1956→1958 Porsche 356A/1600 Cabriolet
Despite looking outwardly similar to the preceding models, Porsche thoroughly updated their 356 line in 1956 and called their new model the 356A. At the core, this included a larger 1600 cc engine, but also a curved-glass windshield and a thoroughly revised suspension.
At the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show in September of 1955, Porsche released the 356A/1600 to the world with cabriolet, coupe and speedster bodies from Reutter. These were updated to better suit the improved gasoline and tire technologies of the period.
With the 356A came a larger 1582 cc engine that had higher compression to take advantage of the available higher octane fuels. A Type 616/2 Super engine was offered as an option with raised power.
Extensive testing by the experimental department known as Versuchsabteilung resulted in numerous suspension and drive line mounting changes before the final 356A specification was decided. They softened the springs by removing leaves from the torsion cars and fitted stiffer dampers. This was done to take advantage of a more modern tire technology which allowed for a smaller-diameter 15-inch tire and a wider tread with reduced air pressures.
From the outside, the 356A kept to the Porsche mantra of stepwise evolution. The new model was outwardly identical to the previous version except for the wider tires, a small rub-strip below the doors, a fully-curved front window and enamel paint replacing lacquer previously used.
Inside, Porsche fitted an all-new, flat-face dashboard that was sculpted around the new curved windshield. It included a padded-top, locking glovebox and a provision for a modern radio. Other interior appointments included a headlight flasher, automatic interior lighting, self-cancelling signal switches and, most importantly, a lower floor. Popular options were a steering-wheel lock and a clock.
At the 1957 Frankfurt Motor Show Porsche released the T2 body style with exhaust routing through the rear bumper over-riders. More importantly, the T2 cars stopped using the roller-bearing crankshafts and the Hirth crankshaft in the Super models. Other changes included changing the carburation from Solex to Zenith 32 NDIX. By 1959 the 356A was replaced outright by the 356B.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1956 – 1958 |
| released at | 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show |
| built at | Stuttgart, Germany |
| body stylist | Erwin Komenda |
| coachbuilder | Reutter |
| price $ | $ 2,995 |
| engine | Type 546 Air Cooled Flat-4 |
| position | Rear, Longituinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | Pushrod OHV |
| fuel feed | Dual Solex 26 VFJ Downdraft |
| displacement | 1582 cc / 96.54 in³ |
| bore | 82.5 mm / 3.2 in |
| stroke | 74 mm / 2.9 in |
| compression | 8.5:1 |
| power | 44.7 kw / 60 bhp @ 4500 rpm |
| specific output | 37.93 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 75.57 bhp per tonne |
| body / frame | Steel Body over Steel Tub Chassis |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | Steel Slotted Discs |
| front tires | 5.60×15 Sport |
| rear tires | 5.60×15 Sport |
| front wheels | F 38.1 x 11.4 cm / 15 x 4.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 38.1 x 11.4 cm / 15 x 4.5 in |
| steering | VW Worm & Nut |
| f suspension | VW Parallel Trailing Arms, Boge Telescopic Dampers, 15mm Anti-Roll Bar |
| r suspension | VW Leading Arms w/Torsion Bars, Hydraulic Lever-Arm Shock Absorbers |
| curb weight | 794 kg / 1750 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2101 mm / 82.7 in |
| front track | 1306 mm / 51.4 in |
| rear track | 1272 mm / 50.1 in |
| length | 3950 mm / 155.5 in |
| transmission | VW 4-Speed Manual |
| top speed | ~160 kph / 99.4 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~13.9 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~19.2 seconds |
Auction Sales History
1959 Porsche 356A/1600 Cabriolet 152136 – sold for $209,000 40 years of storage with Charlie Werp, of Omaha, Nebraska. Comprehensive bare-metal restoration and mechanical rebuild by Lance Pittack, owner of Woodhouse Porsche in Omaha with a new wiring harness, a new windshield, body seals, and countless new OEM parts, fasteners, and hardware. Over 1,550 hours of labor were recorded on shop invoices that are included with the car. Auction Source: RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2015
1959 Porsche 356A 1600S Cabriolet – did not sell for $180,000 Extremely rare 1959 Porsche 356A 1600S Reutter Cabriolet. Original numbers matching drivetrain. 4-speed manual transmission. Restored in Black with Red interior. Black soft top. Low production Porsche. Owner’s manual and Certificate of Authenticity included. Auction Source: Kissimmee 2014, #WhereTheCarsAre by Mecum
