The Porsche 356 was the company’s first production automobile. It was a lightweight and nimble-handling rear-engine rear-wheel-drive 2-door sports car available in hardtop coupe and open configurations. Design innovations continued during the years of manufacture, contributing to its motorsports success and popularity. The basic design of the 356 remained the same throughout its lifespan, with evolutionary, functional improvements rather than annual superficial styling changes. Nevertheless a variety of models in both coupe and convertible forms were produced from 1948 through 1965. The sunroof is a rare option that adds substantial collectability to this already sought after classic.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
While it has been suggested that Porsche did not originally intend for the 911 to be a replacement for the 356, when the 911 was first shown in 1963 it made the 356 design appear rather dated. Porsche quickly surmised that the new 900 series design would be the successor for the 356. This resulted in a fusion of the 356SC 4-cylinder engine into a 911 body; and thus, the Porsche 912 was created.
The 912 Porsche weighed 200 pounds less due to its lighter engine. Some still argue that the 912 is a more balanced and better handling car than the early 911s. The 912 engine benefited from many years of development during 356 production, which made the 912 a very desirable model upon its release.
Along with the new 911, Porsche was also interested in offering a convertible option. At the time, a traditional convertible was deemed unsafe. Porsche introduced the Targa instead of a traditional convertible. It featured a reinforcement bar fitted over the driver and passenger seats. Targa models were exclusively built in “soft window” form. They characteristically featured a plastic rear window that could be unzipped. Porsche advertised the Targa soft-window as “four models in one” . Production lasted until 1969 when the “soft-widow” was replaced with a hard glass rear window.
This 1968 Porsche 912 is a soft-window Targa that was sold new at Gus Mozart Volkswagen of Palo Alto, California. It is finished in Champagne Yellow over black vinyl and houndstooth fabric. The car is powered by a 1.6-liter flat-four mated to a five-speed manual transaxle. Equipment includes Marchal fog lights, a brushed stainless steel Targa bar, a Blaupunkt three-band stereo, 15″ Fuchs wheels, and a rear-seat delete with storage compartments.
-Part of the Mike Malamut personal collection
-Part of the Mike Malamut personal collection
The Porsche 911 was developed as a much more powerful, larger, more comfortable replacement for the Porsche 356. The new car made its public debut at the 1963 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
It was initially designated as the “Porsche 901”, after its internal project number. However, Peugeot protested on the grounds that in France it had exclusive rights to car names formed by three numbers with a zero in the middle. So, instead of selling the new model with another name in France, Porsche changed the name to 911. It went on sale in 1964.
In 1969, the slightly lengthened B series was introduced. It moved the rear wheels on all 911 and 912 models 57 mm aft, increasing wheelbase from 87.0” to 89.3” to remedy to the car’s nervous handling at the limit. Fuel injection arrived both for the 911S.
In 1970, the engines of all 911s were increased to 2,195 cc. Power outputs were uprated to 180 hp in the 911S. The 912 was discontinued with the 914 taking its place as an entry model.
-On loan from the Mike Malamut personal collection
In late 1955, with numerous small but significant changes, the 356 A was introduced. Its internal factory designation, “Type 1”, gave rise to its nickname “T1” among enthusiasts. In early 1957 a second revision of the 356 A was produced, known as Type 2 (or T2).
1959 was the last year for the 356 A. This particular car features a 1.6 L Type 616/1 B4 which was first available in 1958.
-On loan from the Mike Malamut personal collection
Dannanhauer and Stauss was a German custom coach builder based out of Stuttgart, Germany. They created new bodies with a distinct Porsche flavor on a Volkswagen platform and mechanicals. The body was lowered and lengthened at both ends and was fitted a Porsche-type grill over the rear engine cover and a Porsche license-plate lamp. Over a small production period between 1951-1957, estimates of 80-120 models were produced. It is believed that only 13 are left in drivable condition today. The cabriolet was offered with either a VW “eggbeater” engine or the currently fitted Porsche super 1500 mill. This concours example was finished in 2006 over the course of over a decade with detailed restoration by Richard Christensen.
This car is painted in Fjord Green wth a brown leather interior. It is 1 of 18 known to exist.
-Part of the Mike Malamut personal collection
The Porsche 911 was developed as a much more powerful, larger, more comfortable replacement for the Porsche 356. The new car made its public debut at the 1963 Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, better known to English speakers as the Frankfurt Motor Show.
