1954 Porsche 356

Ferdinand Porsche established his automotive design consultancy in the early 1930s but his name would not appear on a car until 1948. Small, light, rear-engined, and highly maneuverable, the 356 set the standard by which all other Porsches have been built. It was unique, fresh, and new in every way, and introduced the world to a new concept in sports car design. A collaboration between `Ferry' Porsche, the son of the company's founder, and its chief body engineer Erwin Komenda, the very early examples of the 356 wore handcrafted bodies from aluminum in Gmund, Austria. Parts and material were in short supply following World war II, and the model initially employed the engine, suspension, and transmission from the Volkswagen Beetle - the car designed by Porsche Senior. Like the Beetle, it had a platform-type chassis with a rear-mounted air-cooled flat-four cylinder engine with a 1,100cc displacement and torsion bar all-independent suspension. Within two years, however, the car had been considerably re-engineered and used fewer stock Volkswagen parts, the bodies were made of steel, and production had relocated to Zuffenhausen in Germany.

Large-scale production of the 356 was never Porsche's intention and early 356 examples were sold primarily in Austria and Germany. It had taken Porsche two years, starting with the first prototype in 1948, to manufacture the first 50 automobiles. It quickly gained a reputation among enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic for its aerodynamics, handling, and excellent build quality. This was further bolstered by successes in such top events as Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio and Carrera Panamericana, as well as countless other races and rallies around the world. In 1951, a works car finished first in the 1,100cc class at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race, the first of a long and illustrious association with La Sarthe.

Porsche continued to develop and refine the 356 during its production lifespan, with the original split windscreen replaced by a one-piece, a Porsche synchromesh gearbox was eventually adopted, and the 356's engine enlarged first to 1.3 and then to 1.5 liters. A cabriolet body style followed on the heels of the original 356 Coupe and then in 1952, the U.S. importer Max Hoffman received a trial batch of 15 roadsters. Hoffman had persuaded Porsche of the potential for an entry-level, lower-priced model, and although skeptical at first, were convinced following the successful reception in the U.S. This led to the introduction of the Speedster model in 1954. The inspiration of the Speedster is also credited to John Von Neumann, Porsche's West Coast distributor, who had chopped down a Gmünd-built Coupe in the late 1940s to create a lightweight competition car.

At the time, Porsche's contracted body manufacturer Reutter lacked the proper stamping dies in place to produce the Speedster, so Porsche used what it had at its disposal. The first 200 Speedsters built in 1954 were based on Cabriolets whose windshield posts were simply cut off. Many of these early examples retained the mounting points on the rear quarter wheel housings for the Cabriolet's folding canvas top. By 1955, the early issues had been resolved, and Reutter began manufacturing 356 Speedster bodies in earnest.

The Speedster was built as a minimalistic and cheaper/economy model intended to compete with the less-expensive British sports cars. Distinguishable features of the Speedster to its Cabriolet sibling were its low, wraparound windscreen, lower door waistline, smaller and entirely retractable top, and horizontal trim strip at the level of the door handles. The interior carried twin bucket seats which further emphasized its sporting image. Power was initially sourced from the 1.5-liter version of Porsche's horizontally opposed four, gaining the new 1.6-liter, 60 horsepower engine with the introduction of the improved 356A for 1955. The development of the 356 was charted by the suffixes A, B and C. The 'Super' option delivered 75 horsepower, which was 25-percent more power than the standard 1.6-liter motor. Priced at $2,995, the Speedster was the lightest of the 356s with a top speed in excess of 100 mph. The affordable price, attractive styling, and renowned handling characteristics made the Speedster an instant success in the burgeoning American sports car racing scene. Between 1954 and 1958, Porsche produced 4,822 examples of the Speedster.

The Porsche 356 produced from 1948 to 1955 are known as 'pre-A.' In late 1955, after receiving numerous significant changes, the 356 'A' was introduced and would remain in production through 1959. The internal factory designation was 'Type 1,' thus its 'T1' nickname among enthusiasts. Styling and technical refinements gave birth to the 356 'B' in 1960 and continued in production through 1963. The final revision of the 356 was the 356 'C' which was built in 1964 and 1965.

