The History of the Porsche 356 Cabriolet – The Beginning of a Legend

“At the beginning, I looked around but couldn’t find the car of my dreams. So, I decided to build it myself.” – Ferry Porsche

The Porsche 356 was the first mass-produced model of the legendary German brand, marking the beginning of an era of sports cars bearing the Porsche name. The Cabriolet version of this model became a symbol of style, elegance, and performance, winning the hearts of automotive enthusiasts worldwide.

The Birth of the Porsche 356

The history of the Porsche 356 began in 1948 when Ferry Porsche, son of the company’s founder Ferdinand Porsche, introduced the first prototype of this model. The car was a lightweight, aerodynamic design based on the mechanical components of the Volkswagen Beetle. Despite its modest beginnings, the 356 quickly gained recognition for its precise handling and exceptional driving characteristics.

Porsche 356 Cabriolet – A Classic in Open-Top Form

The first Porsche 356 Cabriolet models appeared on the market in the early 1950s. Unlike the coupe version, the Cabriolet featured a lightweight construction and an elegant body line. Initially produced in small quantities, it gradually gained popularity, especially in the sunny regions of the USA and Europe.

The Cabriolet version was available in several variants, including:

• Standard 356 Cabriolet – a classic open-top model offering excellent performance and driving comfort.
• 356 Speedster – a lighter, sportier version that became an icon on American roads, particularly in California.
• 356 Roadster – an upgraded version of the Speedster, providing greater comfort and improved driving dynamics.

The Evolution of the Model

Over the years, the Porsche 356 Cabriolet underwent numerous upgrades. The model was produced in several series, designated by letters:

• 356 Pre-A (1948–1955) – the first generation with a more basic design and lower power output.
• 356 A (1955–1959) – introduced a curved windshield and improved performance.
• 356 B (1959–1963) – featured a redesigned front end and enhanced stability.
• 356 C (1963–1965) – the final series, equipped with disc brakes and refined engines.

The Legacy of the Porsche 356 Cabriolet

Production of the Porsche 356 ended in 1965 when it was succeeded by the Porsche 911. However, the 356 Cabriolet remains one of the most sought-after classic cars in automotive history. Thanks to its unique design, lightweight construction, and outstanding driving characteristics, it continues to inspire generations of Porsche enthusiasts.

Today, well-preserved Porsche 356 Cabriolet models fetch astronomical prices at collector auctions, further solidifying their legendary status in the world of classic cars.

Buying a Porsche 356 Cabriolet

Facts

• Over 78,000 Porsche 356 units were produced in total, of which around 36,000 were Cabriolet versions.
• Every variant of the Porsche 356 is among the most desirable vintage cars in the world.
• The market offers original versions in various conditions, as well as a significant number of replicas.

The Porsche 356 Market in Europe

Aside from a few isolated examples, original Porsche 356 prices start at around €100,000.

A larger selection becomes available with a budget of €150,000.

With the exception of a few offers above half a million euros, prices generally top out around €450,000.
The highest listed price at the time of this article’s publication was €1,280,000 for a 1956 356A Speedster Carrera 1500 GS, in pristine condition with only 5,000 km on the odometer.

There are also restoration project cars (or parts thereof) available for as little as €55,000.

The Porsche 356 Market in the USA

Though smaller than the European market, the U.S. market offers similar pricing to its European counterpart.

Finding cars priced significantly higher shouldn’t be an issue, as the average sale price in recent years has hovered around $170,000. A large portion of the market falls within the $400,000 range.

The most expensive versions can exceed $1 million, typically Carrera models, which were the rarest variants.

Porsche 356 Replicas

As someone who greatly respects originality and authenticity, I find myself torn when considering the practicality of owning an original Porsche 356. Owning such a car would bring the heartbreak of not being able to use it as a daily driver.

One solution to this dilemma is replicas—both those that aim to faithfully imitate the original and those that simply evoke its historical charm.

A well-made 356 replica can deliver immense driving pleasure and aesthetic delight for a fraction of the cost of an original classic. Prices for these vehicles start at around €40,000, while a budget of €80,000 opens up a much broader selection of high-quality replicas.

What is the goal of the purchase?

Of course, the question remains—what is the goal of the purchase? Expanding a collection of original cars? Enjoying the thrill of driving a classic? Or making a financial investment that could turn out to be an excellent asset?

One thing is certain: even a ride in a well-made replica would be a generator of pure joy—even just as a passenger.

Below is a table summarizing the different open-top versions of the Porsche 356, a testament to how much effort was dedicated to perfecting this car. A car that ultimately became the precursor to one of the most iconic models (not just from Porsche, but in automotive history): the Porsche 911.