It was initially designated as the “Porsche 901”, after its internal project number. However, Peugeot protested on the grounds that in France it had exclusive rights to car names formed by three numbers with a zero in the middle. So, instead of selling the new model with another name in France, Porsche changed the name to 911. It went on sale in 1964.
The earliest editions of the 911 had an air-cooled, rear-mounted, 2.0L (1991 cc) 130 PS flat-6 “boxer” engine, similar to the 356’s four-cylinder 1.6L unit. It was mated to a five-speed manual “Type 901” transmission. The car had 2+2 seating, though the rear are very small, also like the 356. The styling was largely by Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche, son of Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche.
This car is equipped with some rare options including headrests and wood trim.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
The 356 was created by Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche (son of Ferdinand Porsche, founder of the German company), who founded the Austrian company with his sister, Louise. Like its cousin, the Volkswagen Beetle (which Ferdinand Porsche Sr. had designed), the 356 is a four-cylinder, air-cooled, rear-engine, rear-wheel drive car with unitized pan and body construction. The chassis was a completely new design as was the 356’s body which was designed by Porsche employee Erwin Komenda, while certain mechanical components including the engine case and some suspension components were based on and initially sourced from Volkswagen.
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. Porsche re-engineered and refined the car with a focus on performance. Fewer and fewer parts were shared between Volkswagen and Porsche as the 1950s progressed. The early 356 automobile bodies produced at Gmünd were handcrafted in aluminum, but when production moved to Zuffenhausen, Germany in 1950, models produced there were steel-bodied. Porsche contracted Reutter to build the steel bodies.
The 356 was built in four distinct series, the original (“pre-A”), followed by the 356 A, 356 B, and finally the 356 C. To distinguish among the major revisions of the model, 356s are generally classified into a few major groups. The 356 coupés and “cabriolets” (soft-tops) built through 1955 are readily identifiable by their split (1948 to 1952) or bent (centre-creased, 1953 to 1955) windscreens. In late 1955 the 356 A appeared, with a curved windshield. The A was the first road going Porsche to offer the Carrera four-cam engine as an option.
From the earliest, 1100 cc Gmünd beginnings, the overall shape of the 356 remained more or less set. In 1951, 1300 and 1500 cc engines with considerably more power were introduced. By late 1952 the divided windscreen was gone, replaced by a V-shaped unit which fit into the same opening.
-On loan from the Mike Malamut personal collection.
Concerned that the considerable price increase of a Type 911 with flat opposed six-cylinder powerplant over the Type 356 would cost the company sales and narrow brand appeal, in 1963 Porsche executives decided to introduce a new four-cylinder entry-level model. Like the 911 (original internal factory designation “901”), the four-cylinder 912 was originally known at Zuffenhausen by a number with a zero in the middle, but the “902” designation was never used publicly. (“912” as project number was used after 1968 to indicate the 12 cylinder flat opposed engine developed for Porsche 917 racing car)
In 1963, Porsche assigned Dan Schwartz, later Chief Departmental Manager for Development, Mechanics, a project to oversee design and construction of a new horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine for the 902, utilizing components from the new 901 six-cylinder engine, that would produce higher performance than their 356SC engine, and be less costly and complex than their Carrera 2 engine. Another option explored by Claus von Rücker was to increase displacement of the 356 Type 616 engine to 1.8 liters, add Kugelfischer fuel injection, and modify both valve and cooling systems. Considering performance, cost, and scheduling, Porsche discontinued both of these design projects, and instead developed a third option, to tailor the 1.6 liter Type 616 engine to the 902.
In production form, the Type 912 combined a 911 chassis / bodyshell with the 1.6L, four-cylinder, push-rod Type 616/36 engine, based upon the Type 616/16 engine used in the Type 356SC of 1964-1965. With a lower compression ratio and new Solex carburetors, the Type 616/36 engine produced five less horsepower than the 616/16, but delivered about the same maximum torque at 3,500 rpm versus 4,200 rpm for the 616/16. Compared to the 911, the resulting production Type 912 vehicle demonstrated superior weight distribution, handling, and range. To bring 912 pricing close to the 356, Porsche also deleted some features standard on the 911.
