Hans Mezger, the decorated Porsche engineer and father of the company’s flat six engine, passed away last month at the age of 90.
Mezger has arguably had the most profound influence on engineering at Porsche since the company’s inception, his considerable talents producing motorsporting highlights for Weissach including the 917’s 12-cylinder engine, as well as the TAG Turbo Formula One engine. On the road, every air-cooled 911 owner owes his or her flat six to Mezger, who designed the legendary combustion unit which powered the Neunelfer for nearly four decades in various forms.