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. 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. 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. The basic design of the 356 remained the same throughout its
lifespan, with evolutionary, functional improvements rather than yearly
superficial styling changes. Nevertheless a variety of models in both coupe and
convertible forms were produced from 1948 through 1965. Cabriolets
(convertibles) were offered from the start, and in the early 1950's sometimes
comprised over 50% of total production. One of the most desirable collector
models is the 356 "Speedster," introduced in late 1954 after Max Hoffman,
the sole US
importer of Porsches, advised the company that a lower-cost, open-top version
could sell well in the American market. With its low, raked windshield (which
could be removed for weekend racing), bucket seats and minimal folding top, the
Speedster was an instant hit, especially in Southern
California. Production of the Speedster peaked at 1,171 cars in
1957 and then started to decline. It was replaced in late 1958 by the
"Convertible D" model. It featured a taller, more practical
windshield, glass side windows and more comfortable seats. The following year
the 356B "Roadster" convertible replaced the D model but the sports
car market's love affair with top-down motoring was fading; soft-top 356 model
sales declined significantly in the early 60s. To distinguish among the major
revisions of the model, 356's are generally classified into a few major groups.
356 coupes and "cabriolets" (soft-top) built through 1954 are readily
identifiable by their split (1948 to 1952) or bent (center-creased, 1953 to
1954) windshields. In 1955, with numerous small but significant changes, the
356A was introduced. Its internal factory designation, "Type 1," gave
rise to its nickname "T1" among enthusiasts. In early 1957 a second revision of
the 356A was produced, known as Type 2 (or T2). In late 1959 more significant
styling and technical refinements gave rise to the 356B (a T5 body type). The
mid 1962 356B model was changed to the T6 body type (twin deck lid grilles, an
external fuel filler in the right front fender and larger windows). A unique
"Karmann Hardtop" or "Notchback" 356B model (1961 to 1962)
was essentially a cabriolet body with the optional steel cabriolet hardtop
welded in place. The last revision of the 356 was the 356C which was introduced for
the 1964 model year. It featured disc brakes as well as an option for the most
powerful pushrod engine Porsche had ever produced, the 95 hp (71 kW)
"SC." 356 production peaked at 14,151 cars in 1964, the year that its
successor, the new 911, was introduced to the US
market (it was introduced slightly earlier in Europe).
The company continued to sell the 356C
in North America through 1965 as demand for
the model remained quite strong in the early days of the 911. The last ten
356's (cabriolets) were assembled for the Dutch police force in March 1966 as
1965 models. The 356's four-cylinder pushrod engine was later re-introduced in
Porsche's "entry-level" 912 model, offered between 1965 and 1969 in response to
customer complaints that the new 911 (at nearly twice the price of the 356) was
too expensive. Although in some ways the 912 did reprise the 356's
specifications, it would not be accurate to say the 912 was successor to the
356; when the decision was made to replace the 356, the 911 was the only car
intended to carry the Porsche name forward. Rather the 912 was an afterthought
intended to supply the lower-priced end of the market, which the faster and
heavier 911 could not do.
The Porsche 356
has enjoyed much success in rallying, the 24 hours of Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio,
the Carrera Panamericana, as well as a lot of other important car racing
events. Several Porsche 356s were stripped down in weight, and were modified in
order to have better performance and handling for these races. A few notable
examples include the Porsche 356 SL, and the Porsche 356A Carrera GT. In the 1960s
Porsche collaborated with Abarth and built the Porsche 356B Carrera GTL Abarth
coupé, which enjoyed some success in motor sports.
This is a very
nice and very rare photo that reflects a wonderful era of Porsche ‘s automotive
history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to own this
photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 11"
(ca. 20 x 28 cm).
It makes it perfectly suitable for framing.
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you
buy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on
photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright
expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our
archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well
protected in PVC clear files and board backed
envelopes.
We have
photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the
original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and
excellent quality.
After many decades
of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our
archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They
will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a
border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace,
restaurant, bar or club!
First come -
first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any
questions before the auction ends.