After a corona-related abstinence from classic cars, it is a pleasure to be able to visit a special show at Autoworld Brussels again. The theme "70 years of the Porsche 356" is appealing and it is also exciting to see the conditions under which the museum is now operating. Until recently, masks were not compulsory, but now museum visitors are also required to wear one.
Previously inaccessible
On the subject of the Porsche 356, it should first be noted that in the author's childhood, this vehicle was more a symbol of the unattainable, despite its relationship to the Beetle, which was not yet called that at the time: a sports car that only one person in the author's social circle drove at the time (albeit in the "full-fat version", namely the Carrera 2), but no one else.
But at least there was a sheet metal model of the open 356 available to play with: the "Distler Porsche", which is highly prized in collectors' circles today. And the author even came across it again in a display case at the Brussels exhibition! But now to the special show to mark the 70th anniversary of the Porsche 356.
Full range available
Autoworld shows the 356 in many facets: the spectrum ranges from 40 to 155 hp engine power, it includes factory versions as well as rarely shown special bodies and spans the period from 1948 to 1965. In terms of automotive history, this is not really a long period. But it was enough to achieve considerable sporting success and establish a once small sports car manufacturer as a sports car brand with a global reputation. And the 356 model paved the way for the iconic 911, which followed immediately afterwards and whose success continues to this day.
In the special Autoworld show, 19 models are on display in four groups in the basement, starting with a "Gmünd Coupé" with aluminum bodywork from 1948, which won the Swedish Midsummer Night's Rally in 1950.
It is joined by a Pre-A Cabrio from 1950, a Pre-A Speedster from 1955 and a Pre-A Coupé from 1952 with the "bent windshield".
The different details are interesting here, not just the windshield.
In another group of vehicles, things become international: a beautiful coupé by Beutler based on a 356 A from 1958 (the Swiss flag is probably missing from the accompanying plate) stands next to an Austrian Denzel 1300 DK 142 (which was also, but not only, available with a Porsche engine) from 1956 and next to it a convertible from the (West) German highway police from 1960, of which only six were built.
Vehicles also built in Belgium
Anyone who remembers the engine power of most contemporary vehicles can appreciate that the police Porsche with its 90 hp was usually faster in the event of a conflict. Next to a Speedster 1600 Super from 1958 designed for the US market is a recreation of a Carrera from Zagato from 1957 with small tail fins, nine of which were once built as Speedsters.
Elsewhere, a 356 B Roadster from 1962 is shown. It is one of 724 examples built by the Belgian coachbuilder d'Ieteren for the legendary American importer Max Hoffman.
Three other examples of the 356 C and SC from 1963 to 1965 are displayed nearby.
Pretty sporty
Another group of six vehicles presents particularly sporty variants - especially versions of the Carrera 2 - with an engine output of up to 155 hp.
These include a Carrera modified by Abarth with 135 hp, a Speedster Carrera with a "Fuhrmann engine" and a BT6 Carrera 1600 GT from 1960, which was resurrected as a barn find after a quarter of a century of dormancy.
Further 356 descendants in the permanent exhibition
Visitors should also visit the upper floor of Autoworld to complete their picture of the 356 anniversary. The permanent collection there includes a 550 Spyder from 1953 and an APAL Coupé from 1963, which was once built in the neighboring city of Liège - as the "L" in the company name indicates.
Its Porsche four-cylinder engine produces 90 hp and the interior is from Ferrari.
As always, a visit to Autoworld is highly recommended, especially in these times. Incidentally, this is also because some of the vehicles have been rearranged, which opens up new photographic perspectives.
The special exhibition "In the spotlight: Porsche 356- 70 Years" is open until August 30, 2020.
