Porsche 356
Overview
| Produced: |
1948-1955, 7627 produced. |
|---|---|
| Types: |
Coupe, 2 doors
Cabriolet, 2 doors Sports, 2 doors |
First launched in 1948, the Ferry Porsche designed 356 was based on early VW Beetle running gear, featuring tuned versions of the Beetles air-cooled, "flat 4" engine. Available in 1100cc, 1287cc, 1290cc and on "Super" models 1500cc, early 356 models have obviously different performance outputs depending on engine size and tune.
The 356 is a very compact sports car, early body styles included Coupe, Cabriolet and the very pretty Speedster variant, which had a lower screen than the normal Cabriolet. Imports into the UK market first started in 1953, all UK cars featured a 12 volt electrical system, early cars shared the inadequate 6 volt system found on the Beetle. Produced until 1955, around 7600 of these first 356 cars were built.
Engines
| Capacity | Config | Model | Bore/Stroke | CR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1287cc | H4 OHV | Porsche Flat 4 (356 engines) | ||
| 1290cc | H4 OHV | Porsche Flat 4 (356 engines) | 74.5mm x 74mm | 8.2 |
| 1488cc | H4 OHV | Porsche Flat 4 (356 engines) | 80mm x 74mm | 7 |
| 1131cc | H4 OHV | Porsche Flat 4 (356 engines) | 73.5mm x 64mm | 7 |
Drivetrain and Suspension
| Drivetrain | R/R | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | Worm | |
| Suspension | Front | Independent/Torsion bar |
| Rear | Independent/Torsion bar | |
Performance
| Top Speed | 0-60 | SQM | MPG | Engine Pwr | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84mph | 40bhp @4000 | 1131cc engine: |
Brakes
| Front | Rear | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Drum | Drum | Hydraulic |
Dimensions
| Wheelbase | Track | Length | Width | Weight (CWT) |
Turning Circle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front | Rear | |||||
| 6' 11" | 4' 2.8" | 4' 1.3" | 12' 8.5" | 5' 5" | ||
Body
| Type | Seats | Doors | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coupe | 2 | 2 | |
| Cabriolet | 2 | 2 | |
| Sports | 2 | 2 |
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Books | |
 Road & Track on Porsche 1951-1967
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 Porsche: Excellence Was Expected
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 PORSCHE 356 ULTIMATE PORTFOLIO
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