Porsche 356 (1948-1965): books - history (2/2)

Original Porsche 356 - The Restorer's Guide to all Coupé, Cabriolet, Roadster and Speedster models 1950-65

With its Volkswagen-derived layout of an air-cooled engine mounted at the rear, the 356 began a remarkable bloodline that survives to the present day in the form of the evergreen 911. Its historical significance is undoubted, but the 356 is also a car with special virtues - distinctive styling, first-class engineering, functional design and tremendous driver appeal.
Through four distinct model phases - 'Pre-A', A, B and C - the 356 evolved in a smooth progression, with numerous specification improvements that steadily improved the car without changing the essence of its personality.

This family of cars continues to be held in great esteem today, but how many of these Porsches, restored or unrestored, boast the completely original and authentic specification that the most discerning enthusiasts now demand? The information needed to determine how a restored car should look and what parts it should contain can be hard to find, but help is at hand in "Original Porsche 356".

Now re-published after many years out of print, this classic study of the immortal Porsche 356 provides detailed, authentic information on the evolution of the range, including not only the coupé and cabriolet that were produced throughout the 356's life, but also the glamorous Speedster and and the high-performance Carrera.
Correct original specifications, equipment and finishes are pinned down, and 18 outstanding examples of the cars are featured in 200 specially commissioned colour photographs.

The 356 Porsche: A Restorer's Guide to Authenticity

A part-by-part, year-by-year approach to what an owner or prospective buyer should look for when evaluating a 356 Porsche. For each year, from 1950 through 1965, the author examines with amazing detail every change, documented or not, of each model - and now including major mechanical components.
Also included are the most accurate and comprehensive chassis number and color/upholstery listings anywhere.

This book has sold over 45,000 copies worldwide and is now in its third revision. Not bad when you consider only about 76,000 356s were built!

Porsche 356 No. 1 - The Story

NEW

The Porsche 356 "Number 1" epitomizes the dream car: In 1948, it fulfilled Ferry Porsche's long-held desire for his own sports car. Its aluminum body design set a standard, but more importantly, its emphasis on driving dynamics and lightweight construction became foundational to the brand.
The DNA of the 356 "Number 1" still influences every Porsche today. The roadster's story is as unique as the prototype itself.

This book, filled with photographs and previously unpublished documents, chronicles the tumultuous journey of Porsche's inaugural sports car from its initial design drawing.

Porsche 356 (model years 1950-1965) - The Essential Buyer's Guide

Would you love to buy the original Porsche 356, but are scared of owning an expensive lemon? Help is at hand! This is the complete guide to finding the best available example of the classic rear-engined Porsche 356 for a sum you can afford.
Insight from real ownership experience is coupled with unparalleled technical knowledge, resulting in the first dedicated guidebook for potential buyers of the Porsche 356.

A comprehensive guide, including an inspection checklist that buyers can use when viewing a car, photos of key areas to check, and known issues for each model.
Market and value data are also supplied to help give an idea of what a specific Porsche 356 is worth. The guide has an overview of key specifications and potential upgrades.
From whether a Porsche 356 is a suitable car for you, to the cost considerations to be taken into account when searching for and viewing a used model, the author aims to arm the prospective buyer with enough knowledge and insight to be able to assess any Porsche 356, and quickly conclude whether to make a purchase.
Take the first step towards finding your dream car, by reading this guide today.

Covers the Porsche 356, 356A, 356B and 356C, including Speedster, Roadster, Convertible D and Carrera. Models years 1950-1965.

Porsche 356 - made by Reutter

The partnership between Porsche and Stuttgarter Karosseriewerk Reutter & Co. GmbH was more than just a strategic alliance, marked by mutual respect and collaboration. Reutter, established in 1906, began producing prototypes for Volkswagen under Porsche's direction in 1931.

