History Ferdinand Porsche was designing cars since 1931, but the first car to bear his name was the Porsche 356 15 years later. It was called the 356 because it was the 356th project off the Porsche design desk. The 356 was built in 1946 and went into production in 1948 in Stuttgart, Germany. Over a 16 year production run the 356 improved dramatically. The later 356's set the pace for the now famous reputation of Porsche cars. In 1963 the Porsche 911 (which was originally named Porsche 901) was show at the Frankfort Motor Show. Production began on the 911 in 1964. Over the years many variations were made to the 911, but the pre-1974 cars are still viewed as the most classic. In 1966 the Boxster was created to provide a new mid-engine and more affordable Porsche. 1998 marked the 50th anniversary of the production of Porsche. At that time it was said that over 1 million Porsches have been built and 2/3 of them are still on the road.