What is it about a Porsche 356 that tugs at the heart of Porschephiles? The shape? The sound? The ride? The history?
On the surface, 356s are not like 911s. The 911 is the signature car of the brand.
Nor are 356s much like any other Porsche that came after them, when you think of all the features and doodads and baubles that modern Porsche models offer their drivers and passengers. Features like real heat and functional air conditioning. Fierce acceleration. Precise point-and-shoot steering. Handling up the wazoo. These things are found in the modern Porsche. In 356s, no way.
Despite their antique stature, evidence abounds that there continues to be a solid and growing 356 enthusiast base.
- The 356 Registry has a paid membership of almost 8,000 strong.
- Thousands of non dues-paying enthusiasts read the daily 356 Registry forum, also known as 356 Talk, sponsored by the Registry.
- The two “356 Holidays’ held each year regularly sell out within days.
- The international 356 fan base is widespread and regularly contributes via 356 Talk to enrich the 356 knowledge base.
- The Registry web page and the monthly club magazine are awesome!
Auction and private sales data indicate that the market is trending upward for all models of 356. It used to be that only Speedsters would command six figures. This is, of course, no longer true.
So, what is it about 356s that continue to draw folks to them? This is an ongoing story our newest contributor, Ronald Sieber, is going to explore and we’d like your input. Do you own a 356? Do you have a story you’d like to share? What would you like to know about them? Send us your stories, your comments or your questions via our contact form or by commenting on this story.
About the author: Ronald Sieber is a Porsche owner and enthusiast who regularly contributes to popular automotive magazines. He restores and writes about classic cars and is currently writing an automotive history book about a uniquely American concept.
Pictures are of a 1954 Porsche 356 Speedster, the 9th one ever built, courtesy of our friend Brett Sloan at SloanCars.com.
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