Louise Piëch and Her 911 Turbo “No. 1”

In 1974, Ferry Porsche gifted his sister, Louise Piëch, the first-ever 911 Turbo as a 70th birthday present. Known as the 911 Turbo “No. 1,” this unique prototype became a symbol of Louise’s passion for speed and her indelible impact on Porsche’s legacy. It was a sleek, powerful car with a supercharged 2.7-liter engine, delivering 177 kW (240 PS). The prototype foreshadowed the production 930 model, which, with a 3.0-liter engine and 191 kW (260 PS), became the fastest German series production car of its time.

Born in 1904 to Aloisia and Ferdinand Porsche, Louise was raised in a family where cars were the heartbeat of daily life. She was driving by her teens and competed in motorsports at a time when women behind the wheel were rare. Her competitive streak and love for speed were legendary—she disliked being second, a trait that extended into both her personal and professional life.

Beyond her love for cars, Louise balanced her life with artistic pursuits, notably watercolor painting, which brought her peace amid the high-paced world she inhabited. After marrying Viennese attorney Anton Piëch, she became a mother of four and continued to maintain a strong connection with her father, often staying informed of his developments in Stuttgart.

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When WWII shook the Porsche family, it was Louise’s leadership that kept the company afloat. With her father, brother, and husband detained in France, she worked tirelessly alongside senior engineer Karl Rabe to revive the business, producing winches, tractors, and small repairs to ensure survival during the war-torn years. Her tenacity paid off, and the family business not only survived but later thrived. In 1947, she co-founded Porsche Konstruktionen GesmbH with her brother Ferry, securing crucial contracts that sustained the company.

Louise’s role in safeguarding her father’s legacy was paramount, and her work as a businesswoman solidified Porsche’s future. After the war, she oversaw the establishment of the Porsche and Volkswagen import operations in Austria, leading Porsche Salzburg to become one of the largest automobile trading companies in Europe.

Louise’s contributions were recognized when she was awarded the title of Kommerzialrat (Commercial Councillor), marking her as one of Austria’s most successful businesswomen. She retired from operational roles in the company in 1971, yet her influence persisted, with her son and other family members continuing the Piëch-Porsche legacy.

The 911 Turbo “No. 1” remained Louise’s favourite, and even into her 90s, she loved to drive her cherished sports car. She passed away in 1999 at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy that shaped not only her family but also the automotive world. A pioneering woman, her story continues to inspire, standing as a testament to her strength, business acumen, and lifelong love of fast cars.

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