| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1948 |
| Production Years: | 1948 - 1955 discontinued in 1955 |
Precise measurements of the 1948 Porsche 356 Coupe, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3870 mm152.4 in12.7 ft |
| Width: | 1655 mm65.2 in5.4 ft |
| Height: | 1300 mm51.2 in4.3 ft |
| Ground Clearance: | 175 mm6.9 in0.6 ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 745 - 765 kg1642 - 1687 lbs |
| Maximal permitted Weight: | 1100 - 1200 kg2425 - 2646 lbs |
The Porsche 356 Coupe, produced from 1948 to 1955, is an iconic classic sports car that laid the foundation for Porsche's reputation in automotive performance and design. This generation features a compact and lightweight coupe body style that combines elegance with functionality. The overall length of the 356 Coupe is 3870 mm (152.4 inches), making it a nimble vehicle suitable for agile driving on various road types. Its width measures 1655 mm (65.2 inches), giving it a slender profile that enhances aerodynamics while maintaining interior comfort for its size. Standing at a height of 1300 mm (51.2 inches), the coupe has a low-slung silhouette that accentuates its sporty aesthetics.
Weight plays a crucial role in the 356 Coupe’s driving dynamics. With a curb weight ranging from 745 kg to 765 kg (1642 to 1685 lbs), the car achieves an excellent power-to-weight ratio, contributing to its spirited performance and responsive handling. The maximum weight capacity varies between 1100 kg and 1200 kg (2425 to 2645 lbs), indicating the vehicle’s limits when loaded with passengers and cargo. Additionally, the ride height or ground clearance is 175 mm (6.9 inches), which offers a balanced stance that supports both stability and road clearance without compromising on the car’s sporty character.
The Porsche 356 Coupe represents a perfect blend of classic design and practical proportions. Its dimensions make it a relatively small and lightweight car by today’s standards, yet its timeless appeal and driving experience continue to attract enthusiasts around the world. Whether used for daily driving in its era or collected as a vintage gem, the 356 Coupe remains a significant model that highlights Porsche’s engineering excellence and design philosophy from the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Discover the standout features that make the 1948 Porsche 356 Coupe a leader in its class
Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.
The Porsche 356 Coupe from 1948 to 1955 measures 3870 mm (152.4 inches) in length, 1655 mm (65.2 inches) in width, and 1300 mm (51.2 inches) in height. These compact dimensions contribute to the car’s agile handling and make it relatively small compared to modern sports cars, reflecting its post-war design philosophy focused on lightweight and sporty driving dynamics.
The curb weight of the Porsche 356 Coupe ranges between 745 kg and 765 kg (1643 to 1687 pounds), with a maximum weight between 1100 kg and 1200 kg (2425 to 2645 pounds). This lightweight construction enhances acceleration, fuel efficiency, and cornering capabilities, making the 356 a nimble and responsive sports car that delivers an engaging driving experience characteristic of early Porsche engineering.
The Porsche 356 Coupe has a ground clearance of 175 mm (6.9 inches). This moderate ride height balances sporty handling with practical usability, allowing the car to perform well on smooth, paved roads. However, it is less suited for rough terrain or uneven surfaces, reflecting its design as a road-focused sports coupe rather than an off-road or utility vehicle.
Yes, the Porsche 356 Coupe fits comfortably into a standard modern garage. With dimensions of 3870 mm in length and 1655 mm in width, it requires less space than many contemporary vehicles. Owners should consider the low height (1300 mm) when navigating tight spaces or garage doors to avoid damage, but its compact size generally makes storage convenient, especially compared to larger modern sports cars or SUVs.
The Porsche 356 Coupe, being a classic 2-door sports car, has a relatively small and cozy interior with seating designed for the driver and one passenger. Compared to modern small coupes, it offers less headroom and shoulder room due to its lower height and compact width. Cargo space is minimal, suited for light travel rather than bulky luggage. Overall, the 356 prioritizes style and driving engagement over interior spaciousness.
The Porsche 356 Coupe (1948-1955) was the first production vehicle of the Porsche brand, so it has no direct predecessor model. It established the design language and size foundation for future Porsches. Its compact and lightweight footprint became a benchmark, emphasizing simplicity and performance that influenced all subsequent Porsche sports cars.
Compared to contemporaries like the Jaguar XK120 or MG TD, the Porsche 356 Coupe is smaller and lighter. At around 3870 mm long and 745 to 765 kg curb weight, it is more compact and agile, focusing on lightweight construction whereas other sports cars from the era tend to be larger and heavier. This gave the 356 an edge in nimbleness and fuel economy.
The Porsche 356 Coupe is generally considered a compact sports car, especially by the standards of the late 1940s and early 1950s. Its smaller dimensions and light weight set it apart from many larger sports cars of the time, aligning with the post-war emphasis on efficiency and agility. It fits firmly within the sports coupe classification with a focus on performance and handling rather than passenger capacity.
The low height (1300 mm / 51.2 inches) and narrow width (1655 mm / 65.2 inches) of the Porsche 356 Coupe contribute to a low center of gravity and reduced aerodynamic drag, enhancing cornering stability and overall handling performance. These dimensions make the car nimble and responsive, characteristics that helped define Porsche’s reputation for precision driving.
The Porsche 356 Coupe’s light weight ranging from 745 to 765 kg (1643-1687 lbs) combined with its compact size results in relatively good fuel efficiency for a sports car of its era. This lightweight design makes it easier to maintain and maneuver, which is beneficial for vintage car enthusiasts driving it today. However, modern safety and emissions standards mean it’s best enjoyed as a classic rather than a daily commuter.
Porsche