| The Porsche 356 was a sports car buffs dream. The | | | | racing go hand in hand. And so the Speedster is born |
| 356 was the brain child of Ferdinand "Ferry" Porsche. | | | | and an instant success with more than 4000 sold in |
| The body style was the work of Erwin Komenda and | | | | just 5 years.1955: |
| the mechanical came off the VW Beetle the design | | | | The 1600 motor makes it to production. The 1500 |
| of Ferdinand Porsche Sr.When it first hit the market it | | | | GS Carrera motor which is being developed for the |
| was available as a roadster, cabriolet, and coupe and | | | | race track suddenly finds its way into the 356 line. |
| over the years it saw many changes both in power | | | | The A line is introduced which has several small |
| and style. You might be surprised to discover that | | | | changes to the body style.1956: |
| the 356 Porsche was actually Porsche's first | | | | The 10,000th 356 comes off the assembly line and it |
| production automobile and one has to admit it was a | | | | is celebrated at the factory.1957: |
| great pick!This timeline is a bit rough around the | | | | More improvements saw the T2 prototype with the |
| edges but it will give you and idea of how the 356 | | | | new transmission. The 644 replaced the 519 with a |
| evolved from start to finish.1948: | | | | much better shifter, dual nose mounts, and much |
| Just after the war Porsche located to Austria so | | | | better synchros.1958: |
| that they could be closer to parts suppliers. Ferry | | | | The Carrera engine continued to see improvements |
| Porsche was the designer of the 356. He was the | | | | that produced higher horsepower. The Convertible |
| son of Dr Ing Ferdinand Porsche who was the | | | | came to market replacing the Speedster and it was |
| founder of Porsche. The original car used a tubular | | | | much taller and luxurious than its predecessor.1959: |
| chassis with an 1100cc engine so it was both light and | | | | The last Speedster is released and the 1300 engine |
| quick. The gearbox was designed by Frolich and | | | | is also dropped.1960: |
| Komenda designed the body of the 356.The original | | | | The 356B is given the Super 90 motor. The 90 has |
| 001 raced at the Innsbruck city race and it won in | | | | a counterweighted crank, Solex P40-II Carburetor, |
| the 1100cc class on its very first run. Not surprising! | | | | and sodium filled valves.1961: |
| The original 001 sits in the Factory Museum.1949: | | | | The hardtop is introduced and is instantly a hit and is |
| The first 356 Cabriolet is built with alloy | | | | fondly nicknamed the "Notchback". Over 1700 of |
| aluminum.1950: | | | | these cars sold in less than two years.1962: |
| The factory moves to Zuffenhausen and begins | | | | Porsche is talking with Reutter about the purchase |
| producing the 356 where they will stay until 1965 | | | | of the coach maker. The factory launches |
| producing around 80,000 cars.1951: | | | | Christophorus which is a Porsche lifestyle |
| Innovation continues to impress the world with the | | | | magazine.1963: |
| 356 Cabriolet and the new split windshield. The 1.3 | | | | 356C is brought to market with the 95 HP SC |
| liter was chrome plated with aluminum cylinders and | | | | engine. It has 4 wheel disc brakes, and it is available |
| the very first synchromesh transmission came to be. | | | | with an optional 12 volt electric system.1964: |
| The 356-002 wins hands down at the LeMans in the | | | | The 356 production has moved over the 10,000 a |
| 1100cc class.At the age of 75 Dr. Ing Ferdinand | | | | year number.1965: |
| Porsche Sr. died at the age of 75. By this time 1400 | | | | The final Cabriolets come off the assembly line.After |
| people worked under the direction of Ferry | | | | several evolutions the 356 came to be retired in 1965 |
| Porsche.1952: | | | | but today the car still remains sought after and it is |
| The 1488 cc 70 HP super engine is introduced.1953: | | | | common to find them selling for over $175,000. Back |
| A deal is made with New York's Max Hoffman which | | | | in the 1950s you could buy that car new for |
| allowed for the introduction of the 356 in the United | | | | $4000.The 356 also made it big in the movies staring |
| States. It wasn't long before Hoffman became the | | | | in Top Gun, 48 Hrs and Another 48 Hrs. And Janis |
| US importer for Porsche making arrangements for | | | | Joplin has a psychedelically painted 356C. The 356 |
| the Porsche line to be carried around the country. | | | | underwent many changes over the years some |
| This was also the era where split windshields became | | | | mechanical while others cosmetic but what remained |
| bent windshields.1954: | | | | consistent was its charm, style, sportiness, and |
| Hoffman convinces Porsche that they can gain more | | | | speed. Still today this is a car that gets |
| market share by producing a stripped down version | | | | noticed.Wayne has been owned and ridden Porsches |
| of the 356 for less money specifically designed for | | | | for 15 years. Visit his Porsche site at to learn more |
| the west coast where fair weather and amateur | | | | about Porsche 944. |