returning to his cherished Austrian farm at Zell am See. Later, one of his last visited events was the launching of a new model, the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. It was based on the old 356, with a 300 hp 6-cylinder air-cooled engine. He also assisted in the large celebration of the 30 years of the Porsche 911 which took place at Stuttgart and Ludwigsburg. Despite being in an unhealthy condition, he signed autographs and drove through a street of 500 911s. He supported himself with a cane and was wearing a straw hat. Ferdinand Porsche died 74 days short of the 50th anniversary of the company, at the age of 88, on 27 March 1998, at the farm in Zell am See, Austria. He was buried there at the Schüttgut church, beside his parents, his wife Dorothea and Anton Piëch. Porsche AG conducted a memorial service soon after in Stuttgart. Recognitions 1959. Grand Cross for Distinguished Service, from the Federal Republic of Germany. It was presented by President Theodor Heuss. 1965. Honorary doctorate, from the Vienna Technical College. 1965. Honorary doctorate, from the University of Stuttgart. 1984. Honorary professor, from the federal state of Baden-Württemberg. 1975. Grand Golden Decoration, from Austria. It was presented at Vienna. 1979. Wilhelm Exner Medal. 1979. Grand Cross for Distinguished Service, from the Federal Republic of Germany. It's the highest award for service. It was presented at his 70th birthday, by the chief minister of Baden-Württemberg, Lothar Spath. 1981. Gold Medal, from the Societe des Ingenieurs de L'Automobile. 1981. Honorary citizenship (dubbed "Freedom of the City"), from the town of Zell-am-See, at Austria. 1984. Professor. It was presented by the chief minister Lothar Späth. 1985. Honorary senator, from the University of Stuttgart. 1989. Economic Medal for outstanding service to the economy of Baden-Württemberg. It was presented by the minister of economy of Baden-Württemberg, Martin Herzog. 1989. Citizen's medal, from the city of Stuttgart. 1994. Honorary citizenship'', from Wiener Neustadt. References Further reading External links Porsche Enterprise European Automobile Hall of Fame Auto History on-line Auto Web Australia Solar Navigator 1909 births 1998 deaths People from Wiener Neustadt Austrian automobile designers Austrian automotive pioneers 20th-century Austrian businesspeople Ferry Knights Commander of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany Recipients of the Order of Merit of Baden-Württemberg Formula One team owners Porsche people Formula One designers Automotive businesspeople Austrian motorsport people