Porsche 356.
This photo, the first period shot of a Porsche that I've put on the site, shows a 356 Coupe parked in a field. As it came with a collection of motor racing photographs, I suspect that this particular 356 was captured in a public car park. A check of the DVLA site doesn't bring up a match for a Porsche with the registration WBL 28, but as a large percentage of all the 356s ever built are still in circulation, there's a chance that this one is tucked away somewhere, perhaps re-registered or even overseas. Does anyone recognise this car and its registration?
|
| (Please click the thumbnail to view full-size image.) |
|
|
|
The Porsche 356 prototype was put together in 1948, and a small number of cars, featuring VW components under the Erwin Komenda-designed aluminium body, were turned out from the factory in Austria over the next two years. As production numbers increased, the factory re-located to Zuffenhausen in Germany, where the build of 356s continued in both Coupe and Convertible form, the cars now being fitted with steel coachwork. In 1954, the desirable 356 Speedster was launched, selling alongside the two existing styles.
|
|
In 1955 the design was revised and became known as the Type 1, T1, or simply 356A. Further updates in 1957 led to the T2, still known as the 356A. The 356B, which I think is the model featured on this page, arrived on the scene in late 1959. In 1964 disc brakes became standard fitment, and, as a result of this and other changes, the final designation - 356C - came on stream. Full-scale production continued until 1965, by which time the 911 was in the Porsche showrooms. The final 356s, destined for the Dutch Police force, were assembled in early 1966.
|
|
Return to Page 11 in the vintage car motoring gallery.
|
|
Elsewhere on the site you'll find the Porsche 356 free classifieds section for Porsche parts, and also an owner recounting the restoration of his rare Porsche 356C.
|
