The Porsche 911 range was originally introduced to the market in 1963 and last week it was confirmed that its original designer, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, had died at the age of 76.

The Porsche 911 is unusual in the classic car world, in that the core design which originated all those decades ago remains entirely recognisable, despite the innumerable evolutions which have altered the vehicles under the skin.

This clearly demonstrates the intelligence with which its designer fashioned the vehicle 49 years ago, as well as the enduring aesthetic appeal which still leaves auto fans swooning today.

The 911 was originally called the 901 when it was first shown to the media and it was created under the stewardship of Alexander, after he took over the manufacturer's design studio just a year prior to its launch.

The first example of the 911 had the now classic rear-mounted engine and could hit 131mph flat out, with a 0-60mph acceleration rating of just nine seconds, which was impressive for its time.

The designer left his position at Porsche in the early 70s in order to step out on his own with the Porsche Design Group, a firm which went on to create a variety of objects outside of the automotive industry.