Porsche 356

Porsche 356: 75th Anniversaryrelates the full story of Porsche's original sports car from the first Gmund coupe to today's beloved collector car. Ferdinand Porsche was a brilliant engineer who, prior to World War II, had been involved in a variety of significant automotive engineering developmentsincluding the first hybrid drivevehicles. From the early 1900s, Porsche was developing racing cars including the Mercedes SSK and the mighty Auto Union Grand Prix. During this period, Porsche also developed the groundbreaking Volkswagen, which would prove critical to his postwar, namesake automobile manufacturer. TheTyp 356 was developed by Ferdinand's son"Ferry" Porsche and introduced in 1948. Though the rear-engine layout was based onthe Volkswagen, most similarities ended there. The 356 had a unique chassis, higher performing engine, and a handsome wind-cheating body.Little known outside Germanyinitially, by the early 1950sthe356s werelaudedfor theirexcellent handling, build quality, and growing volume ofcompetition successes. Porsche's 356 evolved over its 17-year life throughfour distinct series: pre-A, A, B, and C, with coupes, cabriolets, Speedsters, Hardtops,and Roadsters among the many body variations. Equipped with the "Carrera" 4-cam engine,the 356 was a force in sports car racing. Dedicated competition models were developed beginning in 1953, and the Rennsport Spyders dominated road racing, endurance,and hill climb events for over a decade. The 356 story includes a cast of fascinating characters, from those engineers who designed the cars, to race drivers who built the "giant-killer"mystique, to ownerslike James Dean and Janis Joplinwho fell in love with the little bathtub-shaped sports cars. From titledEuropean gentlemen in the 1950s to movie stars like Paul Newman and Steve McQueen in the1960s, the first Porsches attracted enthusiastsand racers alike. Today, the car has an even wider following among collectorsincluding Porsche fans likeJerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno. "356 Fascination" continues with ongoing restoration efforts, vintage racing, and an "Outlaw" movement, all enhanced by large-scale events that celebrate the car's history. Porsche 35675th Anniversarytells the in-depth story and is a must-have book for anyone that loves Porsche and sports car history.