The 1948 Porsche 356 coupé prototype, officially chassis number 356-001, is widely recognized as the first car to bear the Porsche badge. Built in Gmünd, Austria, this historic vehicle laid the foundation for one of the most iconic sports cars ever made. Developed from early 1947 and completed in March 1948, it used Volkswagen components, including the air-cooled flat-four engine, suspension, brakes, and steering.
This prototype sported a tubular steel space frame with an aluminum body crafted by designer Erwin Komenda, featuring pop-out door handles, integrated bumpers, and a distinctive aluminum license plate surround that separated it from its VW origins. The car was a two-seat roadster, spartan inside with a bench seat, minimal upholstery, and simple controls.
The engine was a bored and upgraded VW unit producing between 35 and 40 brake horsepower from a 1131cc displacement, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. Weighing only 604 kilograms (1330 pounds), the mid-engine RWD layout gave it competitive agility for the era.
The prototype debuted with testing runs and even competed briefly, winning a local Austrian race called Rund um den Hofgarten. This car set the stage for the production Porsche 356 models launched in Stuttgart in 1950 available in coupé, speedster, and convertible forms.
Today, the 356-001 holds a cherished place in Porsche heritage and is a centerpiece of the Porsche Museum collection.