The 356 History
The Porsche 356 was a sports car produced from 1948 through 1965. It was Porsche’s first production automobile. The first Porsche 356 was debuted on June 8, 1948, using many Volkswagen parts for manufacturing economy. However, Porsche quickly refined the car with a focus on performance, so that by the late 50’s few parts were shared in common between the two marquees and it became the Swiss watch of auto-motive design. The 356 has always been quite popular with the motor press, and in 2004 Sports Car International ranked the 356C tenth on their list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s
WHY CHOOSE A UNIVERSAL 356 REPLICA?
Every Effort has been taken to replicate the quality and finish of the Original . Universal Products have produced South Africa’s first 356 Coupe Replica and is based on a shortened VW Beetle Floor pan. We also move the hand brake and gearlever to give a move comfortable ride and give more clearance between the steering wheel and gear lever .The Body is bonded onto a Steel tubular sub frame that improves safety and increase torsion rigidity of the vehicle .
Technical Information (Beetle Based)
| Chassis | VW Based |
| Bodywork | ISO Fibreglass Panels |
| Suspension Front | VW Suspension |
| Suspension Rear | VW Rear |
| Brakes | |
| Dampers | Quantum |
| Engine Location | Mid, Longitudinally Mounted (8 Valve VW Motor Optional) |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Cooling | Air Cooled (8 Valve VW Motor Watercooled Optional) |
| Gearbox | Beetle Box |
| Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |