Timeless good design is not just a matter of superficial styling.
It is a process that takes place from within,
as part of the formal implementation of a functional principle.
–The Philosophy of Ferdinand Alexander Porsche
The Lohner-Porsche Mixte Hybrid
There are many pen companies that have histories filled with rich imagery and plots reminiscent of Hollywood blockbusters with political intrigue, corporate back-biting, perseverance through hard times and innovation and invention. Cross and Montblanc easily come to mind as two such companies with storied pasts riddled with success and excitement. But, when it comes to modern pens, few companies have an origin as wild and enthralling as Porsche Design Pens.
Ferdinand Anton Ernst Porsche – Ferry to his friends — was a mechanical engineer born in Austria in 1875. He and his sons lined up a list of automotive accomplishments that eventually landed the family business in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, while he was named Car Engineer of the Century. He was instrumental in creating the first all electric car (in 1898!) as well as later, a hybrid car that ran on gasoline and electricity. He plied his mind to race cars, creating concepts and designs that took first place in competitions around the world. His son, continuing on the path would later develop the Porsche 911, a sports car with iconic design and unwavering fan appreciation.
Throughout his career, Porsche worked for kings and princes from dozens of countries as well as world renowned car companies like Mercedes- Benz and Daimler. However, one of the most interesting times in his life came after founding his own car
Porsche Design P 3100
company – Porsche — in 1931. In 1934, with Hitler firmly in power, Porsche received a contract to build the ‘people’s car’. Porsche set off to work and nearly a year later produced what we all know today as the Volkswagen Beetle. During the turbulent time of the war, Porsche also made significant alterations and design advancements to German tank designs including the Tiger I and II, the Elefant and the Panzer VII Maus.
It is easy to see that Porsche was able to thrive on any mechanical project that he came in contact with. He was able to work on a variety of projects and always bring something new and innovative to the final product. This is because Porsche understood that design was just as important to the success of his creations as science and mechanical engineering. In fact, he allowed science and engineering to guide and determine, design letting the form of his vehicles follow the function of his vehicles. With the simple thought that good design should have purpose other than to please the eye, Porsche was able to succeed and nearly every project he tackled.
Porsche Design today means the same thing. It means allowing the purpose of the object to mold its own design and to create its own space. The Porsche Design pens, by Faber Castell here at Executive Essentials, do just that. They take the simplicity of a writing instrument and make it functional by making its form pleasant to the eye and the hand.
This Porsche Design P’3100 fountain pen in stainless steel and gold is a fascinating combination of nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and tungsten with the addition of gold treads to add luster. The threads, reminiscent of the tire of Porsche’s 911 are 14 karat gold plated. This combination produces a hardwearing metal in nature and it has almost total resistance to corrosion. The TecFlex stainless steel weaves turn out to be surprisingly flexible and will fit more comfortably in your hand. This fountain pen comes equipped with an 18 karat gold nib that is rhodinized, its cut and finish ensure a pleasant feel as it glides across the paper.
Porsche Design P 3130
The Porsche Series P’3130 ballpoint referred to as the “stems”, consists of 17 gleaming stainless steel striations coated in platinum. The unusual feature about this pen is the mechanism. As its tip extends or retracts, the stems twist and lie straight, then again form a “waist” in the middle as the ending position is reached. It’s a visual experience that is difficult to appreciate. Also, the clip can be removed by rotating it a quarter turn; even with the clip removed the pen will not roll off a flat surface. A true ‘form follows function’ pen.
Porsche Design P 3140
A quick flick of the wrist is all it takes to get this Faber-Castell Porsche Shaker Ballpoint Pen ready for use. This unique Porsche design pen is made out precious resin with chrome-plated polished metal accents. This unique resin matches the trend color of the automotive industry. Like the P 3130, the top of this ballpoint has a “parking brake” that prevents it from rolling of surfaces. This is one of those great pocket pens that you can take with you anywhere. What makes this pen even more desirable is that it is part of a limited edition of 5,000 pieces. Executive Essentials still has more, but act soon, because as you can guess, these unique writing instruments are going fast!
