Porsche’s journey as one of the most desirable and respected luxury car manufacturers started 75 years ago with the 356 in 1948. Since then, the brand has become synonymous with incredible sports cars, and it has now reached its 75th anniversary with a legendary history.
Jay Leno, a beloved figure in the automotive world, recently had the opportunity to drive a beautiful example of the Porsche 356. The 356 SC model from 1963 marked the transition from the original Porsche model to the iconic 911, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
The car is owned by Leno’s friend, Richard Powers, who discovered it after it had been stored for 36 years. Powers knows the complete history of the car, from its original purchase in Switzerland. Impressively, the car still retains its original paint from the 1980s and even has a parking permit sticker for UCLA dating back to 1971. The car’s records for service and maintenance have been meticulously maintained, and it remains mostly in its original condition, with the exception of the seats. It has only accumulated 69,000 miles.
One of the main highlights of the car is its exceptional build quality. Despite its age, it is still in excellent condition and boasts a 1.6-liter engine that delivers 95 horsepower.
Taking a drive in this car demonstrates that even after 60 years, it remains a thrilling and enjoyable experience. It serves as a testament to the timeless allure of classic sports cars. It’s no wonder that after experiencing the 356, Porsche has become the automotive titan that it is today, 75 years later.