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Volkswagen engine with top-mounted roots-type compressor for the Porsche Type 170
In the fragile postwar years, the team behind the first Porsche was driven by two forces: stubborn ambition and harsh reality. They had the vision for a true sports car, but building one was another matter entirely. The sleek shape of the Porsche 356 came together relatively quickly, but under...
Few classic cars evoke the same sense of timeless elegance and performance as the Porsche 356. This iconic vehicle, first introduced in the late 1940s, continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors, even six decades after its debut. But what happens when you take a 60-year-old car and infuse it with...
Background Introduced at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Porsche 356 Carrera marked the first appearance of this legendary performance car nameplate. Central to the Carrera’s spec sheet was the special race-bred engine developed since 1952. Dr. Ernst Fuhrmann was tasked with reworking the classic Porsche flat-four into a world-class...
The Porsche 356, designed by Ferry Porsche, was based on the Volkswagen his father created, featuring a platform chassis, rear-mounted air-cooled engine, and torsion bar independent suspension. Shortly after the release of the original 356 coupe, a cabriolet followed. In 1952, Porsche produced 15 roadsters at the suggestion of US...
The Porsche 356, a beloved classic sports car known for its timeless design and driving experience, has captivated enthusiasts for decades. Within the Porsche community, a unique subculture has developed around the “Outlaw” 356s—heavily modified versions of the car that reflect the passion and creativity of their owners. Leading the...
Background Porsche is a brand built on a sporting reputation. Street cars become more attractive when sold with the dream of taking them on track. But, for a small subset of Porsche sports cars, motorsports pedigree is not a mere dream or aspiration, but a genuine component of the car’s...
Four originals: Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, his son Ferdinand, and two Porsche 550 Spyders on the Großglockner High Alpine Road – a mountain that figures prominently in Porsche family lore. What a panorama: At an altitude of 2,571 meters, the Edelweißspitze offers a magnificent view of the Großglockner, Austria’s highest peak....
While the staff here at Stuttcars can never get enough of Porsche’s latest GT3s and 963 prototypes, there’s true reverence for the sports car that founded the company, the 356. It’s true beauty in its simplicity, the 356 has earned a spot in collections the world over with a reputation...
The man behind this 356 limousine is John Dixon who decided to create a personalized Porsche-based limousine for his daughter’s wedding. With the expertise of Don Boeke, known as “the Egyptian” at his Dayton, Ohio customizing shop, the unique 356 limousine took shape.   Constructed from multiple stripped 356s, this...
Carrera Speedster In 1955, less than a year after the 356 Speedster model was introduced, Porsche built the first example equipped with the competition-derived four-cam Carrera engine. The result was a brilliant dual-purpose sports car, and the Carrera Speedster continued to be improved and refined throughout production. For 1957, Porsche...
30 Point Porsche 356 Buying & Inspection Checklist Owning a Porsche 356 is a rewarding experience, but like any classic car, it comes with its challenges. Proper due diligence before purchasing can save you from unexpected surprises and costly repairs. By understanding these common problems, you’ll be better equipped to...
Common Problems with the Porsche 356: What Every Buyer and Owner Should Know For classic car enthusiasts, the Porsche 356 stands as one of the most iconic and desirable vintage sports cars. As Porsche’s first production model, the 356 represents a blend of timeless design, spirited performance, and German engineering...
This 356B Carrera GT is a superb representative of the early Carrera legend and the sole known survivor of only three right-hand drive T5 Carrera GTs. Benefitting from a newly-built pushrod race engine in addition to an incredibly rare Fuhrmann-designed Porsche 4-cam, she is suitable for racing or the road...
1958 Porsche 356A 1600 Speedster by Reutter Darin Schnabel ©2013 Courtesy of RM Auctions
Introduced in late 1954, the Porsche 356 A Speedster continued as a stripped-down, affordable, sports-oriented convertible within the 356 A generation. Featuring a removable cut-down windshield, a lightweight detachable top, and side curtains instead of roll-up windows found in the 356 A Cabriolet, the Speedster embodied simplicity. Initially powered by...
If you were lucky enough to visit Rennsport Reunion 7 in Monterey, California, then chances are you gazed at one of Mark Morgan’s illustrations without even realizing it. An illustrator based in the U.K., Mark has mixed his passion for Porsche and his artistic talents to yield some truly exciting...
Speedster, the one and only Introduced in late 1954, the Porsche 356 Speedster was a true dual-purpose sports car – one that could serve as both daily transportation and, with minor modifications, a successful weekend race car. Originally priced at $2,995 – well below Porsche’s Coupe and Cabriolet models –...
1954 Porsche 356 1500 Speedster
This immaculate auto is in the collection of Brescia Classic Cars in Italy. It’s #48 of only 200 similar cars built by Porsche in 1954. Part of the “Pre-A” production of Porsche 356 cars produced from 1948 to 1955, the first Speedster powerplants were 1100 cc, increased to 1500 cc...
