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Porsche 356
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1950 - 1965 |
Country: |
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Engine: |
Flat 4 |
Capacity: |
1086/1966 cc |
Power: |
40-155 bhp |
Transmission: |
4 spd. man |
Top Speed: |
139-209 km/h |
Number Built: |
82,363 |
Collectability: |
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Perceived as a rather dumpy-looking rear-engined sports
car, the 356 was modelled on the VW Beetle which was also
designed by Ferdinand Porsche.
Early editions of the 356
had split windscreens and an 1100cc flat four motor that
produced a mere 40 bhp.
The power to weight ratio was obviously more important
then than readily available horsepower. While the target
weight of 555kg was never achieved, the original 356 only
weighed in at a mere 600kg!
The first prototype of the 356 was completed in the European
spring of 1948 - however production would not commence
until 1950. The first 1000 356's were sold by August the
following year!
Later models used 1287, 1290 and 1488cc motors that produced
up to 70 bhp. In 1955 its roundish styling was sharpened
somewhat with the introduction of the 356A that also boasted
a curvy one-piece windscreen, better front suspension
and a 1600cc engine. In 1959 the 356B was higher in its
nose and existed in two versions - Roadster and coupe.
The top of the range was the Super 90 which could top
177 km/h, whilst other models could credibly manage
160 km/h. The 356C had four-wheel disc brakes and ZF
steering was used.
Names were altered as well with the Super changing to
the 1600C, the Super 75 becoming the 1600S and the Super
90 was known as the 1600SC. Carrera versions of the 356
existed from 1955 using familiar flat four motors but
differing in details.
Because of its lighter body these
100 bhp vehicles could manage 193 km/h with the 1958 models
that used 1.6 liter engines managing with a fantastic
193 km/h.
The Carrera 2 cars from 1960 used a two liter type of
complex flat four that allowed 155 bhp. Over time the
356 changed dramatically causing it to move away from
the VW Beetle influence. Compact and beautifully made
its passing was mourned by many when Porsche 911 took
over in 1965. |