The Last-Minute Crisis That Named an Icon

In early October 1964, Porsche’s management team received an unexpected letter from France. Peugeot claimed trademark rights to all three-digit car names with a zero in the middle. Production of the new 901 had already begun on September 14. Marketing materials were printed. Exhibition vehicles were on display. The company faced a crisis that required an immediate solution.

Ferry Porsche made the decision on October 22, 1964. The 901 would become the 911. On that same day, the third and final car built in Zuffenhausen’s production facility (a red coupé with chassis number 300 057) rolled off the line. It would carry both identities: conceived as a 901, titled as a 911.