PorschePurist.com - October 3, 2012

Porsche Book Review

Karl Ludvigsen, author of the award-winning Porsche: Excellence Was Expected and Ferdinand Porsche Genesis of Genius, tackles questions around the origin and DNA of the 356 in Porsche-Origin of the Species. The saga that emerges encompasses mechanical revelations, human drama and the turmoil of world war.

Much of the book focuses on Porsche 356/2/040 shown in the accompanying picture.

How and when did the people of the Porsche firm find themselves in a sawmill in Gmünd? What was the influence on the 356 of the cars and engines built by Porsche before and during the war? How and why was the first 356 shaped as it was? What was the real relationship between the tube-framed Type 356 roadster and the first 356/2 coupes?

Those questions, and more, answered
1930's DNA survives to the 991

The questions posed deserve answers because the resulting DNA is so powerful, so robust, that it still influences the shape and style of Porsches well into the twenty-first century.

The book covers (in Karl's unique style) an amazing and interesting spectrum of early Porsche evolution.

Some of the more interesting facts are highlighted in the next few paragraphs. For the full story you will need to read the book.

356 not Austrian???
Where did the bloodline originate?

The Porsche designers felt safe in Austria during World War 2 but Gmünd was not the original home of the 356...

Porsche's Erwin Komenda began designing sports versions of the Volkswagen-to-be in Germany during the 1930s.

The first 356 was created as a "VW Sports", a car that the Porsche men hoped would lead to a closer connection with the VW works and perhaps be produced by them.

356 first race success
Not as commonly thought

Many think that the first success in competition of the 'Porsche' brand was on July 11, 1948 when Herbert Kaes won a race at Innsbrück with the original mid-engined open 356.

But, in fact, the appearance of the Porsche at Innsbrück was in demonstration laps only (between races). It didn't compete in any races that day or on any day while still in the hands of Porsche.

Buy this wonderful book in the US or UK Amazon store from here.

Article from and courtesy of www.PurelyPorsche.com - October 3, 2012