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1950 porsche
After producing the first German 356, a ‘Split-Window’ Coupé, Porsche produced a Cabriolet shortly there after which was built by Karrosseriewerk Reutter. Initial prodcutione output exceeded 30 cars a month with both Coupé and Cabriolet bodies. Both were loosely based off their equivalents made in Gmünd, Austria but had bodied made in steel instead of aluminum. -
1951 porsche
After designing legendary cars in the prewar era such as the Mercedes SSK, Porsche moved south from Germany to Gmünd, Austria to design his own cars.
The very first of these was a small roadster made around VW components. Afterwards, it was decided a closed coupe with the engine behind the rear wheels was most advantageous. Together with Erwin Komenda, Porsche designed the Gmünd Coupé in just three months. The first Coupe was finished in june of 1948 -
1952 porsche
Like the earlier Glockler-Porsche, Number 3 had a full belly pan below the Porsche floorpan and had an air intake low on the nose for an oil cooler. Small air intakes on each side of the nose brought cool air to the front brakes. It was designed from the outset with a removable coupe roof with flush-fitting windshield, side windows and rear glass for minimal surface drag. The low windshield was integrated with the body. -
1953 porsche
In 1953 Porsche created a series of 550 prototypes and 550-03 became the most important car in Porsche history by winning the 1954 Carrera Panamerica with Hans Herrmann at the wheel. This singular victory lent the Carrera nameplate to future models and also marked the first international victory of a mid-engine car. Only 12 prototypes were made until regular production began in 1954 of the Porsche RS Spyder. Of these, Porsche historian Steve Heinrichs believes nine cars currently survive. -
1954 porsche
With it’s exceptional power to weight ratio, the 550 easily won its 1500cc class at the top level of motor sport including a signature class win at 1954 Carrera Panamericana. Afterwards, all cars featuring the Fuhrmann flat-4 were named Carrera in honor of this victory. Years later, the 550 would score its most remarkable feat by taking its first overall win at the 1956 Targa Florio, which was also the first major victory for a mid-engine sports car. -
1955 porsche
At the request of American importer Max Hoffman, 356s for the 1955 model year were badged as Continentals before reaching American shores. As Lincoln protested the Continental name being used, the Porsche Continental was only produced in 1955 and thus represented the ultimate Pre-A 1500 before 356A production commenced. -
1956 porsche
spurred on by the victory in this class, the Head of Racing at Porsche, Huschke von Hanstein, traveled to Sicily with driver Maglioli and two mechanics to test the open-top Spyder’s competitiveness once again. In contrast to other road races of the time, routes were not closed during training, so the drivers always had to be prepared for traffic and other obstacles. Furthermore, for Porsche it was the first time it took part in this legendary race as, at the time, the -
1957 porsche
Most of the de Luxe cars featured the wide array of Porsche options available in the period. Many cars were fitted with the US-style bumper with its extra bracing. Other options included bucket seats and Sealed-Beam headlights. In May of 1959, the model was upgraded to the Typ 692/2 engine with a slightly larger displacement of 1587cc from a 2.5mm bore increase. -
1958 porsche
As such the new car featured roll-up windows for the first time, a more robust hardtop and a higher windshield for more headroom. Porsche retained the chrome-ringed windshield trim which was iconic of the Speedster. Inside Porsche retained the Speedster dashboard, but fitted more luxurious seats and door panels with integrated pockets. Drauz at Heilbronn, Germany was responsible for production of the bodies which explains the Convertible D moniker. -
1959 porsche
Of all the Carreras, the 1959 de Luxe was best suited for the road. Not only was it the most luxurious 356, but it was also was the only year to get the large 1600cc 4-cam engine. Porsche began producing the Carrera de Luxe model in May of 1957 alongside the Carrera GT. It was a road-going alternative to the GT racecar that featured basic amenities such a heater and sound deadening. In 1958, the arrival of the 1600cc engine by technical director Klaus von Rücker -
2000
Porsche priced the 1500GS almost 30% more than the standard push-rod Carrera at 17,500 dm compared to the 1600 Super at 13,000. This increased cost was directly related to the engine which was much more complex with four separate camshafts. Later into production Porsche began fitting the Speedster with options to go racing. In 1957 the first GT engines were available with 10 additional horsepower. These were generally fitted with the 80-liter fuel tank and 60mm front racing brakes.