Porsche 356

The Porsche 356 was a Porsche sports car sold from 1948 through 1965, and Porsche's first production automobile. It was preceeded by the Porsche 64, which has lead to some argument over which car is offically the first Porsche, although the Type 64 was never mass-produced and was never much more than a driveable test-mule. The 356 concept was created by Ferdinand "Ferry" Porsche (Ferry being a nickname), styled by Erwin Komenda, and mechanically derived from the Volkswagen Beetle, which Ferdinand Porsche Sr. had designed. It was available as both a coupé and a roadster and went through several evolutions before being retired. 356 "SC", "Super 90" and "Speedster" models are among the most desirable versions.

Related Topics:
Porsche - 1948 - 1965 - Porsche 64 - Ferry - Erwin Komenda - Volkswagen - Beetle - Ferdinand Porsche - Coupé - Roadster

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Porsche replaced the 356 with their then-new 911 model in 1963, although they continued to sell 356s in North America through the end of 1965 as a lower-cost vehicle. The 356's engine was later re-used to power Porsche's "entry level" 912 model between 1965 and 1969.

Related Topics:
911 - 1963 - 912 - 1965 - 1969

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In 2004, Sports Car International named the 356C number ten on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s.

Related Topics:
2004 - Sports Car International - Top Sports Cars of the 1960s

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