The Porsche 356 Nº1 returns from its ashes like never before

It has been 70 years since Porsche began shaping the history of the automotive world with its vehicles, because in 1948 the 356 rolled out of the German firm’s hands as its first production model. This iconic model paved the way for the different generations of Porsche that we have enjoyed – and still do – over the years. To commemorate this incredible feat, the engineers of the German firm have wanted to pay tribute to the 356 Nº1 and, to do so, have rebuilt it in its own image and likeness.

The passage of time has prevented any original 356 unit from being saved, since its state of preservation was not good enough to carry out a complete restoration. However, this has not been an obstacle for the engineers at Porsche, who have turned to current technology to bring the 356 Roadster back to life.

To do so, the original blueprints of the model were used, which in 1948 served to create the first production model by Porsche. Thanks to 3D printing, it has been possible to recreate the shape of the 356 Nº1 almost exactly, but it has been an arduous task for the whole Porsche team, who needed a total of 8 months to complete this reincarnation.

During this lengthy process, the engineers at the firm originally from Stuttgart have managed to make a replica using scans of the blueprints and a manufacturing process practically identical to the one followed back then. However, this recreation will remain an empty shell, since Porsche has decided not to house any mechanics under its hood.

At first glance, we will not notice any difference from the original Porsche 356 Nº1, but the team of engineers states that it has not been possible to recreate it perfectly. In the 1948 356 the front was sharper and more protruding, whereas the replica keeps a more rounded line, just as the rear did. Despite this, the German firm has focused all its attention on detail, and even the carpets have been fitted in the same way as in the original model.

Although the engine is conspicuously absent from this Porsche 356, the engineers have borrowed the steering and wheels from a Volkswagen Beetle, in order to move the replica more easily. On the other hand, the blue colour and red upholstery aim to be as faithful as possible to the original model, although it underwent several paint jobs that made the task of restoring the 1948 356 even more complicated.

Nevertheless, Porsche has managed to bring the 356 back to life and, although it is a replica, they have managed to preserve the essence of the original vehicle and use it as a tribute to its 70 years of life. This is something the German firm wanted to share with everyone, and so the Porsche 356 Roadster will be on display on 8 June at the firm’s museum; it will then settle in the United Kingdom from 12 July until the 15th at the Goodwood Festival; finally it will travel to American lands, where it will be present in Canada on 8 and 9 September, and conclude its journey with a stay at Laguna Seca from 27 to 30 September.