75 Years Ago, the First Production Porsche Rolled Out of the Factory
This page is translated from the original post "Il y a 75 ans, la première Porsche de série sortait d’usine" in French.
- 01/09/2025 9:46
On September 1, 1950, the first series Porsche officially left the factory in Zuffenhausen, Germany.
After World War II, Ferry Porsche, the son of founder Ferdinand Porsche, wanted to bring to life an accessible, lightweight, and innovative sports car. It was no longer just about designing prototypes or isolated models, but rather about creating a car intended for passionate customers. Thus, the Porsche 356 was born, the first car marketed under the Porsche name.
Before Zuffenhausen, the first prototype examples were built in Austria, in Gmünd, between 1948 and 1950. These cars, produced in very small series and largely by hand, were only meant to lay the foundations of a legendary design and a unique mechanical architecture, with the engine in a rear overhang. However, it was with the opening of the German factory that the industrial adventure truly gained momentum.
A Legend is Born
The first Porsche 356 produced in Germany officially came to life on April 6, 1950, but it was on September 1 that it was declared. The release of this first series 356 in Zuffenhausen marked the beginning of organized production and international recognition. Lightweight, elegant, and agile, equipped with an engine derived from the Volkswagen Beetle, it offered around 40 horsepower for a featherweight of 600 kilos. Its dynamic qualities, more than its raw performance, would captivate a loyal audience.
The Porsche 356 immediately embodied a philosophy: prioritizing precision, driving pleasure, and innovation. It quickly proved itself on the road as well as in competition, helping to build the brand’s reputation for excellence. This DNA has never disappeared and can still be found in current models, from the iconic 911 to the electric Taycan.
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Seventy-five years after that September 1, 1950, Porsche remains synonymous with automotive passion. The release of the first series 356 was more than just an industrial event: it marked the birth of a legend.
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