The First Porsche Production Automobile

Despite arguments to the contrary, the Porsche 356 is known as the first Porsche production automobile to be mass-produced for sale all over the world. The arguments relate to the Porsche 64 which was produced by the German company, yet it was never mass-produced for sale to the public. It was purely a test mule. This proves that the Porsche 365, which was sold from 1948 through to 1965, was really the first Porsche car produced for sale.

The models of the Porsche 356 that were available were initially the coupe, the cabriolet (which is a luxury convertible) and then the roadster which is a stripped down version of the convertible. Before this model was withdrawn in 1965 it went through several modifications and improvements. The most desirable and memorable of these was the 356 Carrera, which often sold for well over $150 000, the Super 90 and the famous Speedster. In the late 50s the normal selling price for a Porsche was already $4000.

In 1954, Max Hoffman was the only importer of the Porsche car into the United States. He soon realized that he needed a more cost effective, racier version of the popular German car for the American market. This is how the creation of the 356 Speedster came about! The Speedster became an instant hit with its compact little body, removable windshield for racing, bucket seats and small folding top. Even in the modern day and age, the Speedster is still appreciated and appreciated. It is sold for over $100 000 and has even been used in several famous films. It is admired and treasured as a collectors item.

The production of the Speedster peaked at 1, 171 cars, and that was all the way back in 1957. In 1959 the Speedster was replaced by a more sensible version  the convertible D model. The D model featured a taller windshield, glass side windows, and more comfortable seats.

Because of its fame, and extensive appreciation, the basic shape of the Porsche 356 remained the same. Of course a few changes were made, especially in the mechanical area. This was a normal progression as advances in motor technology were achieved and the presentation of the car could be improved. Coupe and Cabriolet models were manufactured every year up until 1965. The last 356B Roadster was built in early 1963. The final model of the famous 356 was a 356C. The 356C featured disc brakes and also the most powerful pushrod engine Porsche so far: the 95HP SC.

In the year that Porsche launched the 911, the production of the Porsche 356 peaked at 14, 151 cars! Although they had released their new model, the 911, the company continued to sell the 356C through to the end of 1965 in North America. Unfortunately, the customers complained that the price of the 911 was too high. It was almost twice the price of the 356! Porsche counter-acted these complaints by producing the 912, which used the same engine as the 356. The 912 model was produced and sold between 1965 and 1969.

56 years after the beginning of its production, the 356C has been named number 10 on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 60s by Sports Car International. Even today, the 356 is a greatly respected car among collectors. It has really stood the test of time! Worldwide, thousands of 356 owners maintain the tradition, and preserve and drive their treasures regularly.

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