characteristics of the Beetle:
* Round and aerodynamic shape that provided excellent fuel economy and reduced drag.
* Robust and reliable mechanics that made it suitable for the average consumer.
* Affordable and mass-produced, making it accessible to a broad market.
Influences:
* Benz Tropfenwagen: Porsche was influenced by the Tropfenwagen, an aerodynamic experimental vehicle created by Benz in 1923.
* Tatra T97: The design of the Beetle also shared some similarities with the Tatra T97, a car from the Czechoslovakian company.
The Beetle became an iconic and beloved symbol of the automotive industry due to its ingenious design, affordability, and widespread availability. It holds a special place in automotive history.
