Porsche · 1948–1965

Porsche 356

The Porsche 356 is a rear-engine sports car, and the first-ever production Porsche model. 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. The 356 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 original price in 1948 for the 356 coupe was US$3,750 (equivalent to $50,300 in 2025) (official general USD inflation). The 356 cabriolet cost US$4,250 (equivalent to $57,000 in 2025).

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Porsche 356/1 · Successor: Porsche 911

All Porsche 356 data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Specifications

name: Porsche 356
Manufacturer: Porsche Konstruktionen GesmbH (1948–1949), Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche GmbH (1950–1965)
Production: 1948–1965
Assembly: Austria: Gmünd (1948–1949), Germany: Zuffenhausen (1950–1965)
Successor: Porsche 911/912
Class: Sports car
Related: Porsche 356/2, Volkswagen Beetle
Layout: Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Body style: 2-door coupé, 2-door convertible, 2-door roadster
Designer: Ferry Porsche, Erwin Komenda
Wheelbase: 82.7 in
Length: 152.4 -
Width: 65.4 in
Height: 48.0 -
Kerb weight: 1700 -