David vs. Goliath The story of Dr. Ferdinand Porsche is, without doubt, one of the most fascinating tales of dreams coming to reality on the scarcest of resources. Surviving WWII was in itself, a monumental challenge that the small German engineering firm somehow managed. As is well documented, Porsche contracted...
For some, motor racing is an inevitability. It is a passion that they are born with and it is just a matter of time before they slip behind the wheel of a racing car. For these chosen few, this inborn factor elevates them to a level above the rest of...
For decades, Porsche has established itself as a renowned car manufacturer, celebrated for its adaptability and agility. It has consistently catered to the desires of racing enthusiasts and discerning clients by creating special versions of their beloved cars. During the early 1960s, the 356s were no exception to this tradition....
It’s a rare and privileged opportunity for a vehicle to be inducted into the National Register of Historic Vehicles and an even rarer moment when it’s a Porsche. The Hagerty Drivers Foundation erected its mobile museum on the National Mall in Washington D.C., among numerous museums and galleries of The...
The Audiobahn E8: Porsche in the 90’s Welcome to The Audiobahn, the Stuttcars.com podcast focused on all things Porsche. In our first series, we’re exploring the history of venerable 911: its history, origins, achievements, and future. The Audiobahn E8: Porsche in the 90’s Read the Podcast Transcript B: Good afternoon and...
The Audiobahn E7: Porsche in the 80s Welcome to The Audiobahn, the Stuttcars.com podcast focused on all things Porsche. In our first series, we’re exploring the history of venerable 911: its history, origins, achievements, and future. The Audiobahn E7: Porsche in the 80s Read the Podcast Transcript B: Hey everyone and...
Episode Four: The Porsche 906 & 911R Welcome to The Audiobahn, the Stuttcars.com podcast focused on all things Porsche. In our first series, we’re exploring the history of venerable 911: its history, origins, achievements, and future. Audiobahn Episode Four is all about the Porsche 906 and the 911R. Read the Podcast...
Porsche is most renowned for the 911, but it was the 356 that first established the German brand’s reputation. In a recent video, Jay Leno had the opportunity to drive a stunning 356 SC coupe, which represented a more powerful iteration of the 356 model available at the time. This...
In discussions about vintage Porsches, the iconic 356 always comes to light as the cornerstone of air-cooled Porsches. Respected for its simple but effective design over a decade-long production span, its balance and agility redefined small displacement sports cars of the 1950s through 1965. Offering accommodation for two passengers and...
Did you know that 2023 sees the Porsche 356 C turning 60? We think it’s a birthday still worth celebrating, even in a year with so much else going on in it. This fine example has been living in a garage in Bielefeld for more than half its life and...
West Coast Customs has dramatically transformed this Porsche into a fusion of contemporary performance and the timeless body style of a 356. Using a 2008 Porsche Cayman as the base, the project involved removing a 9-inch section from the chassis to accommodate the shorter-wheelbase 356 Coupe body. The original Cayman...
Invitation to race from Charles Faroux Charles Faroux was a car enthusiast, a racing official, a leading French motor-publication editor at La Vie Automobile and a charmer. Europe’s major automobile manufacturers entrusted their engineering secrets and newest models to him in hopes of a favorable review. Everyone respected his opinions....
We have partnered with Sports Car Digest to republish some of their Porsche-centric mcontent on Stuttcars for our members to enjoy. This piece was originally published on May 11, 2021 on Sports Car Digest. In many circles, the term airhead applies to someone who is silly or lacking in intelligence....
For decades, Porsche has established itself as a renowned car manufacturer, celebrated for its adaptability and agility. It has consistently catered to the desires of racing enthusiasts and discerning clients by creating special versions of their beloved cars. During the early 1960s, the 356s were no exception to this tradition....
It only happens once in a lifetime; your 75th birthday. This June 8th marks Porsche’s 75th anniversary so Bring-a-Trailer auction juggernaut decided to give Porsche enthusiasts a special treat; Gruppe P.  A collection of 7 truly impressive Porsches whose auctions collectively end on June 8th, Gruppe P is likely to...
Proven through competition Engineering, design, innovation; while the list is long for what describes the Porsche name, it can be distilled into one word; racing. Even before the days of cars that would bare his name, Dr. Ferdinand Porsche believed competition was the ultimate test for proving excellence in design...
Rod Emory and his team at Emory Motorsports are experts in restoring and customizing Porsche 356 coupes and convertibles. Although this timeless model ceased production in 1956, it remains a favorite of car collectors worldwide. One of their best creations, the “Emory Special”, offers a modern twist on this classic...
