Different, how? Is there no Porsche in it? Well, of course there is. We’re Design 911 and we only do Porsche. But this isn’t the usual ‘man finds car, buys car, drives car’ narrative. In this story, our hero wasn’t looking for a Porsche at all…

When you think Porsche, the 356A isn’t likely to be the first image in your mind. It’s almost certainly an older incarnation of the 911, or maybe a sparkling new Cayenne, depending on what sort of Porsche person you are. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

They’re fine cars. But with Porsche currently responsible for 95 different variants of the six current models – the 911, 718, Cayenne, Panamera, Macan and Taycan – and with each of those available as a Turbo, Targa or Carrera, it’s not as though there are only two to choose from. And sometimes Porsche fans go right off the beaten track.

Take the 356 A, which, with owner Pj are the heroes of this story. Produced in Austria from 1948–1949, and Germany from 1950 until 1965, the 356 was Porsche’s first production car. The Austrian birthplace, more recently called Porsche Holding Salzburg, also produced another motoring icon, the Volkswagen Beetle. And that’s where this tale begins.

Are you sitting comfortably?

Back in 2008, our story’s hero, Pj, was scrolling through a VW forum, and perusing ‘barn find’ cars. He spotted a car he didn’t recognise but “looked similar to a Volkswagen”. A little research revealed that mystery car to be a 356 and from that point on, his quest to find a 356 of his very own began.

As Pj acknowledges, owning this Porsche is “a little different”. It doesn’t, he is quick to admit, “have the same following as the 911. It’s a little bit quirky, an outsider. There is no logical reason to buy a 356”. Yet here we are. So, why choose niche over nice?

A tale (at least) two cities.

Well, for a start, Pj’s 356 has a storied history. Originally imported into the US – it has specs that align with that market – this 356 rolled off the production line on September 11, 1957. It made its way to California, then Carolina and – somehow – on to Dover in the UK where Pj found it. And he wasn’t about to leave the viewing without it.

“I went along to view the car to learn something, it’s all about the experience. But when he opened the warehouse and I saw it sat there, I found it very difficult to walk away. It had everything I look for in a car. It had character, and that’s something that comes with the vehicle. You can’t just create it. I love a car that’s honest and shows its scars.”

Fifties revival…

“Since then, the engine’s been completely rebuilt and tuned up. It has a new gearbox and running gear. It’s now on disc brakes and has a new steering box. It’s had electrical work and there’s very little left that’s completely original. The exception is the paintwork.”

As our video shows, Pj’s never happier than rocking around the country lanes, puddles and all, enjoying his ride. What’s your advice to anyone thinking of getting a 356, Pj? “I’d say don’t listen to people who say you won’t enjoy it. I had plenty of voices telling me that it’s not as much fun as a 911 or wouldn’t drive as well as my old 912. But with a bit of work this car is probably my favourite drive of all time.”

The joy of 356

Owning this car is an absolute joy. I’ve made loads of friends, some on the other side of the world through owning the 356. I love every ding and dent on this thing, and the fact that I don’t have to worry about that. I have two young kids and I don’t worry about them climbing on it. One day this car will be theirs and I want them to have happy memories of the car, not me shouting at them to get off it.”

“The people who share my passion for old vehicles, Volkswagens or Porsches, it’s a wonderful community.” It sure is – welcome to it. And there’s always room for more.

Watch the full feature here –