Porsche 356
1948–1965 sports car / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Porsche 356?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
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.
Porsche 356[1] | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer |
|
Production | 1948–1965 |
Designer | Ferry Porsche, Erwin Komenda |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Sports car |
Body style |
|
Layout | Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
Related | 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 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]