Porsche's first class winner in Le Mans, the 356 SL Coupé

The year 1951: Following initial motorsport engagements, such as city races or the Midnight Sun Rally with road-going versions of the 356, the next step was onto the big international stage. With a 356 SL, Porsche made its debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Internally, the vehicle was designated “Type 514 Porsche Sport for Le Mans 1951.” The journey to and from the Sarthe circuit was made by road at the time, an eleven-hour drive on country roads starting in Zuffenhausen. On June 23, 1951, the French drivers Auguste Veuillet and Edmond Mouche started the 24-hour race in their silver 356. It bore the chassis number 356/2-063.