Porsche 356 Ultimate Portfolio

This Ultimate Portfolio features a collection of 61 articles from leading automotive magazines, covering the 356, A, B, C, SC, SS, GS, 1500, 1600, 2L, Carrera, Super, 75, 90, Coupe, and Convertibles. Includes road and comparison tests, new model introductions, road research report, full specifications, and performance data. There is a saying that goes something like ?from small acorns mighty oaks will grow.? In many ways it could well have been coined for the Porsche 356 as it was from this small rear-engined coupé that today?s mighty empire has been built. Based on the ubiquitous Volkswagen Beetle floorpan, which was a Porsche design anyway, and powered by a mildly modified VW air-cooled four-cylinder horizontally opposed (?boxer?) engine, the 356 became something of a giant-killer on the racetracks of post-war Europe. By the early 50s it was invincible in its class. Success on the racetrack soon led to commercial success as entrepreneurs from all over Europe, England and North America wanted to take on the Porsche franchise. Owning a Porsche 356 was not an experience for those who worried about costs. They were expensive to buy when new and that has not changed. So desired are they today that genuine examples will be a financial challenge to most restorers.