Old Wood: The Birthplace Of Porsche 356s

Porsche 911: Heritage of a Wooden Frame

The Porsche 356 has attained the reputation of being a masterpiece, and every artwork must have an original beginning. Currently housed at the Porsche Automuseum in Gmund, Austria, this wooden skeleton served as its genesis.

In the inaugural year of production for the 356, each body panel was handmade with extreme accuracy and compared to a model of flawlessness before being secured to the frame.

In 1948, Gmund, Austria saw the first year of production for the model, and it served as a prototype. To create the model, aluminum was used for the panels – a rare occurrence at the time. Out of the 52 Type 356/2 vehicles (44 Coupe and 8 Cabriolet) that were produced, the “first” 356 wooden model was used. A few years later, eight to 10 superlight models were completed.

Presently, the renowned Porsche emblem is a highly desired object, and this wooden frame is Genesis’s beginning.

Thanks to the intricate procedure, these initial designs necessitated an immense quantity of effort and expertise to intellectualize. Every single panel was carefully fashioned using mallets, and compared meticulously with the model until they precisely addressed. This therefore caused a real guru approximately 90 hours to forge the 356’s external body impeccably, thus impeling Porsche to utilize the prowess of numerous professionals across Europe to culminate the job.

Happily (or unfortunately, contingent on whom you solicit the opinion of), this course of action concluded in 1949 once creation was moved from Gmund to Karosseriewerk Reutter situated in Stuttgart. The procedure was employed in limited runs; nonetheless, forward-looking technologies made it possible for accurate pressing tools and an improvement to more robust steel sheet metal.

A second wood framework 356 was made, honoring the model rather than acting as a functional copy. Although the effort was meant to be nothing more than a gesture of tribute, it still proved to be an impressive attempt.

Today, the 356 is renowned; even the Porsche 911 must show acknowledgement to its progenitor. It is astounding how well the 356 silhouette has endured over the years, with its curves and headlights still apparent in all of Porsche’s present-day vehicles.

Cars evoke a sense of profound admiration while also encouraging creativeness. Throughout the years, many have been remodeled with refined modifications; like the spectacular specimen across the page that has a perfect exterior and internal facets, as well as a few extra components. Alternatively, another majestic specimen has been meticulously renovated but left to showcase its classic aging features.

A few geniuses have powered the car’s AWD, and it has even been transfigured into an up-to-date electric sports vehicle. The 356 is a blessing that never ceases, and we owe this 75-year-old wood-crafted prototype for making it come about.