MODEL HISTORY

Designed by Ferry Porsche - son of company founder Ferdinand - the 356 was launched in 1948 and was the car that laid the foundation for Porsche's enduring success.

At that time, the company was still based in the Austrian town of Gmünd, but by 1950 it had moved back to Germany and the Stuttgart borough of Zuffenhausen, while steel bodywork replaced the aluminium that had been used on the earliest 356s. Porsche's reputation grew rapidly thereafter, thanks largely to its competition success, and it became a popular choice for young racers in the all-important North American market.

The basic outline of the 356 remained intact throughout its production run, but there were numerous updates along the way. The capacity of the rear-mounted, air-cooled, flat-four engine was originally 1100cc, but 1300cc and 1500cc variants were soon added. In 1955, the 356 A was introduced with its updated T1 body, and this model also gained the option of a 1600cc engine - plus the high-performance four-cam Carrera unit.

In 1958, Porsche did a deal with Karosseriewerke Drauz KG - which was based in Heilbronn, just north of Stuttgart - to build its new Convertible D and Roadster. Offered with the 1600 and 1600 S engines, but not in Carrera spec, this model could be ordered in red, blue, ivory or silver. Prices in the American market started at $2774.

The 356 B was introduced in 1960 with a new T5 body style and the Convertible D was eventually replaced by the d'Ieteren-built Roadster. The 1600cc engine was available across all body styles - Coupe, Cabriolet and Roadster - and with various power outputs. The 356 B gained the latest T6 body in 1962, and the final incarnation of this famous model was the 1964 356 C. In that same year, Porsche introduced the six-cylinder 911 and production of the 356 came to an end in 1965.

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