Ferdinand Porsche’s engineering talents were first put to use in designing prototype hybrid and electric vehicles. Heavy battery packs — some powered by an internal combustion generator — attached for the front wheel train of his cars propelled them along. His first mass-market car, the Volkswagon (people’s car), gained wide adoption before production was interrupted by WW II. Resuming work after, Ferdinand’s son developed a souped-up Volkswsgen, with a more powerful engine and agile handling that still kept the comfort of its predecessor.

On this day, June 8, 1948, the Porsche 356, the first car of the brand, was approved for road use by the government.

Like the Porsche cars of today, the 356 was a rear-wheel-drive with a rear-mounted engine. By horsepower alone it was not the largest, sporting only 40hp, but car enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic noted its superb handling and, most importantly, its reliability. The younger Porsche learned these lessons well, using them to inspire the design of the company’s follow-up model, the Porsche 911.