Model 356 A | Porsche Australia

Porsche 356 A

In September 1955, the 356 was replaced by the much more advanced 356 A. From when it was launched on the market, it was available with five four-cylinder engines:

356 A 1300 with 44 PS

356 A 1300 Super with 60 PS

356 1600 with 60 PS

356 A 1600 Super with 75 PS

356 A 1500 GS Carrera with 100 PS

The modifications to the vehicle were part of "Technical Programme 1" (T1). Visually, the A series differed from the original 356 in a number of ways, including a single-piece, curved panoramic windscreen. Across all models, the front indicators were integrated into horn grilles and there was a modified front bonnet handle with an embedded Porsche Crest. From March 1957, the rear lights were teardrop-shaped.

The 1300 models were discontinued in September 1957 (T2). The tips of the tailpipes on the 1600 models were located between the bumper guards to allow for more ground clearance. The chrome-plated housing with number plate lighting and reverse light was mounted below the number plate.

All 356s were also available in open-top versions (Cabriolet, Speedster or Convertible D).

From the 356 A onwards, particularly sporty variants were given the additional "Carrera" designation and were powered by a Fuhrmann engine.

White 356 A 1600 Speedster Cambio, red seats

Black-and-white photo: Porsche 356 A 1600 Super Hardtop

Red 356 A 1600 Convertible D, woman in suit

Black-and-white photo: Porsche 356 A 1600 Super Convertible

356 A 1300 (1956–57)

Bumpers are separated from the bodyshell and have bumper guards // Single-piece curved windscreen // Long and slim handle on lid of luggage compartment and with Porsche Crest // Round tail lights; teardrop-shaped from March 1957 // Front indicators round and flat; integrated into horn grilles // Rear indicators round, next to the tail lights; integrated into tail lights from March 1957

356 A 1300 Super (1956-57)

Bumpers are separated from the bodyshell and have bumper guards // Sill trims // Single-piece curved windscreen // Long and slim handle on lid of luggage compartment and with Porsche Crest // Round tail lights; teardrop-shaped from March 1957 // Front indicators round and flat; integrated into horn grilles // Rear indicators round, next to the tail lights; integrated into tail lights from March 1957

356 A 1600 (1956-59)

356 A 1600 Speedster (1956-58)

Bumpers are separated from the bodyshell and some have bumper guards // Single-piece curved windscreen with rounded top corners // Long and slim handle on lid of luggage compartment and with Porsche Crest // Round tail lights; teardrop-shaped from March 1957 // Front indicators round and flat; integrated into horn grilles // Rear indicators round, next to the tail lights; integrated into tail lights from March 1957 // Speedster logo on the front wings

356 A 1600 Super (1956-59)

356 A 1600 Super Speedster (1956–58)

Bumpers are separated from the bodyshell and some have bumper guards // Sill trims // Single-piece curved windscreen with rounded top corners // Long and slim handle on lid of luggage compartment and with Porsche Crest // Round tail lights; teardrop-shaped from March 1957 // Front indicators round and flat; in horn grilles // Speedster logo on the front wings

356 A 1600 Hardtop (1958–59)

Hard-top, welded (Coupé) or removable (Cabriolet) // Bumpers are separated from the bodyshell and have bumper guards // Sill trims // Single-piece curved windscreen // Long and slim handle on lid of luggage compartment and with Porsche Crest // Teardrop-shaped tail lights with integrated indicators // Front indicators round and flat; integrated into horn grilles

356 A 1600 Super Hardtop (1958–59)

Hard-top, welded (Coupé) or removable (Cabriolet) // Bumpers are separated from the bodyshell and have bumper guards // Single-piece curved windscreen // Long and slim handle on lid of luggage compartment and with Porsche Crest // Teardrop-shaped tail lights with integrated indicators // Front indicators round and flat; integrated into horn grilles

356 A 1600 Convertible D (1959)

Bumpers are separated from the bodyshell and have bumper guards // Single-piece curved windscreen // Retractable side windows // Long and slim handle on lid of luggage compartment and with Porsche Crest // Teardrop-shaped tail lights with integrated indicators // Front indicators round and flat; integrated into horn grilles // Rear indicators integrated into tail lights

356 A 1600 Super Convertible D (1959)

Bumpers are separated from the bodyshell and have bumper guards // Single-piece curved windscreen // Retractable side windows // Long and slim handle on lid of luggage compartment and with Porsche crest // Teardrop-shaped tail lights with integrated indicators // Front indicators round and flat; integrated into horn grilles // Rear indicators integrated into tail lights // Brake light integrated into tail light

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