As production of the 356 concluded in 1965, on April 5, 1965 Porsche officially began production of the 912 coupé. Styling, performance, quality construction, reliability, and price made the 912 a very attractive buy to both new and old customers, and it substantially outsold the 911 during the first few years of production.
Porsche executives decided that after the 1969 model year, continuation of 912 production would not be viable, due to both internal and external factors. Production facilities used for the 912 were reallocated to a new 914-6, a six-cylinder high performance version of the 914 Porsche-Volkswagen joint effort vehicle.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
This 1978 Porsche 911SC is a backdated RS Touring tribute that was built by RS-Werks in Newark, Delaware. Power comes from a freshly rebuilt ROW-spec 3.0L flat-six that is equipped with Weber carburetors and paired to an overhauled 915 five-speed manual gearbox. A two-stage Signal Yellow repaint was performed, and metal body panels were utilized with the exception of an RS engine lid. H4 headlights have been added along with new or refurbished 1973-style trim, new windshield glass, and replacement rubber seals and gaskets throughout. The car has been set at Euro ride-height and corner-balanced over a set of polished 15″ Fuchs. The suspension was overhauled and fitted with upgraded sway bars and Bilstein shocks. Trimmed in the period fashion, the interior is equipped with a set of corduroy sport seats, a new OEM Porsche dash pad, backdated instruments, lightweight door panels and carpet, roll-up windows, and more.
The build began with a Euro 1978 911SC non-sunroof coupe. The chassis was fully disassembled, exterior surfaces were stripped to bare metal, and the car underwent a rotisserie restoration. An original long-nose hood was sourced, and the latch area was modified accordingly. German steel front fenders were utilized along with a 911S front bumper and an aluminum rear license plate filler.
The rebuilt 3.0L ROW-spec flat-six has been upgraded with Carrera chain tensioners, Turbo valve covers, a custom wiring harness, and RSR-style drilled engine mount. 1972 date-coded 40IDA Webers have been installed along with new SSI heat exchangers and a Dansk stainless sport exhaust. Ignition is a custom CDI unit from Classic Retrofit, and the fan has been refinished by Flat Six Inc. A new oil cooler, lines, and tank have also been installed. Other custom details include a color-matched engine shroud and pleated engine pad.
-Part of the Mike Malamut personal collection
This vintage Porsche 356 speedster convertible go-kart has been beautifully restored to day one condition. It is gas powered and has forward and reverse, push button start, working lights and beautifully upholstered interior.
-Part of the Mike Malamut Auto Collection
This 1988 Porsche 911 Turbo has just 28,882 miles and is an unmodified original example powered by its stock turbocharged 3.3 liter flat-six paired to its factory 4-speed manual transmission.
Mike is a Porsche guy. He has worked on them and has collected them for years. The turbo came out after Mike quit working on Porsches. This is a first for the collection.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
Concerned that the considerable price increase of a Type 911 with flat opposed six-cylinder powerplant over the Type 356 would cost the company sales and narrow brand appeal, Porsche executives decided to introduce a new four-cylinder entry-level model. Like the 911 (original internal factory designation “901”), the four-cylinder 912 was originally known at Zuffenhausen by a number with a zero in the middle, but the “902” designation was never used publicly.
In production form, the Type 912 combined a 911 chassis / bodyshell with the 1.6L, four-cylinder, push-rod Type 616/36 engine, based upon the Type 616/16 engine used in the Type 356SC of 1964-1965.
As production of the 356 concluded in 1965, on April 5, 1965 Porsche officially began production of the 912 coupé. Styling, performance, quality construction, reliability, and price made the 912 a very attractive buy to both new and old customers, and it substantially outsold the 911 during the first few years of production. Porsche produced nearly 30,000 912 coupé units.
This particular model features original paint.
-On loan from the Mike Malamut personal collection
The last revision of the 356 was the 356 C introduced for the 1964 model year. It featured disc brakes all around, as well as an option for the most powerful pushrod engine Porsche had ever produced, the 95 hp “SC”. Production of the 356 peaked at 14,151 cars in 1964, the year that its successor, the new 911, was introduced to the US market. The company continued to sell the 356 C in North America through 1965 as demand for the model remained quite strong in the early days of the heavier and more “civilized” 911.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
The 356 originated as a coupé only 1948-1955. 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.
