Porsche 356 "Pre A" (1948 to 1955)

The first generation of the Porsche 356 is referred to as the Porsche 356 Pre-A and runs from 1948 through 1955. Starting life with a batch of aluminum bodied cars that were hand produced in Gmund, Austria, by 1950 the company had moved production of the bodies to coachbuilder Reutter and was in full production. This first generation of the 356 body styles included a coupe and a cabriolet. The engine started at 1100 cc and initially shared its case with the humble Volkswagen. In 1951, 1300 cc and 1500 cc engines with considerably more power were introduced. In 1953, the 1300 S or "Super" was introduced, and the 1100 cc engine was dropped. In 1954, the Speedster was introduced as a stripped down roadster. In 1955, the final year of the 356 Pre A, saw the introduction of the race inspired 1500 cc, 110 hp, four-cam motor for the 356 Pre-A Carrera. The subsequent generation of the 356 followed in late 1955 and is known as the Porsche 356 A.