Porsche 356/1

Infobox Automobile
name=Porsche 356/1
manufacturer=Porsche
production=1948, only 1 made
predecessor=none
successor=Porsche 356


class=Sports car (2-door)
platform=
layout=RMR layout
body_style=Roadster
engine=1.1 L B4, 40 hp (DIN)
designer=Erwin Komenda
wheelbase=82.7 inch (2100 mm)
width=65.4 inch (1660 mm)

The Porsche 356/1 was the first "real" Porsche car created by Ferdinand "Ferry" Porsche. This prototype car was a two-seater open roadster with a mid-mounted, air-cooled flat-4 engine of 1,131 cc displacement that produced convert|40|hp. While the body was an original design, most of the mechanicals (including engine and suspension) were derived from the Volkswagen Beetle (which Ferry's father, Ferdinand Porsche, had designed).

The aluminum roadster body of the 356/1 was designed by Porsche employee Erwin Komenda in April 1948 and was completed only a month later. Smooth and low, the 356/1 set the pattern for later 356s with one fundamental difference; the engine of the production cars was moved behind the rear axle (to reduce costs and make room for two additional seats).

Only one 356/1 was made and it is on display at the Porsche museum. Its value is priceless.

External links

* [http://www.porschearchive.com/ Spec for all variants of Porsche 356]
* [http://auto.howstuffworks.com/porsche-356-history1.htm How Stuff Works: Porsche 356 Prototypes]