Originally conceived as a sporting offshoot of Dr. Ferdinand Porsche’s Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle, the Porsche 356 marked the brand’s first series-production car. The most common configuration was the 2+2 coupé, later joined by a cabriolet and the open-top Speedster roadster.
A major update arrived in 1956 with the 356A, which introduced a curved, one-piece windshield, a broader use of Porsche-specific components, and a wider range of engine options. The evolution continued in 1959 with the 356B, identifiable by its raised headlights and taller bumpers. This generation also benefited from a roomier cabin, suspension improvements, a larger rear window, and increased engine capacity.
The final iteration, the 356C, debuted in 1963 and brought disc brakes as standard on all four wheels, along with additional equipment and a revised 1.6-liter engine. Even after the launch of the new 911 later that year, demand for the 356 remained strong: 1964 proved to be a record year, with 10,312 examples sold, including 4,744 Karmann-built coupés.
Many enthusiasts regard the 356C as the ultimate expression of the original Porsche formula. It represents the most advanced, refined, and mechanically complete version of the 356, pairing its mature chassis with the most powerful standard engine offered in the model’s lifespan.
This reputation is echoed in a feature by JayEmm on Cars on YouTube, which centers on a 1964 Porsche 356C. Initially written off by the presenter as little more than “a Beetle in a pretty dress,” the car quickly defies expectations once driven. The video highlights its unexpectedly generous interior space, composed handling, and overall balance, while also reflecting on the model’s history and the simple pleasure that comes from driving a thoughtfully engineered classic.
