The Unofficial List of Known Porsche 356 Karmann Hardtop Cars
In 1961, Porsche farmed out the production of its 356 cars to the Karmann works in Onasbruck. At that time, they already made 356 Cabriolet bodies as well as regular 356 Coupes. In an attempt to broaden the product line and increase car sales, Porsche created a hardtop coupe from its Cabriolet line of cars. The first of these cars (1961 production called a T5 body style) was in fact a Cabriolet body with the addition of a hard top manufactured (welded) into place.
The 1962 line (T6 production) was a very different design in that the new T6 notchback coupe body did not start life as a cabriolet, but with its own production design -- In essence, part cabriolet rear end design, part T6 coupe windshield frame, unique hard top. Both years of these unique cars have taken the name “Karmann Notchback”.
This car is often confused with the “Karmann Coupe” which more often than not refers to the traditional 356 also built by Karmann. Mechanically the Notchback is like any other 356B Coupe of the era, and was offered with Normal, Super, and Super 90 engines, and a few rare cars with the sunroof option as well.
Many enthusists now see the notchback becoming more desireable as they have now become more scarce — some enjoy racing these models due to the little known fact that they are more aerodynamic and somewhat faster than their Coupe brothers; some for the sheer fact that their distinctive "helmet" shape is unique when seen at car shows.
Due to the increasing popularity of convertibles and the seemingly rarity of available and affordable 356 cabriolets, many of the notchback cars went the way of the cutting torch to expose the hidden cabriolet treasure underneath, only to find that the original convertible tops are increasingly not available, and that a “converted” car does not match the value of a true cabriolet with its correct VIN number. Much more unlikely is the conversion of the 1962 model that has a vastly different front windshield (a full 1 inch taller) making the converted 1962 a much more challenging and costly endeavor.
This site has been put together by a few faithful 356 notch owners in an attempt to document the known remaining cars. There could likely be less that 100 cars remaining out of a combined production of about 1650 cars.
The pages on this site are organized by year and vin numbers of cars we know still exist. There is also a page of notchback photos we've seen around the net but are not aware of the specific vin numbers. If you are a notch owner and see your car in the unknown setion, please drop us a note and we'll put photos back into their proper position. Also, please note, as the folks involved with this site are 356 registry members and local 356 club members, we respect your right to privacy in case you wish us to remove your vin from the listing.
Notch Photo of the Week
"45 years of change"
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