The car was built of a unibody construction, making restoration difficult for cars that were kept in rust-prone climates. One of the most desirable collector models is the 356 “Speedster”, introduced in late 1954 after Max Hoffman advised the company that a lower-cost, somewhat spartan open-top version could sell well in the American market. With its low, raked windscreen (which could be removed for weekend racing), bucket seats and minimal folding top, the Speedster was an instant hit, especially in Southern California.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
The first roadworthy model bearing the Porsche name was the 356. Introduced in 1948, it underwent continuous development during the production run. Production of the 356 finally ended in 1965. By production’s end, the car had come a long way. Engine output more than doubled, from 40hp in the early cars to just under 100hp in the final examples. The ultimate development from these years was the 356 C, which represented huge advances over earlier models, including the adoption of disc brakes. They were available in several configurations as both coupes and cabriolets, and with several motors.
This particular car has taken part in two international rallies since we have owned it: The Peninsula Tokyo Rally in Japan and the Holy Land 1000 in Israel.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
The Porsche 911 was developed as a much more powerful, larger, more comfortable replacement for the Porsche 356. The new car made its public debut at the 1963 Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, better known to English speakers as the Frankfurt Motor Show.
It was initially designated as the “Porsche 901”, after its internal project number. However, Peugeot protested on the grounds that in France it had exclusive rights to car names formed by three numbers with a zero in the middle. So, instead of selling the new model with another name in France, Porsche changed the name to 911. It went on sale in 1964.
The earliest editions of the 911 had an air-cooled, rear-mounted, 2.0L (1991 cc) 130 PS flat-6 “boxer” engine, similar to the 356’s four-cylinder 1.6L unit. It was mated to a five-speed manual “Type 901” transmission. The car had 2+2 seating, though the rear are very small, also like the 356. The styling was largely by Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche, son of Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche.
This car is an unrestored example with original paint.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
The last revision of the 356 was the 356 C introduced for the 1964 model year. It featured disc brakes all around, as well as an option for the most powerful pushrod engine Porsche had ever produced, the 95 hp (71 kW) “SC”. Production of the 356 peaked at 14,151 cars in 1964, the year that its successor, the new 911, was introduced to the US market. The company continued to sell the 356 C in North America through 1965 as demand for the model remained quite strong in the early days of the heavier and more “civilized” 911.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
The 356 was created by Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche (son of Ferdinand Porsche, founder of the German company), who founded the Austrian company with his sister, Louise. Like its cousin, the Volkswagen Beetle (which Ferdinand Porsche Sr. had designed), the 356 is a four-cylinder, air-cooled, rear-engine, rear-wheel drive car with unitized pan and body construction. The chassis was a completely new design as was the 356’s body which was designed by Porsche employee Erwin Komenda. Certain mechanical components including the engine case and some suspension components were based on and initially sourced from Volkswagen.
Ferry Porsche described the thinking behind the development of the 356 in an interview with the editor of Panorama, the PCA magazine, in September 1972. “…I had always driven very speedy cars. I had an Alfa Romeo, also a BMW and others. ….By the end of the war I had a Volkswagen Cabriolet with a supercharged engine and that was the basic idea. I saw that if you had enough power in a small car it is nicer to drive than if you have a big car which is also overpowered. And it is more fun.
In late 1955, with numerous small but significant changes, the 356 A was introduced. Its internal factory designation, “Type 1”, gave rise to its nickname “T1” among enthusiasts. 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. In early 1957 a second revision of the 356 A was produced, known as Type 2 (or T2). Production of the Speedster peaked at 1,171 cars in 1957 and then started to decline.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
From the earliest, 1100 cc Gmünd beginnings, the overall shape of the Porsche 356 remained more or less set. In late 1954 Max Hoffman, the sole US importer of Porsches, convinced Porsche to build a stripped down roadster version with minimal equipment and a cut-down windscreen. 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. Ford, makers of the Lincoln Continental, sued. This name was used only in 1955 and today this version is especially valued.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection
The Carrera 2 was surely one of the highest quality, exceptionally roadworthy GT cars of its day. The Carrera engine was the ultimate development of the Porsche 356 power plant. However, while its four overhead cams, dual ignition, and internal gear systems yielded impressive power, the engines were complicated, challenging to tune, and not particularly happy running at low RPM. This car is displayed as delivered from the factory in May 1963.
-On loan from The Mike Malamut personal collection