1998 Porsche 356 Special

In developing the 356, Dr. Ferdinand Porsche created the cornerstone of the Porsche empire and the patriarch of a race-winning model lineage. Production began in the late 1940s, and the first 50 cars were built almost entirely by hand. The 356 had an integral body and chassis utilizing unitary construction techniques. By 1955 it had developed into one of the world’s most respected sports cars, a remarkable feat when considering that Porsche had yet to celebrate its tenth anniversary.

The evolution of the Porsche 356 was swift, impelled not only by Porsche’s drive for technical improvement but also by the realities of commercial success. Sales outstripped even Porsche’s most optimistic forecasts and with increased sales came opportunities to build more 356s in-house and simultaneously expand the model range. The first sales-driven new model was the Speedster, which arrived in 1954.

The Speedster’s existence is owed in large part to Porsche’s U.S. importer, the legendary Max Hoffman, who was responsible for recognizing the special needs of the U.S. market and encouraging his European partners to build specific models to meet those needs. Priced at $2,995, the seats were simple, the top rather small, and roll-up windows nonexistent (side curtains were used instead). Free of the 356 Cabriolet’s traditional appointments, Porsche counted on the Speedster’s sporty character to generate sales.

This 1998 Replica of the 1957 Porsche 356 was custom built in America.  The body was made by Intermeccania and is powered by a VW engine and drive train.  It has sport bucket seats, side curtains, VDO instruments, AM/FM/CD stereo, a fold-down canvas top and front trunk storage. This is a great running and driving sports car. A real bargain!

Branson Auto Museum was conceived in August of 2007 and opened on May 15, 2009. Partners in the Museum,knew that the Branson area was hungry for car and automotive related things to do. Branson Auto Museum was originally scheduled to go into a purpose built 20,000 sq. ft. building on the Strip. When the partners discovered that the former crafts mall the "Engler Block" was available, they knew it would be the perfect fit for what they were planning. The buiding is layed out in sections that wander through the building which is the ideal setting for a museum. The charm and character of the building also lends itself nicely to a museum.