Car: Porsche 356C

Category: Restauro

Year: 1965

Color: Polyantha Red

The history of the 356 is intertwined with the history of Volkswagen and Porsche itself. Derived directly from the post-war Volkswagen Beetle, this model differed from the many other variations of the Volkswagen by having the direct participation of the designers of the latter –
Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, his son Ferry and the Austrian designer Erwin Komenda.

There is some controversy as to the fact that this is really the first factory model, the prototype was preceded by the similar Porsche 64 (also known as 64K10), built before the Second World War, but this vehicle was in fact a modification of the pre-war Beetle
commissioned to Ferdinand Porsche by Volkswagen itself, built for a specific race in Italy. It is evident that the design directly inspired the first 356 prototype (a “spider” model with the central engine, appropriately known as “Number 1”).
Its status as a “modified Beetle”, however, makes it difficult to place it as a product of the company we now know as Porsche.

In fact, the Beetle and Porsche share more than just origin.
As stated earlier, the concept of the Porsche 356 was created by Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche and designed by Erwin Komenda, both very important figures in the development of the Volkswagen firm. Naturally, many design details had a common source.

In the 40’s, after the devastating World War II, Ferry Porsche decided to materialize the dream of a car factory which would carry the name of the family (despite the involvement of the Porsche design office, Volkswagen belonged to the German government). His original idea was to build an entirely new car, but the
new car, but the post-war difficulties have forced the use of parts of the VW Beetle (engine, transmission, etc.). Then, in 1947, the works began, with the construction of a wooden mould in which aluminium plates were hammered,
This gave shape to the first prototype, a silver “spider” model (without top and with two seats), with a central engine.

After the prototype, the company produced a series of 50 aluminium coupés, already with rear engine and in the traditional format, known as “Coupés Gmü” (city in which the company was originally established). Production soon began of the steel body model, which gradually evolved over the years in bodywork (coupé, roadster, convertible)
and engine (from the original 1.1L to the 2.0L). Retired in 1965.

356 C 1963-1965
The last series of the 356 line started in 1963, basically with new four-wheel disc brakes, 1600S, 1600SC or Carrera 2 engines, and only one body available (coupe), already slightly similar to the future 911 model.
Although 1965 marked the end of production of the model, its engine continued to be used in the 912 model, basically a low-cost 911.