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1955 Porsche 356 A
Flat four cylinder, displacement (bore * stroke), 1.286/1.582/ cm3 (74,5/82,5 mm * 74,0 mm), compression ratio, 6,5-7,5 : 1, ohv, fan cooling, torque, 81/88 Nm at 2800/3600 rpm,
29/44 kW
(44/60 HP) at 4.200/5.500min, rear engine, rear drive, manual four-speed, wheelbase 2.100 mm, turning circle 11,0 m, front suspension: crank handle, torsion bar spring, telescopic damper, rear suspension:
pivot axle, torsion bar spring, telescopic damper, drum brakes f/r, Spindle steering, wheels, 5.60 - 15, length 3.950 mm, width 1.660 mm, height 1.300 mm, kerb weight 860-880/885 kg + driver, 145/160 km/h,
manufactured, 1955 - 1959
Regarding the data: For the sake of clarity, we have specified only the 1300 and 1600 coupes. There is also a 1300 S, initially available only as a convertible, and from 1957 also as a coupe, with a
compression ratio of 8.2:1, producing 88 Nm at 3,600 rpm and 44 kW (60 hp) at 5,500 rpm; it is 20 kg heavier and 15 km/h faster.
Starting in 1957, the convertible was also available with a 1600 S engine, featuring a compression ratio of 8.5:1, 117 Nm at 3,700 rpm, and 55 kW (75 hp) at 5,000 rpm; its curb weight remained unchanged
compared to the 1.6-liter model, but it had a top speed of 175 km/h. A separate chapter is dedicated to the Speedster and Convertible D versions.
This means that we are dealing here with an engine that is still largely similar to the VW Beetle’s, with the only way to increase its displacement being by using a larger bore. You can identify it by the oil filter
and the two carburetors on the left and right.
The 356 A is equipped with a one-piece, curved windshield. To the left of the steering wheel with the horn button is the ignition switch, and below it is the handbrake lever. There is a windshield washer system
with a rubber foot pump. The turn signal has an automatic reset feature.
Behind the two front seats, which are equipped with reclining seat mechanisms, there are two additional emergency seats that can be folded down to create a luggage compartment. The openings next to the
front turn signals, with their size and design, serve as a good distinguishing feature and help differentiate this model from the models B and C.
In 1956, the longitudinally split transmission was replaced by the transversely split transmission, a change that wasn't implemented in the VW Beetle until 1960. It is reasonable to assume that full (lock)
synchronization has only been achieved at that point. The 1600 models from 1957 onward can be identified by the exhaust pipe that runs through the fender horns.
Instead of a spindle steering system, there is now a single-finger steering system. Seat belts are available. All 1957 models can now be recognized by their teardrop-shaped taillights. The convertible gets larger
rear windows and a hardtop for an additional surcharge.
The 1300 model was no longer available in 1958; the remaining 1600 model was equipped with a clutch whose operating force barely increased, even, and especially, when fully depressed, making it clearly
better suited for female drivers. The oil circulation is boosted and thermostatically controlled.
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