Sold from 1948 through 1965, the Porsche 356 was Porsche’s first production automobile. Although many think of the Porsche 64 as being the first automobile produced by the German company, the 64 was never mass-produced. It was only an operable concept car and testing platform for the company’s design ideas. The 364, created by Ferdinand Porsche and his son Ferry Porsche, was designed by Erwin Komenda. Its engine features were derived from the Volkswagen Beetle, which was also designed by the senior Mr. Porsche.
Initially the models available were a coupe, cabriolet (luxury convertible) and a roadster (a stripped down convertible). The Porsche 356 underwent several changes before being withdrawn in 1965. The most sought-after variants of the car were the 356 “Carrera” (which often sold for over $150,000), the “Super 90” and the famous “Speedster”. The original selling price for a Porsche was around $4,000 in the 1950s.
How the Porsche 356 Came to Be:
It was in 1954 that Max Hoffman, the only importer of Porsches into United States, told Porsche that he needed a lower cost, racier version of the 356 to entice the American driver. To this end the company created the 356 “Speedster”. It became a instant hit, featuring a low, raked windshield (easily removable for weekend racing), bucket seats, and minimal folding top. Today this car is still widely coveted and premium examples of the model have sold for over $100,000. It has also been used in several films, including “48 Hours”, its sequel — “Another 48 Hours”, and “Top Gun”. The production of Speedster peaked at 1,171 cars in 1957. It was replaced 1959 by the Convertible D model. This model featured a taller, more practical windshield, glass side windows, and more comfortable seats.
Even as the mechanical side of the Porsche improved year after year, the basic shape of Porsche 356 remained the same and was easily recognized. The last 356B Roadster was built in early 1963, but the coupe and cabriolet models were produced every year up to 1965. The final model built was the 356C, featuring disc brakes and the most powerful pushrod engine Porsche so far: the 95HP “SC”.
Porsche 356 production peaked at 14,151 cars in 1965, the same year that Porsche introduced the 911. The company continued to sell the 356C in North America through the end of 1965 as a lower-cost option to the higher-performance 911. When the customers continued to complain about the high the price of the 911, which was almost twice the price of the 356, Porsche started producing the 912. This car utilized the 356 engine and was sold between 1965 and 1969.
56 years after the beginning of its production, Sports Car International named the 356C as number ten on its list of Top Sports cars of the 60’s. Having stood the test of time, the 356 is a well respected and coveted car among collectors today. Thousands of 356 owners worldwide maintain the tradition, preserving their cars and through them the legacy of Porsche engineering excellence.
The Impact Porsche 365 Had On Today
The Porsche 356 laid the foundation for everything the brand would become—engineering excellence, racing heritage, and timeless design. Its lightweight construction, rear-engine layout, and connection to the Volkswagen Beetle made it an accessible yet high-performance sports car that captivated enthusiasts worldwide. Even today, the 356 remains one of the most iconic classic Porsches, with collectors and restorers keeping its legacy alive.
While the 356 was Porsche’s first great success, the 928 represented the company’s boldest departure from tradition. Unlike the rear-engine, air-cooled 356, the 928 featured a front-mounted water-cooled V8, a transaxle for perfect weight distribution, and an emphasis on high-speed grand touring. Both models, however, share Porsche’s core DNA—engineering innovation, exceptional driving dynamics, and a design that stands the test of time. Whether it’s a classic 356 or a V8-powered 928, every Porsche tells a story of pushing the boundaries of what a sports car can be.
Thank you for taking the time with me to learn more about what Mr. Done Right, the Porsche 928 whisperer, can do for you.
Sincerely,
Don Fenton
(AKA) Mr. Done Right
For more information on Porsche 928 maintenance, repair, or restoration in the greater Austin area (or beyond), please contact your premier 928 mechanic, Don Fenton, AKA Mr. Done Right – Porsche 928 repairs and restoration of Austin, because Don ensures any repairs get Done Right the first time!
📞 Call us now for a free estimate! (737) 900-8179
🌐 Visit us at www.928DoneRight.com
Recent Comments