The early Porsche 356 was powered by a 1,100cc engine, which grew to 1,300 and 1,500cc displacement sizes in 1951. The split windscreen was replaced by a slightly 'V'-shaped, single windshield design in late 1952. The 1,100cc engine was dropped in 1953, the same year Porsche introduced the 1300 S or 'Super.'

The horizontally opposed, air-cooled, overhead-valve four-cylinder engine had cast-iron cylinder liners, four main bearings, and solid valve lifters. In 1,086cc configuration and with the help of two Solex carburetors and 7.0:1 compression, it developed approximately 46 (SAE) horsepower at 4,000 RPM and 51 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 RPM. The 1,286cc displacement version also used two Solex carburetors with a 6.5:1 compression and produced 50 (SAE) horsepower at 4,000 RPM and 59 lb-ft of torque. The optional 1300 'S' version had 8.2:1 compression and produced 70 (SAE) hp at 5,500 RPM and 63 lb-ft at 3,600 RPM. The 1,488cc displacement size had 6.5:1 compression, two Solex carburetors, and produced 64 (SAE) hp at 4,400 RPM and the 1500 'Super' brought horsepower to 82 (SAE) and 79 lb-ft of torque.

The four-cylinder engine was backed by a four-speed manual transmission which was initially non-synchromesh. Steering was by worm and peg and braking by hydraulic drum brakes at all four corners. The chassis was a steel unibody with a boxed, press-steel platform with a wheelbase of 82.7-inches. The suspension used parallel trailing arms with transverse laminated torsion bars in the front while the rear had swing axles with transverse torsion bars.

From its debut in the late 1940s through its retirement in 1965 when it was replaced by the 911 (which had been introduced in September of 1964), Porsche built approximately 76,000 examples of the 356.

by Dan Vaughan

Speedster by Reutter Karosserie

Porsche's recovery following World War II was built upon low cost and available components from the Volkswagen 'Beetle' that Dr. Ferdinand Porsche had designed pre-war. His son, Dr. Ferry Porsche, grew the family business into increasing production when the performance of the post-war 356 won races and became popular. The 356 designation was the factory type number for a Volkswagen based sports/touring car that Dr. Ferry Porsche brought into production during 1948 in Gmund, Austria where about 50 cars were built until the factory was relocated during 1950 to Zuffenhausen, Germany where it remains today.

Full production of steel bodied 356 Porsches, versus hand-formed aluminum bodies of the Gmund cars, began that year. By year's end, 289 were sold. The largest market was the USA, and the country's sole importer, Max Hoffmann in New York, ordered special cabriolet roadsters that became known as the 'American lightweight.'

Porsche offered a range of engines by then, and sixteen of the cars were built, fourteen arriving in the United States. They became so successful in competition that a new model, the 'Speedster' was introduced in September, 1954 as a sporting, stripped down roadster available only in the US. Its low, rakish windshield could be easily removed for weekend racing. Production of 356 models continued until April, 1965, and rather than introduce new models yearly, Porsche continually refined the line to include a host of variations. Refinements ultimately resulted in a new designation, the 356A introduced during 1955. Between 1948 and 1955, 7,627 356 Porsches were built, all of them characterized by split windshields.

Speedster by Reutter Karosserie
Chassis number: 80032
Engine number: 33688

This Porsche 356 is an early-built example and is among the very first Speedsters built within the 1954 production run of 200 cars. When new, it was sold through the Hoffman Motor Car Company in New York City to Joe Vittone's Volkswagen dealership in Riverside, California. Skip Hudson purchased the white Speedster and began making modifications necessary to prepare it for racing. The car was raced by drivers Skip Hudson and Dan Gurney as the duo perfected their skill at speed.

The car was entered in the Torrey Pines race in January of 1955. After just 15 laps, Hudson was in 3rd place. Unfortunately, he amassed nearly 70 infractions from race officials who feared that Hudson was out of control, and was given the black flag. Later, Hudson was able to clear his infractions.

In April 22 of 1956, Hudson entered this Speedster into the Pebble Beach Road Races. The car was in the lead. On the 11th lap, Hudson took a corner too fast and drifted off course. Despite moderate damage, he continued, finishing in 2nd place.

