Porsche 356

Porsche 356 specifications

Porsche No. 1 Type 356 (mid-engine prototype) Porsche-Museum
Manufacturer	Porsche
Production	1948-1965
Predecessor	none
Successor	Porsche 911/912
Class	Sports car (2-door)
Body style(s)	Coupe, Notchback Coupe Convertible Speedster,Convertible D,Roadster,Hardtop
Layout	RR layout
Engine(s)	1.1 L B4, 40 hp (DIN) 1.3 L B4, 44-60 hp (DIN) 1.5 L B4, 55-70 hp (DIN) 1.5 L DOHC-B4, 100-110 hp (DIN) 1.6 L B4, 60-95 hp (DIN) 1.6 L DOHC-B4, 105-115 hp (DIN) 2.0 L DOHC-B4, 130 hp (DIN)
Wheelbase	82.7 inch (2100 mm)
Length	152.4-157.9 inch (3870-4010 mm)
Width	65.4 inch (1660 mm)
Height	48.0-51.8 inch (1220-1310 mm)
Curb weight	1700-2296 lb (770-1040 kg)
Designer	Erwin Komenda

The Porsche 356 was the company's first production automobile. It was a lightweight and nimble handling rear-engine rear-wheel-drive 2 door sports car available in hardtop and convertible configurations. Design innovations continued during the years of manufacture, contributing to its motorsports success and popularity. Production started in 1948 at Gmünd, Austria where approximately 50 cars were built. In 1950 the factory relocated to Zuffenhausen, Germany and general production of the 356 continued until April 1965, well after the replacement model 911 made its debut in autumn 1963. It is estimated approximately half of the total production of 76,000 356s still survive.

History

Porsche 356 Pre-A 1948 Coupe Porsche-Museum

Before the German invasion of Poland, Porsche designed and built three Type 64 cars for a Berlin to Rome race in 1939 that was never run, then in 1948 the mid-engine tubular chassis 356 prototype called "No. 1". This has led to some debate as to the "first" Porsche automobile, but the 356 is considered by Porsche to be its first production model.^[1][2]

The 356 was created by Ferdinand "Ferry" Porsche (son of Dr. Ing. Ferdinand Porsche, founder of the company). Like its ancestor, the Volkswagen Beetle (which Ferdinand Porsche senior had designed), the 356 was a four-cylinder, air-cooled, rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive car utilizing unitized pan and body construction. While the 356's body was an original design by Porsche employee Erwin Komenda, its mechanicals (including engine, suspension and chassis) were derived from the Volkswagen. The first 356, was roadcertified in Austria on June 8, 1948, and used many Volkswagen parts for manufacturing economy. Porsche quickly re-engineered and refined the car with a focus on performance. By the late 50's many fewer parts were shared in common between Volkswagen and Porsche. The early 356 automobile bodies produced at Gmünd, Austria were handcrafted in aluminum, but when production moved to Zuffenhausen, Germany in 1950, models produced there were steel-bodied.

Little noticed at its inception, the first 356s sold primarily in Austria and Germany. From the first prototype in 1948, it took Porsche about two years to manufacture the first 50 automobiles. By the early 1950s the 356 had gained some renown among enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic for its aerodynamics, handling, and excellent build quality. It was common for owners to race the car as well as drive it on the street. Increasing success with its racing and road cars brought Porsche orders for over 10,000 units in 1964, and when 356 production ended in 1965 approximately 76,000 had been produced.^[1]