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| Before being withdrawn in 1965, it went | | | | |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