The interim history of the car is not known. In 1994, Walter Kolouch discovered the car in poor condition in McMinnville, Oregon. The car underwent an extensive three-year restoration. The engine and transmission are both factory-original to 80032. After the restoration work was completed, the car was sold to Jerry Seinfeld, who kept the car for a short time.

In January 1997, the car was purchased by Michael Kittredge. It was later sold through an East Coast dealer to Peter Kinsey. Two years later, it was sold via the same dealer to John Vargas. In early 2006 the car was sold to Anthony Angotti. In August of that year, the car was show at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Pebble Beach auction presented by Gooding & Company. The car was estimated to sell for $275,000 - $350,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $286,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Cabriolet
Chassis number: 60568
Engine number: 33108

Porsche importer Max Hoffman reportedly was selling 11 Porsches a week and about 30-percent of the company's total production in 1954. On June 24th of that year, this Pre-A Cabriolet left the factory to be delivered to Mr. Hoffman. It made its way to Louisiana and was purchased by Alan Surgi in 1974. It was then shipped to Maine, where a restoration began. The work stalled part-way through, until it was purchased in 1984 by its current caretaker. The work resumed in 1990 and took eight years to complete. The current owner drove the car for the first time at the 1998 Porsche Parade in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It scored 232.8 points out of a possible 235 which was an impressive accomplishment because, at the time, it was about 98-percent finished.

It is finished in the factory 1954 shade of Turkish Red over a Black interior. It has a matching-numbers 1500 engine, and rare details such as the gold Porsche script on the dashboard and glass washer-fluid container. The car rides on correct 16-inch date-stamped wheels and the engine lid retains its proper chassis-number stamping.

Since the restoration, the car has been driven less than 1,500 miles. It was displayed at the 2016 Porsche Parade in Jay Peak, Vermont. It received the Zuffenhausen Award and scored 295.8 out of 300 points.

Over 1,700 examples of the 356 Coupe were produced in 1954, with reportedly just 327 Cabriolet built that year.

by Dan Vaughan

Speedster by Reutter Karosserie

This car is one of the first 200 built. Porsche built the first 200 cars on a cabriolet chassis to test the market prior to going into full production. This car was also purchased with the intent of doing a full restoration which was needed. Restoration was done to exacting standards with much attention placed on correctness and the choice of correct panels and parts. Paint had to be matched from a small portion of the original dash which still retained the original color. The color is Speedster blue. The interior was only used for one year at the Porsche factory. Motor and transmission are numbers matching to the car as are the doors and front hood.

Coupe 2+2
Chassis number: 52013

This 356 Porsche was completed in March 1954, and delivered to Mexico on May 13th at the behest of Auto Europeos, a special order in Strawberry Red, specifically for the 1954 Carrera Panamericana. Driver Otto Becker completed the race, but it is unknown if it ever raced again. Eventually, the 356 Pre-A 1500, with its Reutter coupe bodywork and iconic split window, made its way to Virginia in the United States, where it was purchased by Claude Powers, a Navy man, who drove the car to work every day. The car was owned by a few other Porsche enthusiasts and was restored in 1989. In 2018, the Porsche Club of Mexico obtained the car and had it fully restored by marque specialists to return the Porsche to its former racing glory in its original Strawberry Red. With racing decals denoting the number 59 and the Piloto as Otto Becker Estrada/Equipo Autos Europeos, this Porsche is a superb talisman for the Panamericana era and appears exactly as it did when it raced in the mid-1950s.

Speedster
Chassis number: 80005

Chassis 80005 is the fifth Speedster ever produced and the oldest Speedster in North America. The first fourteen Speedsters were built and modified from the Pre-A Cabriolet models and differ substantially from the later production cars. #80005 was special ordered in Terracotta exterior paint and is the only Speedster to have ever been painted in this color. Being the fifth Speedster made, it still features the early script that reads 'Spoodster' and that only a handful of the early cars had these badges. This Speedster has undergone and just completed a four-year restoration by Road Scholars.

Speedster
Chassis number: 80159
Engine number: 35741

At the persuasion of Max Hoffman, the Porsche Speedster was a lower-cost open model of the 356, devoid of all amenities, with an emphasis on performance. They had a spartan interior, fabric top, and a low removable windshield. The first production Speedsters were produced in 1954, and just 200 examples were constructed.

