Porsche 356 - The beginning!

The 356 was the first production automobile made by them. It was a lightweight and nimble handling  rear-wheel-drive and engine  2 door sports car available in hardtop and convertible mode. Design innovations continued during the years of manufacture, contributing to its motorsports success. Production started in 1948 at Gmünd in Austria where around 50 cars were built. In 1950 the factory relocated to Zuffenhausen, Germany and production continued until April 1965, well after the replacement model 911 made its autumn 1963 debut. It is estimated approximately half of the total production of 76,000 356s still survive.

Little noticed at its inception, the first 356s sold primarily in Austria and Germany. It took Porsche two years to manufacture the first 50 automobiles. It was common for owners to race the car as well as drive it on the street. Increasing success with its racing and road cars brought Porsche orders for over 10,000 units in 1964, and by the time 356 production ended in 1965 approximately 76,000 had been produced. Being so popular with motor sport enthusiasts, in 2004, Sports Car International ranked the 356C nr. 10 on their list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s.

Enjoy this picture by Lothar Spurzemof of the 356 Günther Klass drove in 1964

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