Throughout its production, the Porsche 356 evolved significantly, distancing itself from its ancestor, the Volkswagen Beetle. These changes were evident in the car’s mechanical components and its design. The 356 underwent a major restyling in 1959, which included the introduction of a new model, the 356 B, with an internal body index ranging from T2 to T5.
Source: Elferspot
In 1959, the company unveiled the new 356B at the Frankfurt Motor Show, showcasing a refreshed design. The vehicle’s front fenders and headlights were raised to meet the demands of the important American market, resulting in a new profile. The introduction of vertical bumpers provided better parking protection. The 356 B was available in three body styles – 2+2 coupe, 2+2 convertible, and roadster. The roadster was the successor to the 356A Convertible D and had standard windshield height and side windows in the doors, distinguishing it from the convertible which had rear seats and side chrome moldings. The coupes and convertibles were built at Reutter, while the roadsters were produced at Drauz. Over time, the 356th continued to gain sophistication and become increasingly sought-after by collectors.
Source: Road Scholars
In 1959, the world was introduced to the Porsche 356B, which would go on to become an automotive legend. The story of its creation was one of innovation, persistence, and a deep love of craftsmanship. It all began in the late 1940s when Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of Porsche AG, set out to design a sports vehicle that would capture the imagination of drivers around the world. He drew on his years of experience in the automotive industry and his passion for performance to create a vehicle that would push the boundaries of what was possible. In 1948, the brand released the first version of the 356, which was widely praised for its speed, agility, and aesthetic appeal. However, the brand was determined to make improvements to the automobile over time, leading to a series of refinements. As the 1950s came to a close, it was clear that the 356 needed a significant overhaul to remain competitive. Recognizing this, the German manufacturer focused his attention on creating a new model that would surpass previous versions in terms of sophistication and popularity. Working alongside a team of talented designers and engineers, Porsche poured his heart and soul into the creation of the 356B. He knew that every detail mattered, from the car’s profile to its headlights to its bumpers, and he was determined to get everything just right. Finally, in 1959, the world got its first look at the new 356B. The vehicle was a triumph of design and engineering, with a sleek, aerodynamic profile that was unlike anything else on the road. The response was overwhelming. Drivers around the world fell in love with the 356B’s combination of style, speed, and precision, and the car quickly became a cultural icon.
Source: Barrett-Jackson
The 1962 model year represented a continuation of the evolution of this classic sports vehicle, with several updates and refinements from previous models. On the technical side, the 1962 edition featured several significant improvements. One of the most notable was the addition of disc brakes, which improved stopping power and overall safety. Additionally, the engine underwent a few updates, including the addition of a new Solex carburetor that boosted horsepower to 75 at 5,000 rpm. The interior of the 1962 version was refined as well. The dashboard was updated to feature clearer gauges, and a new heating system was added that allowed for better temperature control inside the cabin. Other interior upgrades included new door panels and updated seating materials. From an exterior perspective, the 1962 release featured several changes that set it apart from previous model years. One of the most notable was the addition of a new T6 body style, which featured larger windows and a revised shape that gave the automobile a more modern look. The T6 body style was available in both coupe and cabriolet versions. Another key change to the exterior of the 1962 edition was the addition of new front and rear bumpers that provided better protection in case of a collision. These bumpers were more robust than previous models and featured a sleeker design that complemented the car’s overall aesthetic.
Source: Sara Norris
The 1962 edition of the model appeared in numerous films over the years. The long list includes “The Graduate” (1967), “Bullitt” (1968), “Love Story” (1970), “Risky Business” (1983), “The Thomas Crown Affair” (1999), “Spy Game” (2001), and many more.
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