Porsche 356
Year of manufacture: 1961
Power: 75 hp
Engine displacement: 1,582 cm3
Number of cylinders/valves: 4/2
Weight: 935 kg
Condition: functional
Catalog number: 53
Ferdinand Porsche founded his design studio back in 1931. However, the first car to bear his name was the Type 356 from 1950. These were small sports cars that showed clear resemblance to another vehicle designed by Ferdinand Porsche — the Volkswagen Beetle. This car secured an excellent reputation for its designer Ferdinand Porsche in the 1950s. It was offered in coupe, convertible, and speedster versions.
The car from our collection is the 356 B model from 1961, but already the 1962 version. Compared to the original, it differed mainly by a higher front end and different ventilation grilles at the rear. It was available as a Roadster (derived from the speedster) or as a Karmann coupe with a stepped rear. The best offered model was the Super with a top speed of 175 km/h.
The 356 C version became the last model of the series. It was equipped with disc brakes on all wheels and had power up to 80 hp.
Our car has 75 hp, an engine displacement of 1,600 cm3, and is the “S” version. The engine was a classic flat-four from the VW Beetle, suitably modified for higher performance with a sporty character. The car was very sporty for its time, boasting excellent aerodynamic shape, perfect chassis, and outstanding craftsmanship.
From its very beginnings, the Porsche brand has served as a foundation for racing cars that have achieved excellent results. The Type 356 contributed significantly to Porsche’s fame and also had notable commercial success. More than 76,000 units were produced between 1950 and 1965. Its successor was the equally famous Type 911, but that is another story.
