74 years is a lot of time. By the age of 74, some people have retired, had grandchildren, and are living off their superannuation in a secluded cottage near the coast. People die, technologies advance and cars succumb to rust. But not this car. This particular Porsche is an extremely significant symbol of automotive culture in Australia. Porsche hold a unique place amongst automotive enthusiasts across the world. Managing to sieve through the heavyweights like Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren, this little company from Stuttgart is arguably the most highly regarded and respected manufacturer in the world - especially in Australia. Australians love circuit racing and track days. Attend your local track day and you’ll hear the distinct sound of a naturally aspirated flat-6 from the carpark - and there’s one car to thank. Mark’s 1951 Porsche 356 is the first Porsche to ever reach Australian shores, 74 years ago. One of the oldest running Porsche’s in the world today, and the forefront in Porsche passion in Australia, this car holds deep significance in automotive culture.
The car is powered by a Volkswagen-derived 1.3L flat-4 engine, with a power output of about 59 horsepower. It was the beginning of the ever-iconic, rear-engine, naturally aspirated setup that still remains today. Production of the 356 began in 1948, with cars between 48’ and 55’ labelled at ‘pre-A’ cars. Cars after that were alphabetically labelled A through to C, until production ceased in 1965. Porsche, across the 17 year production run, managed to put out nearly 80,000 356s, an impressive number considering the era, and the infancy of Porsche as a company.
The story of Mark’s particular 356 is remarkable. A Victorian man named Norman Hamilton was in Germany in 1950, seeking parts to service a weir that he was commissioned to work on by the Victorian Government. He was driving on the road and a passing 356 caught his eye, as it does for most. Norman ignored his current destination, and began following the car, in the hopes of meeting the owner. The owner happened to be a works driver for Porsche, and introduced Norman to Ferdinand Porsche. They eventually struck a deal, agreeing to send two 356s to Australia in 1951. One of which, was Mark’s exact car. Residing in the humble city of Brisbane, the beginning of Porsche enthusiasm in Australia remains in Mark’s ownership. The impressiveness of the 356 is a symbol for what would be the inception of Porsche’s ever-expanding growth and success both commercially and in its ability to make great cars. “Its the first right-hand-drive cabriolet made by Porsche.” says Mark. “It’s the same colour (from factory) - Fish Silver Grey. Apparently they used to put fish scales in the paint to give it that metallic look.”. The other car that joined the initial trip is a red cabriolet, which continues to reside in Melbourne.
The 356 is a genuine piece of art. Photographing this car, I felt as though I owed it to capture as many of the subtle, yet abundant details. Its exterior curves flow so seamlesslym into one another. The wheel arches compliment the sleek, slippery shape, that cemented the distinct Porsche shape that remained for the next 75 years. Its the Marilyn Monroe of the car world, a creation you cant help but stare at. The interior is just as easy on the eye as the exterior. A classic 1950’s stereo (that still works), a wooden steering wheel, floor mounted gear lever and indicator located on the dash. “The 356 shape is so iconic… its timeless, they still look good now.”. This shape set the groundwork for cars like the 911, the 924, the 959 even the Carrera GT. Yet, there’s a certain divisiveness around Porsche’s contentedness in their design abilities, not steering too far away from its roots. To me, it nods to the old addage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”. It’s what makes Porsche so recognisable. You hear the engine, see the shape, and immediately know what you are looking at. Why would anyone want any different?
This car is extremely special. I don’t think I grasped the significance of this car until I got home from shooting it. Sitting in the passenger seat, the same place where hundreds of people across 74 years have sat, was a reflective experience. Each person in that seat had a different interpretation of the car, a different way of experiencing it. Likely touched by the hands of Ferdinand Porsche, this car holds a plethora of stories and memories that not many other cars possess.
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