The 356 was Porsche’s first production automobile. It was a lightweight, rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car available in hardtop coupe and cabriolet configurations. Production commenced in 1948 and continued until 1965. The ‘Speedster’, with its low, raked windscreen and spartan appointments was introduced in late 1954 after Max Hoffman, the US importer of Porsches, advised the company that a lower-cost, open-top version would sell well in the American market. This variant is one of the most desirable today.
