Porsche 356

Porsche 356[1]
Porsche 356 C coupé
Overview
Manufacturer	Porsche Konstruktionen GesmbH (1948–1949) Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche GmbH (1950–1965)
Production	1948–1965
Designer	Ferry Porsche, Erwin Komenda
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car
Body style	2-door coupé 2-door convertible 2-door roadster
Layout	Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Related	Porsche 356/2 Volkswagen Beetle
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,100 mm (82.7 in)
Length	3,870–4,010 mm (152.4–157.9 in)
Width	1,660 mm (65.4 in)
Height	1,220–1,320 mm (48.0–51.8 in)
Curb weight	771–1,041 kg (1,700–2,296 lb)
Chronology
Successor	Porsche 911/912

The Porsche 356 is a sports car that was first produced by Austrian company Porsche Konstruktionen GesmbH (1948–1949), and then by German company Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche GmbH (1950–1965). It was Porsche's first production automobile. Earlier cars designed by the Austrian company include Cisitalia Grand Prix race car, the Volkswagen Beetle, and Auto Union Grand Prix cars.

The 356 is a lightweight and nimble-handling, rear-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-door available both in hardtop coupé and open configurations. Engineering innovations continued during the years of manufacture, contributing to its motorsports success and popularity. Production started in 1948 at Gmünd, Austria, where Porsche built approximately 50 cars. In 1950 the factory relocated to Zuffenhausen, Germany, and general production of the 356 continued until April 1965, well after the replacement model 911 made its September 1964 debut. Of the 76,000 originally produced, approximately half survive.^[2]

The original price in 1948 for the 356 coupe was US$3,750 (equivalent to $47,600 in 2023) (official general USD inflation). The 356 cabriolet cost US$4,250 (equivalent to $53,900 in 2023).^[3]