www.QV500.com - Porsche 356 Part 1: 356 (1950 - '51)
 
Produced alongside the alloy bodied ‘Gmund’ derivative, Porsche 356's built in Stuttgart were often referred to as ‘Pre-A’s and still relied heavily on VW Beetle components. However, humble origins detracted little, the 356 becoming a huge commercial success and era-defining sports car. Initially available in Coupe and Cabriolet body styles, these were joined by Speedster's in 1954 before production ended in 1955 to make way for the 356 A. After launch, further choice arrived with 1300 and 1500 plain bearing engines joining the original 1100, more exotic roller bearing Super engines being offered in either 1300 or 1500 tune.
   

The unitary construction chassis fabricated from sheet steel pressings welded together in steel box sections was much the same as the earlier ‘Gmund’ cars. Torsion bars were used all-round together with telescopic dampers at the front and lever type shock absorbers at the back. Brakes were hydraulically operated drums. Pressed-steel 16-inch wheels featured chrome hubcaps similar to the Beetle. Porsche’s only realistic option for powering the 356 was a Volkswagen-derived air-cooled flat four, an engine that despite its inauspicious origins had excellent development potential. Designated Typ 369, the 1.1 featured a displacement of 1086cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 73.5 x 64mm respectively, a lightweight alloy crankcase and domed pistons differentiating these early examples from the humble Beetle. Output was by todays standards tiny, 40bhp being produced at 4200rpm whilst compression was set at 7.0:1. The Typ 369 breathed through a pair of Solex 32 PBI downdraught carburettors. Performance was spirited considering the lack of grunt, a top speed in excess of 80mph and 0-60 in around 18 seconds putting the 356 firmly at the top of its class. Transmission was via a non-synchromesh four-speed gearbox with single dry plate Fichtel & Sachs clutch.

Available in either Coupe or Cabriolet configurations from the outset, Coupe bodywork was fabricated by Reutter and the Cabriolet shells by Glaser. Steel body panels were welded to the chassis in place of the lighter aluminium used on the ‘Gmund’ 356's that continued in production alongside the new versions until March of 1951. Aesthetically the Stuttgart-built 356 gained a more rounded and slightly wider cabin as well as a higher waistline. Detail changes included a split windscreen, an aluminium engine intake grille, chrome headlight rims and a single, centrally-exiting exhaust outlet pipe. Changing manufacturing techniques saw the doors, front lid and engine lid all become bolt-on panels. Like the exterior, the cabin was simple, elegant and comfortable. With two seats and an occasional rear seat in the back, cockpits were trimmed in either leather or cloth with matching door panels. Door tops got wooden inserts, grey cloth headlining being used on most examples along with an ivory Petri steering wheel featuring 12 delicate wire spokes in three banks of four. With the first cars ready from early 1950, Porsche thought a production run of 500 units would satisfy demand. However, it soon became apparent that this was way off the mark as sales took off immediateley.