The 356 B was more than just a performance vehicle – it was a work of art. The graceful curves of the body, the subtle accents on the exterior, and the attention to detail in the interior all combined to create a truly stunning vehicle. And with various customization options available, no two 356 Bs were ever quite the same.
Source: Stuttcars.com
The roar of the engine, the sleek lines of the body, and the unmistakable badge on the front – the Porsche 356 B was indeed a marvel of engineering and design. Born out of a passion for speed and precision, this iconic vehicle left an indelible mark on automotive history, capturing the hearts of car enthusiasts around the world. It was the second iteration of the Porsche 356, and it built upon the success of its predecessor in every way imaginable. With improvements to the suspension, braking, and handling, this automobile was a valid driver’s dream, capable of pushing the limits of what was possible on both the road and the track.
Source: European Collectibles
Before the war, the Porsche father and son duo had been designing sports cars and gaining experience constructing speedy and robust roadsters. However, during the war, their archives were destroyed due to a bombing near Stuttgart, causing them to lose twelve years’ worth of work. In 1944, their surviving equipment was moved to Gmund, a village in Austria. The post-war era was difficult for talented engineers. Following the end of World War II, Ferdinand, and Ferry was arrested by the French in Baden-Baden on accusations of colluding with the Nazis. Ferry was cleared of the charges in March 1946, while Ferdinand was only removed in 1947. For an additional year, Ferdinand was restricted to the French zone of occupation. Pieri Dusio, an Italian businessman, facilitated Ferry’s release by paying off the French authorities. Dusio had his interests, wanting to create a racing vehicle and needing the support of the best auto designers, which included father and son Porsche. Ferry applied many of his father’s approaches that were tried on Auto Union cars before the war. With Dusio’s money, he built a successful prototype vehicle, hired a lawyer for his father, who was still in custody and began organizing the production of a personal sports car. All the vehicles in this series utilized the Volkswagen Beetle platform: they were rear-engined with rear-wheel drive and featured the same suspension. The body had smooth lines that were easily recognizable, and its aerodynamic characteristics were surprisingly good. Initially, the company offered 2 + 2 coupe and convertible bodies but eventually began manufacturing a more stylish 2-seater Speedster roadster. In 1948, a total of 52 cars with aluminum coupe and convertible bodies were built in Gmund.
Source: Premier Financial Services
The model of 1950 was a significant step forward in terms of both design and engineering, compared to its predecessors. As one of the earliest models in the Porsche 356 lineup, it laid the foundation for many of the design features and technical innovations that would become synonymous with the brand in the years to come. In terms of its technical specifications, the 1950 edition featured a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a 4-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produced 40 horsepower. It also came equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission, which allowed for greater control and precision on the road. The suspension was improved compared to the previous model year, and the brakes were upgraded with more giant drums for better stopping power. On the exterior, the 1950 release had a sleek and aerodynamic body design that was recognizable as a Porsche from the front grille to the rear bumper. The overall profile of the car was low and wide, with smooth lines that flowed seamlessly from front to back. The headlights were integrated into the fenders, while the taillights were positioned high on the rear fenders. Inside the cabin, the 1950 version of the model had a simple yet functional design, with a focus on the driver’s experience. The seats were comfortable and supportive, and the dashboard featured a clear and easy-to-read instrument cluster. The steering wheel was thin-rimmed and sporty, providing excellent grip and feedback for the driver. Overall, the interior of the 1950 release was designed to be both practical and stylish. Compared to the previous model year, the 1950 version had several notable improvements. The suspension was revised to provide better handling and stability on the road, while the brakes were made more potent for better stopping performance. The engine was also improved, with a higher compression ratio and better breathing, which helped to boost horsepower and torque.
Source: Auto Vercity
The 1950 version of the model had seats made out of burlap. This was because Porsche, a relatively small company at the time, was looking for cost-effective ways to manufacture their cars, and burlap was a cheap and durable material that could be easily sourced. The seats were covered in leather or vinyl, but the burlap provided the underlying structure for the cushioning. As the company grew and became more successful, it eventually switched to more traditional materials for the seats.
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