The 356 cabriolet cost US$4,250. It featured The 356 originated as a coupé only 1948-1955. This was replaced by a single-piece windscreen with a center bend as of model year 1952. All 356 generations were also available in an open-top version (Cabriolet, Speedster or Roadster). The Porsche factory did not call attention to these quite visible changes with a different model designation. Engineering innovations continued during the years of manufacture, contributing to its motorsports success and popularity. It took Porsche two years, starting with the first prototype in 1948, to manufacture the first 50 automobiles. Production started in 1948 at The original price in 1948 for the 356 coupe was US$3,750.
In the US 1,200 early 356s had been badged as the "Continental" and then a further 156 from autumn 1955 to January 1956 as an even rarer T1 “European” variant after which it reverted to its numerical 356 designation. … 1955 Porsche 356 - "PRE-A" SPEEDSTER 1500S FR P.O.R 1961 Porsche 356 - BT5 Roadster …
The first 356 was road certified in Austria on June 8, 1948, and was entered in a race in Innsbruck, where it won its class.Little noticed at its inception, mostly by a small number of auto racing enthusiasts, the first 356s sold primarily in Austria and Germany. 1957 Porsche 356 A Speedster Call for Price .
Several Porsche 356s were stripped down in weight, and were modified in order to have better performance and handling for these races.
Its internal factory designation, "Type 1", gave rise to its nickname "T1" among enthusiasts. Over time a variety of other styles appeared, including roadster, convertible, cabriolet, and a very rare split-roof.The basic design of the 356 remained the same throughout the end of its lifespan in 1965, with evolutionary, functional improvements rather than annual superficial styling changes. Porsche 356-Replica Classic Cars for Sale. A unique "The last revision of the 356 was the 356 C introduced for the 1964 model year. However, when the T6 got disc brakes, with no other visible alterations, they called it the model C, or the SC when it had the optional extra powerful engine. In 1951, 1,300 and 1,500 cc engines with considerably more power were introduced. Towards the end of the original 356's time (in 1955, when the 356 A was about to be introduced) Hoffman, wanting a model name rather than just a number, got the factory to use the name "Continental" which was applied mostly to cars sold in the United States.