In 1949, Porsche commissioned Reutter to manufacture 500 bodies for the Porsche 356, with the first German-made 356 completed in Reutter's factory I in 1950. Subsequently, Porsche acquired land from Reutter to establish a new motor manufacturing site within its factory II premises in Zuffenhausen, where the majority of Porsche 356s were produced in close cooperation.

Author Frank Jung, Albert Reutter's great-grandson, conducted thorough research, uncovering unique photographs and texts through interviews with former staff and witnesses, forming the basis of this book.

Illustrated with historical photos and previously unpublished documents, the book chronicles the collaborative efforts between Porsche and Reutter, spanning from the 1930s to 1964. It details the development of the Porsche 356 bodywork, including prototypes and special vehicles, leading to the evolution of the Porsche 911. The narrative, enriched by material from the Reutter family archive and other sources, provides a comprehensive account of this automotive milestone.

Porsche - Origin of the Species

Jerry Seinfeld's Porsche collection boasts a hidden gem, the Porsche Gmünd coupe 356/2-040. Captured through Michael Furman's evocative portraits, this remarkably preserved 040 showcases the artistry, innovation, and determination behind its creation.

This iconic car serves as the inspiration for "Porsche Origin of the Species," an exploration by automotive historian Karl Ludvigsen into the influences and circumstances that birthed the first Porsche-badged sports cars. Ludvigsen delves into the Porsche team's journey to a Gmünd sawmill and examines the impact of pre-war and wartime Porsche cars and engines on the 356's development. He uncovers the real connection between the tube-framed Type 356 roadster and the first 356/2 coupes.

The book addresses these inquiries, revealing the powerful and enduring DNA that continues to influence Porsche's design and style in the twenty-first century. It unravels a tale of mechanical innovation, human drama, and the backdrop of world war. "Porsche Origin of the Species" is an essential read for car enthusiasts eager to understand the origins that shaped all subsequent Porsches.

Porsche 356 (1952-1965) - Brooklands Ultimate Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Porsche 356 models from the years 1952-1965. Describes the Porsche 356 A, B, C, S, SC, SS, GS, 1500, 1600, 2L, Carrera, Super, 75, 90, coupé and cabriolet.

• The 61 articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

Click here to know more about the Brooklands Portfolio books

Porsche 356 (1948-1965) : Les racines de l'aventure

Lorsque Ferry Porsche lança la production très artisanale de la 356 à Gmünd, en Autriche, il pensait qu'un total de 50 à 100 voitures suffirait à saturer le marché de ce type de voiture. La 500e Porsche 356 sortait d'usine le 21 mars 1951 et la 1 000e sortit six mois plus tard...
Lorsque la production prendra fin en 1965, 78 745 exemplaires, tous modèles confondus, depuis l'origine de la marque en auront été produits. Elle sera même prolongée sous forme de 912 jusqu'en 1969, parallèlement à sa petite sœur la 911.

Particulièrement recherchées aujourd'hui, les 356 n'en finissent pas de faire rêver les amateurs et certains modèles, comme le Speedster, dépassent le demi million d'euros. La rareté n'explique pas seule cet engouement. Les Porsche ont vraiment quelque chose de particulier.

Cet ouvrage raconte l'histoire de la première Porche, la 356, de sa création en 1948 à la fin de la production en 1965. Version reliée du Hors-série l'Aventure Automobile no. 3.

Porsche 356 - la genèse d'un mythe

Dérivée de la Volkswagen conçue par le Pr. Ferdinand Porsche, la 356 fut la première automobile de production portant son nom et, à ce titre, elle incarne la naissance d'une légende.
Voici donc l'histoire complète et fascinante de la Porsche 356 et celle des modèles de rallye et de course qui en découlèrent. C'est aussi l'histoire des débuts de ce qui est devenu une des plus grandes marques de voitures de sport et un symbole d'excellence automobile.

Cette nouvelle édition est révisée et refondue. Près de trois cents illustrations pour la plupart en couleurs. Elle raite aussi les 356 Répliqua, inclut les volumes de production et les caractéristiques des modèles de série, des conseils d'achat et de restauration.