The Porsche 356 Nr.1 Roadster, built in 1948, was Porsche’s first production car and marked the official beginning of the Porsche brand. Known simply as “Nr.1,” this prototype was a hand-built, mid-engine roadster that served as the foundation for the later 356 production models, establishing Porsche’s reputation for building lightweight, nimble sports cars.

The 356 Nr.1 was powered by a 1.1-liter air-cooled flat-four engine sourced from Volkswagen but modified to produce 40 horsepower. This engine, paired with a lightweight aluminum body, allowed the Nr.1 to reach a top speed of around 84 mph (135 km/h). Unlike later 356 models, which had rear-mounted engines, the Nr.1 featured a mid-engine layout, providing balanced weight distribution and excellent handling characteristics.

Designed by Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche and crafted by hand, the Nr.1 Roadster had a minimalist and aerodynamic body with smooth, curving lines. It featured an open-top design with seating for two, and the interior was simple and functional, with minimal instrumentation and controls. The car’s design also showcased what would become Porsche’s iconic aesthetic with its rounded front end and distinctive proportions.

The 356 Nr.1 was registered on June 8, 1948, in Austria, marking the official beginning of Porsche as an automaker. Its success in early motorsport events, including hill climbs, helped establish Porsche’s reputation for building agile and reliable sports cars. The design and engineering lessons learned with Nr.1 directly influenced the development of the production 356, which was launched later that year.

Today, the Porsche 356 Nr.1 Roadster is celebrated as a piece of automotive history, representing the origins of Porsche’s commitment to performance, innovation, and design excellence. The car is preserved in the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, where it remains an enduring symbol of the brand’s heritage.