In collaboration with Porsche Cars North America, the never-seen-before display – named “We are Porsche” – will celebrate the storied marque’s 75th anniversary and feature the key models and personalities behind the brand’s success. “We Are Porsche” opens to the public on April 16 at the Petersen Automotive Museum and...
It started with the Porsche 356 As we all know, the 356 was the first globally sold car made by Porsche, and firmly planted Stuttgart on many an enthusiast’s map. It came in a variety of body styles, including roadster, cabriolet, and coupe, and quickly became one of the favorite...
“Best of the Best” 356A Carrera Facts 1957 Porsche 356A (T1) Carrera 1500 GT/GT chassis no.100369 Exterior color: Silver Metallic/ 5706 interior color: Black ODOMETER: 2,690 miles Engine N0. 90724 Transmission No. 14902 Numbers Matching Highlights The first steel-bodied Carrera GS GT imported into the U.S. Numbers-matching engine #90824 (not...
Live now on Bring A Trailer is fantastic example of a 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster finished in Oslo Blue over red upholstery and powered by a Type 546 1.5-liter flat-four engine. In September 1954, Porsche launched a new model which was to become a legend – the Speedster. The new...
Story by Karl Ludvigsen Creating his own car company was “an old idea of my father’s,” Ferry Porsche recalled. The idea dated back at least to 1923. “When he left Austro Daimler in 1923 to go to Mercedes,” Ferry continued, “he had the idea to do something a little like...
Bring A Trailer is currently offering a 1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A Speedster equipped with a 1,500cc air-cooled flat-four engine. In September 1954 Porsche launched a new model which was to become a legend – the Speedster. The new open-topped Porsche intended specially for the American market complied with the motto:...
The Porsche 356 was the first production car from Porsche. Earlier cars designed by the company included Cisitalia Grand Prix race car, the Volkswagen Beetle, and Auto Union Grand Prix cars, but it was the 356 that changed things forever for sports car enthusiasts the world over. Ferdinand Porsche, Sr....
PCarMarket is currently offering a 1960 Porsche 356B Sunroof Coupe that has been restored by its previous owner before it was bought by its current owner. It also got an engine rebuild in 2020 by Heritage Motorcar Research Inc. The car is finished in Silver Metallic and sports an optional...
Well-Maintained 1958 Porsche 356A Convertible D Up For Sale!
Produced in 1959 only, the Porsche 356 Convertible D was the replacement for the 356 A Speedster. In many ways this reflected Porsches desire to make more expensive and premium models. As a result, the $3,695 Convertible was much more expensive than the Speedster it replaced. As such the new car featured roll-up...
Episode Two: The Porsche 901/912 Summary Welcome to The Audiobahn, the Stuttcars.com podcast focused on all things Porsche. In our first series, we’re exploring the history of venerable 911: its history, origins, achievements, and future. Audiobahn Episode Two is all about the Porsche 901/912, the car unveiled in 1963 at the...
Episode One: The Porsche 356 Summary Welcome to The Audiobahn, the Stuttcars.com podcast focused on all things Porsche. In our first series, we’re exploring the history of venerable 911: its history, origins, achievements, and future. In our first-ever Audiobahn episode, we’re starting with where the 911 began: the Porsche 356. Read...
Some pretty interesting Porsches are currently being offered at Bring A Trailer at No Reserve: a 1964 Porsche 356C Coupe, a 1992 Porsche 911 Carrera RS Touring, and a 2014 Porsche Boxster S. 1964 Porsche 356C Coupe The 1964 Porsche 356C Coupe example originally had a Light Ivory (6404) finish...
Issimi is currently offering for sale a 1963 Porsche 356 B Carrera 2 GS whose engine has been rebuilt by renowned 4-cam specialist Baumann. Back in the 50s, in their desire to become a world-class sports car manufacturer Porsche created their first bespoke engine. Before then, Porsches used a Volkswagen...
Black and white photo of Ed Cole standing in front of Chevrolet Corvair
People usually recall the Chevrolet Corvair as the car that was “unsafe at any speed” which is rather unfair because the Corvair itself occupied barely a chapter in Ralph Nader’s infamous book. Indeed, amongst others, the VW Beetle also received a pasting—and Mr. Nader thought the VW Microbus was too...
Porsche 356 Paint Color Options This post outlines all the color options for the 356 over its production life. We have official books and catalogs of all the color options for the 356 Porsche free to download. Exterior & Interior Porsche 356 Colors (1960 – 1961) Colors & Equipment Samples...
This is what it is all about It takes a lot of driving, work, and a little bit of luck to achieve nearly a million miles in one car. Guy Newmark has been driving one car for forty-five years, a beautiful blue 356, and he has no thoughts of driving...
Porsche 356 Engine Codes There are several important numbers to identify a 356 engine. The first, and most obvious one, is the serial number, which uniquely identifies each engine. It is on the “third piece” of the case, or timing cover, below the generator stand (or on the generator stand...