Porsche 356
Porsche
Photo: Alexander Migl / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Porsche 356: The Car That Started It All
The 356 was Porsche's first production car, a lightweight rear-engined sports car that launched the brand in 1948 and defined its design philosophy for decades.
The 356 holds a unique place in automotive history as the first car to carry the Porsche name. Designed under Ferry Porsche and first built in Gmund, Austria, before production moved to Stuttgart, it used a rear-mounted air-cooled flat-four derived from the Volkswagen Beetle, mounted in a curvaceous, aerodynamic body.
Over its life from 1948 to 1965 the 356 evolved through several series (pre-A, A, B, and C), steadily gaining power, brakes, and refinement. Variants ranged from the standard coupe and cabriolet to the stripped-back Speedster, which became an icon in California, and the high-revving four-cam Carrera models prized by collectors today.
Light, nimble, and beautifully engineered, the 356 established the rear-engine layout and design language that would carry directly into the 911. Roughly 76,000 were built, and surviving examples are now treasured classics that command strong values.
Frequently asked questions about Porsche 356
Was the 356 the first Porsche?
Yes, the 356 was the first production car to carry the Porsche name, launching the brand in 1948.
What engine did the Porsche 356 use?
The 356 used a rear-mounted air-cooled flat-four engine, originally derived from the Volkswagen Beetle and developed over time.
What is a 356 Speedster?
The Speedster was a lightweight, low-windshield, stripped-down 356 variant that became especially popular in California and is highly collectible.
How many Porsche 356s were built?
Roughly 76,000 Porsche 356s were produced between 1948 and 1965 across several series.
Did the 356 influence the 911?
Yes, the 356 established the rear-engine layout and design language that carried directly into the Porsche 911.