This particular Porsche 356 Speedster was built on December 15, 1954, and was the 159th of the 200 original examples built. It left the factory with a White exterior and Red leatherette interior.

This Speedster was purchased by its present family of owners in 1992, and father and son subsequently undertook a full restoration beginning in 2000. The car is currently powered by a correct replacement engine (number 35741). The work was completed in 2004, and was shown at various events including the special Porsche Speedster 50th Anniversary event held at Quail Lodge in 2004 and at the 356 Holiday the same year in Williamsburg, Virginia.

by Dan Vaughan

During the war, Ferdinand 'Ferry' Porsche and a handful of his proven, faithful employees had started work on development number 356 in their workshops moved to the town of Gmünd in Karnten. The first design drawings were completed on 17 July 1947, and on 8 June 1948, the Karnten state government issued a special permit homologating the car. Returning home after being held by the French as a prisoner of war and bailed out of custody by his family, Professor Dr.-Ing.h.c.Ferdinand Porsche, Ferry's father, stated right away that 'every single bolt was just right'. No 1 was then followed by a small series of 52 additional cars built in Gmünd, production in Stuttgart from 1950 - 1965 subsequently amounting to 78,000 units of the 356 model Porsche No 1, a mid-engined roadster, is completed and homologated in the Austrian town of Gmünd. The engine displaces 1131 cc and develops maximum output of 35 bhp(26 kW). The first few 356 coupes are made of light alloy.

The Porsche 1500 S ('Super') was launched in 1952 and was capable of producing 70 bhp.

In 1953, the Porsche 1300 S producing 60 horsepower, was added to the Porsche line-up. This was also the year the Porsche was introduced to the United States. The split windshields are also replaced by bent windshields during this year.

1954 marked the production of the first 200 Porsche Speedsters.

In 1955, the Speedster became a genuine sales success. Production of the 356 A series starts in autumn with the proven 1300 and 1300 S power units soon joined by the 1600(1582 cc, 60 bhp/44 kW), 1600 S (1582 cc, 75 bhp/55 kW) and 1500 GS -the first Carrera marking the introduction of the new sports engine with four overhead camshafts - (1498 cc, 100 bhp/74 kW). The 1100-ccengines are dropped from the range.

During the 1956 model year, Porsche produces its 10,000th 356 model.

In 1957, the sporting and Spartan Porsche 1500 GS Carrera was joined by the more comfortable 1500GS de Luxe model.

In 1958, output of the Porsche 356 A 1500 GS Carrera GT is boosted to 110 bhp/81 kW. The Speedster is replaced by the Convertible D with a larger windscreen and winding windows at the side. The 1300-cc engines are dropped from the range.

In 1959, the Carrera received extra power and is now called the 1600 GS-GT, with the sports version offering more output (1588 cc, 115 bhp/85 kW) than the de Luxe model (105 bhp/77 kW). The 356 B series is introduced in autumn, the Convertible D being renamed the Roadster.

by Porsche

The Porsche 365C has been named the number ten on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s by Sports Car International in 2004. The Porsche 356 is still widely regarded as a collector car that has capably stood the test of time.

There is some debate over which vehicle was the first official Porsche, the pre-war Porsche 64 being actually a VW racing automobile. The 356 was a sports car designed by Porsche that sold from 1948 through 1964 and was Porsche's first production automobile. A prototype for the 356, the 'Number 1' had a mid-engine. The name for the 356 was chosen as it was the 356th project off the Porsche design desk. In 1949, production officially began in Stuttgart, Germany.

Designed and fabricated by Ferdinand 'Ferry' Porsche (the son of well-known Dr. Ing Ferdinand Porsche, founder of Porsche motors), the Project # 356 concept was then styled by Irwin Komenda. Bailed out of custody by his family, Professor Dr.-Ing.h.c.Ferdinand Porsche was a held as a prisoner of war by the French. During the war, Ferry Porsche and a small handful of his faithful employees began work on the 356 in their workshops moved to the town of Gmünd in Karnten. On Dr. Porsche's return to his family, he stated right away that 'every single bolt was just right'.

