The Mother of the Porsche 911: The Porsche 356
The Porsche 356 was the first serial production car made by the German manufacturer. Its design is closely linked to the iconic Volkswagen Beetle. Introduced in 1948, Porsche produced the 356 until 1966. It came in four generations, including coupe, cabriolet, and spyder body styles. All models had a sporty two-seat design with a rear engine and rear-wheel drive.
Back in 1948, base models sold for $3,750. Today, well-preserved examples sell for $100,000 or more. A convertible in pristine “showroom” condition recently sold for an astonishing half a million dollars.
By comparison, Retro Electric Limited in London converts a Porsche 356 to electric power for just £35,000. This price is much lower than typical UK conversion costs. Therefore, it is very affordable for everyday classic car owners. Many enthusiasts electrify cars like the Volkswagen Beetle, Transporter, Mini Minor, or even the tiny Fiat 500.
Thanks to these prices, many owners choose electric conversion to extend their car’s life by many years. They also save on running costs and avoid city driving restrictions. Plus, manual transmissions effectively become automatic, which makes driving easier. Owners no longer need to find mechanics who specialize in old gearboxes.
The 356 is the base model from which the legendary Porsche 911 series evolved — a worldwide icon. This electric conversion uses a modest 26.5 kWh battery. It offers a driving range of about 200 km (125 miles). With its timeless design and open roof, this car is ideal for a fun Sunday drive.
Bottom Line: Affordable Electric Power for Classic Cars
-
Electric conversion and restoration price: €35,000
-
Original Porsche 356 market value: Around €100,000
