356
The Porsche 356, the first automobile to bear the Porsche name, was produced from 1948 to 1965. This iconic model evolved over the years, offering refined performance and design. The ScanRacer library brings together the various versions of the 356, including years, variants, rarities, and available detailed pages. It links the model overview to version-by-year pages.
Variants by year
2000
1963
1960
1959
1948
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
The Porsche 356, the first automobile to bear the Porsche name, was produced from 1948 to 1965. This iconic model evolved over the years, offering refined performance and design. The ScanRacer library brings together the various versions of the 356, including years, variants, rarities, and available detailed pages. It links the model overview to version-by-year pages.
History
The Porsche 356 was the first automobile to bear the Porsche name, produced from 1948 to 1965. Designed by Ferdinand "Ferry" Porsche, son of founder Ferdinand Porsche, the 356 was launched in 1948 with the 356/1 Roadster model. This initial model featured a 1.1-liter, air-cooled, four-cylinder flat engine, derived from the Volkswagen Beetle engine. Production began in Gmünd, Austria, where the first aluminum bodies were handcrafted. In 1950, production moved to Zuffenhausen, Germany, where steel bodies were introduced. Over the years, the 356 underwent several major evolutions, including the introduction of the 356 A model in 1955, offering improved handling due to a modified chassis and engines increased from 1.5 to 1.6 liters. In 1959, the 356 B model was introduced, bringing aesthetic and technical improvements, followed by the 356 C model in 1963, which introduced disc brakes. The total production of the 356 reached approximately 76,000 units, making it an iconic model in Porsche's history. (newsroom.porsche.com)
Generations
The Porsche 356 was produced in four distinct generations: 1. **356 (1948–1955)**: The first generation, also known as "pre-A," was produced from 1948 to 1955. It is recognizable by its aluminum body and two-part windscreen. (porsche.com) 2. **356 A (1955–1959)**: Introduced in 1955, this generation brought significant improvements, including a modified chassis for better handling and engines increased from 1.5 to 1.6 liters. (porsche.com) 3. **356 B (1959–1963)**: Presented in 1959, the B generation introduced aesthetic and technical improvements, with higher bumpers and redesigned headlights. (porsche.com) 4. **356 C (1963–1965)**: The final generation, produced from 1963 to 1965, introduced disc brakes to enhance braking performance. (porsche.com) These four generations each contributed to the evolution and success of the Porsche 356, solidifying its place in automotive history.
Key differences
The main differences between the generations of the Porsche 356 include: - **Body**: The early generations (pre-A) featured aluminum bodies, while later models adopted steel bodies. (porsche.com) - **Windscreen**: The pre-A model is characterized by a two-part windscreen, replaced by a single-piece windscreen starting with the A model. (porsche.com) - **Engines**: Engines evolved in terms of displacement and power, increasing from 1.1 liters to 1.6 liters, with corresponding performance improvements. (porsche.com) - **Brakes**: The C generation introduced disc brakes, thereby enhancing braking performance compared to the drum brakes of previous generations. (porsche.com) These differences reflect the continuous evolution of the Porsche 356 in terms of design, performance, and technology.
Photo recognition
To identify a Porsche 356, look for the following features: - **Body**: Pre-A models have aluminum bodies, while later models are made of steel. (porsche.com) - **Windscreen**: A two-part windscreen is typical of pre-A models, replaced by a single-piece windscreen starting with the A model. (porsche.com) - **Engine**: Engines evolved in terms of displacement and power, increasing from 1.1 liters to 1.6 liters. (porsche.com) - **Brakes**: C models are equipped with disc brakes, unlike the drum brakes of previous generations. (porsche.com) These elements can help distinguish between the different generations of the Porsche 356.
Important versions
Among the important versions of the Porsche 356 are: - **356 A**: Introduced in 1955, this version brought significant improvements, including a modified chassis for better handling and engines increased from 1.5 to 1.6 liters. (porsche.com) - **356 B**: Presented in 1959, this version introduced aesthetic and technical improvements, with higher bumpers and redesigned headlights. (porsche.com) - **356 C**: The final version, produced from 1963 to 1965, introduced disc brakes to enhance braking performance. (porsche.com) These versions each contributed to the evolution and success of the Porsche 356.
References
- Porsche 356 Official HistoryPorsche USA
- Porsche 356 Model OverviewPorsche USA
- https://www.porsche.com/germany/accessoriesandservice/classic/models/356/356/porsche.com
- https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/history/porsche-356-no-1-roadster-world-tour-16789.htmlnewsroom.porsche.com
- https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/history/porsche-history-356-1950-12267.htmlnewsroom.porsche.com
- https://www.porsche.com/germany/accessoriesandservice/classic/models/356/porsche.com
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the Porsche 356 produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 1948 - 2000.
- How many Porsche 356 examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 1 published scan from 1 member, with the latest photo added in June 2026.