| The Porsche 356 is the first Porsche production | | | | Convertible D model, which featured a taller, more |
| automobile and it was sold from 1948 through 1965. | | | | practical windshield, glass side windows, and more |
| Although many consider Porsche 64 as being the first | | | | comfortable seats. |
| automobile produced by the German company, the 64 | | | | Year after year, the basic shape of Porsche 356 |
| was never mass-produced and it was only a drivable | | | | remained the same and was easily recognized and |
| test-mule. The 364 was created by Ferdinand | | | | remarked, even though changes were made, |
| Porsche and his son, Ferry Porsche, designed by | | | | especially in the mechanical area. Coupe and cabriolet |
| Erwin Komenda and its engine features derived from | | | | models were produced every year up to 1965, with |
| the Volkswagen Beetle, deigned by Mr. Porsche | | | | the last 356B Roadster built in early 1963. The final |
| Senior. | | | | model build was 356 C that featured disc brakes and |
| The models available were initially coupe, cabriolet | | | | the most powerful pushrod engine Porsche so far: the |
| (luxury convertible) and then roadster (a stripped down | | | | 95HP "SC". |
| convertible). Before being withdrawn in 1965, it went | | | | In the year that Porsche launched 911, 1964, Porsche |
| through several changes. The most desirable versions | | | | 356 production peaked at 14,151 cars. Still, the company |
| were 356 "Carrera" (often sold for well over $150,000), | | | | continued to sell the 356C in North America through |
| "Super 90" and "Speedster". In the late 50`s, the original | | | | the end of 1965 as a lower-cost vehicle. When the |
| selling price for a Porsche was $4,000. | | | | customers complained the price for 911 was too high |
| In 1954, Max Hoffman, the only importer of Porsches | | | | (almost twice the price of the 356), Porsche started |
| into United States needed a lower cost, racier version | | | | producing the 912, using the 356 engine. The 912model |
| for the American marker. Therefore, the company | | | | was sold between 1965 and 1969. 56 years after the |
| created 356 "Speedster" that became a instant hit | | | | beginning of the production, Sports Car |
| thanks to the low, raked windshield (easily removable | | | | International named 356C number ten on the list of |
| for weekend racing), bucket seats, and minimal folding | | | | Top Sports cars of the 60`s. Today, the 356 is a |
| top. These days, this car is still very appreciated as it is | | | | respected car among the collectors, as it stood the |
| sold for over $100,000 and it has been used in several | | | | test of time. Worldwide, thousands of 356 owners |
| films, including 48 Hours, its sequel - Another 48 Hours | | | | maintain the tradition, preserving their cars and driving |
| and Top Gun. In 1957, the production of Speedster | | | | them regularly. |
| peaked at 1,171 cars. In 1959 it was replaced by the | | | | |