Ferdinand Porsche was an automotive engineer from Austria-Hungary who founded the famous Porsche automobile company. He created the first-ever gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle. His creations include Lohner-Porsche, Volkswagen Beetle, Mercedes-Benz SS/SSK, and other popular models of Porsche automobiles. Ferdinand played a pivotal role during World War II. His involvement with Porsche automobiles paved the way for the production of advanced tanks like VK 4501 (P), Tiger I, Tiger II, Elefant, and Panzer VIII Maus. According to Nazi officials, he was called the "Great German Engineer" and was also a member of the Nazi Party. He received the German National Prize for Art and Science, the SS-Ehrenring and the War Merit Cross. Following WW II, Ferdinand was imprisoned at a French prison for 22 months, and his business was taken care of by his son. Ferdinand died at the age of 75 and his legacy of creating the Porsche brand has been carried forward by his descendants. He was inducted posthumously into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and was given the Car Engineer of the Century award among other accolades.