Porsche Universe

The 356 was the first production sports car bearing the Porsche name.However, before the war designer Ferdinand Porsche also created the Type 64 as well as a mid-engine prototype called “Number 1″, which has led to some debate as to the “first” Porsche automobile.

The 356 was created by Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche (son of Dr. Ing. Ferdinand Porsche, founder of the company). Like its ancestor, the Volkswagen Beetle (which Ferdinand Porsche senior had designed), the 356 was a four-cylinder, air-cooled, rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive car. While the 356’s body was an original design by Porsche employee Erwin Komenda, its mechanicals (including engine, suspension and chassis) were all derived from the Volkswagen. Early 356 prototypes were bodied in aluminum, but this proved impractical for production, and all subsequent 356’s were steel-bodied.

The first 356, debuted on June 8, 1948, used many Volkswagen parts for manufacturing economy. However, Porsche quickly re-engineered and refined the car with a focus on performance, so that by the late 50’s few parts were shared in common between the two marques. Little noticed at its inception in 1948, by the early 1950s the 356 had gained some renown among enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic for its exceptional aerodynamics and handling, as well as excellent build quality. It was common for owners to race 356s as well as drive them on the street.

Porsche 356

It is probably a guy thing but do you have a favorite auto in your life? Is there some set of wheels that far outshines all others in your life? No matter how many shiny, glitzy vehicles come along, there is that one car that lives in your memory forever. Whether it is a cheap, old clunker or a usable vehicle, it lives in fondness in your mind.

Such a car was not the first I ever had. As a matter of fact, it came down the list quite a country mile. To some, it was a strange looking vehicle called a Porsche Speedster, fondly called my own bathtub on wheels. That was not my name but was what most everyone decided that was the best description of the somewhat strange auto.

It was aerodynamically very efficient regardless the strange configuration. It was an open convertible, with a bit of tongue in cheek design. My bathtub had a top. of sorts, but the protection it provided was about the same whether up or down considering all the holes and rips it sported. But that didn’t stop the family from touring several states of the nation with bravado and zest. (more…)