The prototype, called the 356, was actually a sports car version of the Volkswagen that Porsche had designed for Adolf hitler. Ready in 1948 the Porsche 356 was an open two-seater, with a maximum speed of 86 MPH. Porsche placed a Volkswagen engine in the rear and the fuel tank in front with the spare tire. Auto experts gave rave reviews to the Porsche 356. Orders came in from all over the world, but one problem made the fulfilling of these orders almost impossible: Porsche's Gmünd factory had a very small staff, and the town was not even connected to a railroad. In the winter of 1948-1949, small-scale production began. The company built five cars per month. All body work was done by hand - by one man. When he did not work, production stopped. This slow process lasted for six months. Then Porsche hired more people until he employed nearly 300 workers Production increased, and so did me orders.
Next, Porsche approached the mayor of Stuttgart and asked permission for his company to return to its old production plant. The military government, run by the Allies, granted Poreche's request. Porsche's return to Stuttgart was completed by 1950. The company built 8 to 10 cars per month. Eventually Porsche would produce 80 cars per month from the same factory.
Porsche's reputation for high performance and high quality grew, and exports began to soar. Sports car enthusiasts from all over the world could not stop talking about the 356. The Porsche legacy had begun. On September 30, 1950 Ferdinand Porsche celebrated his 75th birthday. Porsche owners from all over Germany flooded the streets of Stuttgart, honking their horns and flashing their lights in honor of the great designer. Deeply touched Porsche emerged from his villa and walked from car to car, personally thanking each driver. The tribute proved to be timely. In 1951 Porsche suffered a crippling stroke from which he never recovered.
On January 30, 1952 Ferdinand Porsche died. Hundreds came to mourn him at his funeral. Ferdinand Porsche was truly one of the worid's greatest auto designers, a man whose love for automobiles had helped him forge a long and successful career.
Thanks to Porsche's son. Ferry, who continued Ferdinand's tradition of excellence, many of the most popular cars today still bear the Porsche name. The classic shapes of the Porsche 911, 928 and 959 still symbolize Ferdinand Porsche's dedication to innovation, performance, and quality.