The 356

The steel-bodied 356 came in two basic body styles: coupe and cabriolet. Both had two doors, rear-mounted air-cooled engines and sixteen- inch wheels. The painted steel dashboard was reminiscent of many American cars of the forties and fifties. Bodies were built by Reutter, a Stuttgart coachbuilder, which was absorbed by the Porsche factory in December 1963. Some early cabriolet bodies were built by the coachbuilder, Gläser, located north of Munich.

Both styles had a distinct aerodynamic appearance. Their narrow wheels, rear lever shocks, low horsepower engines and non-synchronized gearboxes made them challenging to drive – challenging enough that all these systems received substantial changes within the first three years of production.

Major changes occurred primarily with the introduction of a new model. The first few years are a bit confusing, but they are as follows:

1950: These coupes and cabriolets correspond to the first order of bodies from Porsche to Reutter and Gläser. Their chassis numbers have four digits starting with the number 5. Production ceased mid-March 1951.

Model 51: For the second order of bodies, Porsche decided to assign a different series of five-digit numbers for coupes and cabriolets. Glaser cabriolets began with 103 or 104 and Reutter cabriolets 100 or 101. Reutter coupes started at 105 and went up from there. No significant changes occurred at the introduction of this model, which was constructed from mid-March 1951 through February 1952.

Model 52: The Model 52 was distinguished from earlier cars with its one-piece bent windshield (knickscheibe). They also had slightly larger hood handles with a hole and deep faced gauges with green and red graphics. They were produced only from March through September 1952. The final Gläser cabriolets were Model 52s.

1953: The 1953 model was produced from October 1952 through March 1954. Externally the bumpers were modified to the versions used through the end of 356A production. Side-by-side beehive taillights replaced the vertical arrangement used previously. Front signal lights were directly below the headlights. A Porsche crest adorned the horn button of the new steering wheel. The 519 gearbox with Porsche synchromesh on all forward gears and 11" aluminum brake drums were major advances. In 1953 the less expensive, more basic, America-series coupe and cabriolet models, inspired by importer Max Hoffman, debuted in the US.

1954: April through October 1954 was the abbreviated 1954 model year. The main visual differences were the horn grilles up front, the first standard fuel gauges and the dashboard knobs, which were no longer of VW origin. America-series cars continued to be offered in the US until the introduction of the Speedster.

1955: The new front hood handle was much larger and featured an enameled Porsche crest. The three-piece case Porsche engine replaced the two-piece modified VW unit used previously. The low-priced Speedster was introduced slightly prior to the 1955 model year, which commenced in November 1954. It was produced for the American market and featured a low removable windshield, lightweight removable soft top and side curtains.

The 356A

Models destined for the American market were given side scripts with the name Continental, no longer being bargain offerings. Coupe, cabriolet and Speedster models were continued from the 356. This body style was referred to internally at Porsche as the Tl, which stood for Technical Program 1. External changes were subtle, but significant. A curved windshield for the coupe and cabriolet replaced the bent version used on the 356. 4.5" x 15" wheels replaced the 3.25" x 16". Other major changes included a more modern looking dashboard with a padded vinyl top and a larger displacement (1600cc) engine. The T2 body change phased in starting in late September 1957. The main visible changes were in the doors. All three models featured a lower positioned striker plate mounted by three screws (earlier cars had five). Cabriolets also featured a modified rear cowling, which allowed a new optional hardtop to be fitted. Front vent windows were also used for the first time on cabriolets. Prior to the T2 change, two other outward modifications occurred: teardrop-shaped taillights replaced beehive units and US-market cars had chrome-plated tubular overrider bars on the bumpers. During the 1958 model year the Speedster was replaced by the Convertible D. The D stood for Drauz, the German coachbuilder. The Convertible D had a taller windshield with chrome-plated frame and roll-up side windows replaced the side curtains of the Speedster. In 1959 a handful of Speedsters were produced for competition. Coupe and cabriolet body styles remained and the Convertible D was replaced by the Roadster.

The 356B

Roll-up side windows replaced the side curtains of the Speedster. In 1959 a handful of Speedsters were produced for competition. Coupe and cabriolet body styles remained and the Convertible D was replaced by the Roadster. The 356B T 5 body was totally new (note: the T 3 and T 4 models did not make it beyond the design phase). While it closely resembled its predecessor, front and rear end sheet metal was totally redesigned. One visible change was larger, higher bumpers. The headlights were also raised and a larger chrome-plated hood handle was present. Coupes got front vent windows and interiors received a facelift with a new steering wheel and column. The rear seating area was also modified. Mechanically, there were many changes, including new finned brake drums and upgraded gearbox. In 1961 another model was introduced: the Karmann Hardtop. It resembled a cabriolet body with a hardtop welded in place. It was built by Karmann, another German coachbuilder. Roadster production was moved from Drauz to D’Ieteren in Belgium.

The 1962 model year brought with it the final body change, the T 6. The front lid was squared off at the front and the fuel filler moved to the top of the right front fender on left hand drive models. Windshield and back glass were enlarged on the coupe. From the rear, an obvious difference was the addition of the second vent grille on the rear lid. The Roadster and Karmann Hardtop were discontinued during 1962. Karmann began producing standard coupes in January 1962, sharing this task with Reutter.

The 356C

Coupe and cabriolet models were the only body styles available. The only visible change externally, aside from the model designation on the rear, was the slightly different wheel and hubcap necessitated by the new four-wheel disc brakes. The interior featured a slightly redesigned dashboard, but was otherwise similar to earlier models. The most significant mechanical advance was the disc brakes; other improvements were made, including the most powerful pushrod Porsche engine produced

to that point: the SC with 95 hp.

Karmann began producing standard coupes in January 1962, sharing this task with Reutter. Coupe and cabriolet models were the only body

styles available. The only visible change externally, aside from the model designation on the rear, was the slightly different wheel and hubcap necessitated by the new four-wheel disc brakes.

The interior featured a slightly redesigned dashboard, but was otherwise similar to earlier models. The most significant mechanical advance was the disc brakes; other improvements were made, including the most powerful pushrod Porsche engine produced to that point: the SC with 95 hp.