On July 17th, 1947, the first design drawings were completed, and it was an entire year later when the Karnten state government issued a special permit homologating the car on June 8th, 1948.

Komenda, born in 1904 in Austria, was also responsible for contributing substantially to the construction of the Volkswagen, Cistalia, Auto Union racers, and other vehicles of the day. Joining Porsche's design bureau in 1931, Komenda held various positions at Steyr, Daimler-Benz and other coach shops in both Austria and Germany. He is responsible for contributing to a variety of other designs in Porsche's history, and was the chief engineer and head of Porsche's coachwork from 1955 until he died in 1966. The 'confidential clerk' for Porsche, Karl Peter-Rabe became the chief business manager, after Dr. Ing Albert Prizing, until 1965. Prizing was a business manager who is famous for bringing 37 orders back to the factory following one importer's conference in Wolfsberg in 1950.

The prototype was taken various times by Ferry, variously with just the rolling chassis without body, up the steep mountain roads surrounding the city to test its agile handling and durability. Ferdinand Porsche went on to live a long life, and died on March 27th, at the age of 88. Contributing to the handling of the prototype was the gearbox and suspension specialist Karl Frolich.

Evolving through several updates through the years, the 365 was originally available as a coupe, a cabriolet and finally a roadster. The vehicle changed from mid-engine to rear, along with a myriad of details that evolved over the 22 year run of the model, though the recognizable shape of the vehicle remained the same, a timeless classic. The most desirable versions were the Porsche 356 Carrera, which came with a special racing engine, and the 'Super 90' and 'Speedster' models. The same price as a Cadillac at the time, the price of a late 1950's Porsche was nearly $4,000. Today, a 356 Carrera model can sell for well over $150,000.

The very first Porsche sport car was hand built in Gmünd/Karnten, Austria. The entire aluminum body was hand-beaten over a wooden buck. Without the benefits of a machine shop, all of the engine and drive-train components were made completely. Over 50 Gmünd cars were built and sold primarily in Austria and Germany. To be closer to parts suppliers, the Porsche Firm, located to Zuffenhausen, Austria, near the Reutter coachworks following the war. The only Porsche to ever have the engine mounted in front of the rear axle, the 356/1 was open top 2-seater. Designed with a tubular chassis, the vehicle was air-cooled and came with a 110 cc engine that was remarkably light and quick for the times. Following this first ever radical design, every Porsche 356 to follow was constructed with the engine in the rear, behind the axle.

The Reutter Company, located in Stuttgart Germany, was given the assignment in late 1949 to construct 500 body works for an adjusted model of the 356 unit. This classic 356 was capable of reaching a speed of 140 kph. Under the belief that selling more than 500 units was an impossible feat, it was a pleasant surprise on March 15, 1954, car no. 5,000 left the factory.

Over the years, the 356 was updated with various mechanical refinements, though the basic shape was retained and remained instantly recognizable from year to year. The final 356B Roadster was built in early 1963, while both Coupe and Cabriolet models continued to be built every year up until 1965.

With a top speed of over 85 mph (135kph), a total of only 4 models of the 356 were produced in 1948. The 356/1 came with a 1.1 liter engine that was capable of making 40 horsepower. Less than 60 units were produced during 1949 and the earlier part of 1950. These very rare and unique models are known today as the Gmünd Coupes. The tiny sport cars continued to be built during 1950, but now at a factory in Stuttgart where Porsche moved production. A total of 298 units were built and delivered to their owners by the end of 1950.

One year later, three engines, all of them were flat-4's 'boxers' that were air cooled and were available from the factory. They were available at the 1,100cc, the 1,300cc, and the 1,500cc. The 1500 Super was the top power-plant during late 1952, which came with a synchromesh transmission. That same year the America Roadster was designed and created. Only a total of sixteen models were produced, and all units were an aluminum cabriolet body that came with a removable windshield. In 1992, this vehicle inspired the 40th Anniversary 1992 911 America Roadster.

Under the advice of Max Hoffman, the sole importer of Porsches into the U.S., the 356 'Speedster' was introduced in late 1954. The idea was to produce a lower-cost vehicle that was a racier version that would appeal to the American market. Proving to be an instantaneous hit, the Speedster came with a low, raked windshield that was easily removed, bucket seats, and a minimal folding top. In 1954, the Speedster was available for $2,995. This unit was available in a variety of six different engine types, the 1100, 1300, 1300A, 1300S, 1500 and 1500S. The 1500Super was the top-of-the-line model, while the Coupe and Cabriolet wore the 'Continental' badge designation. In 1955 the 1600 motor went into production.

In 1956, the 356A was unveiled to the world, and had an all-steel body, curved windshield and smaller wheels. When the cars were introduced, numerous subtle differences in the shape of the body and features were highlighted. In 1956 the 10,000th 356 unit rolled off the assembly line. The 356 Carrera was introduced at the same time, which came with a 1500GS engine. Before being replaced in 1959 by the Convertible D model, the Speedster peaked at a total of 1,171 units produced. In this same year, the 1300 engine was dropped from the line. A new project was the result from continued improvements to the 356A, the Type 2 or 'T-2', now with a new transmission, the 644 replaced the earlier 519 with an improved shifter, better synchros, dual nose mounts and a split case design. A higher horsepower is achieved in 1958 as continuous improvements were made in the Carrera engines.

The D model featured more comfortable seating, along with a more practical windshield, and glass side windows. In an attempt to boost sinking sales, around 1300 of these models were produced. While previous models were developed by Reutter coachbuilders, the Convertible D model was developed by Drauz, which is what the 'D' stands for. The D model falls somewhere between a Speedster and a Cabriolet in both luxury and lightweight appointments. In the later months of 1959, the Convertible D became a roadster with the new T-5 body style. Today to the convertible D is considered very desirable, due to the low number of units produced.

In 1960 the 356B offered the S90, or 'Super 90' motor as an available option. The vehicle also had a counterweighted crank, sodium-filled valves and Solex P40-II carburetors. The Karmann Coachworks were employed in 1961 to produce the 'Hardtop', a Cabriolet body with a fixed hard roof. The nickname 'Notchback' was affixed to these cars because of their profile. Nearly 1750 of these vehicles were produced during the two years of its production.

It was one year later when the 356B was introduced, updated with an entirely new body and Super 90 engine. In 1962 and 1963, the engine was once again revised, and changed body styles. A very small number of 356B 4-seater coupes were produced by a Swiss company. Though rare, several models are still around today. Next was the introduction of the Carrera 2 in April of 1962, and only around 450 models were produced in both Coupe and Cabriolet form. In the same year, Karmann produced 2170 coupes, and Reutter produced 4100. The production for the year topped 7900 when the almost 1600 Cabriolets are added into the count. The discussion is broached by Porsche with Reutter to purchase the coachmaker, and finally, after 12-years of co-operation, the successes are consolidated. 'Christophorus', a customer magazine filled with news and background on the Porsche lifestyle is launched by the Porsche factory.

The 356C, the final model, known also as the Type 6 (T-6), was available in 1964 with an engine that came from the same lines as previous Spyder engines, the most powerful pushrod engine Porsche every produced, was cable of producing 130 horsepower. Offering the 1600C, 1600SC and Carrerra 2 engines, the 356C featured 4-wheel disc brakes. Both the C and SC were available for purchase in either Coupe or Cabriolet form.

In 1964, a total of 14,151 356 units were produced. Porsche had achieved a production rate higher in that year alone than the entire line production of the first 10 years of the Porsche 356. The 911 was introduced at this time, presaging the end of the 356 run. Through the end of 1965, the company continued to sell the 365C in North America as a lower-cost vehicle.

Achieving a victory in the 1100cc class during its first outing, the original 356-001 vehicle was raced at the Innsbruck city race. In Austria, on the 8th of June 1948, the Porsche was homologated by the state government of Karnten. Frequently touring the world for special car shows and historic events, the original Porsche '001' vehicle is in the Factory Museum.

Near the end of 1965, more than 76,000 Porsche 356 models were produced and sold. Following 17 years of production, the model 912 eventually took over the 356's stance in the market. The push-rod engine from the 356 was reused to power the 'entry level' 912 model that was produced from 1965 to 1969.

The Porsche '901' was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963. Later after a protest by Peugeot, the name was changed to '911'. In 1964 the Porsche 911 began production.

by Jessican Donaldson