The first Porsche was a 1957 356A coupe.
This car was far from original it had B windows and a B nose crest apart from this the body was in a reasonable state. The car was fitted with a Super 90 motor. This made the car a real Hot Rod. The wheels was not original nor was the steering. The car was a lot of fun and I spent very little money on it. I fitted new Brazilian rims and rebuild the two Solex carburetors. The engine smoked a little but that did not bother the performance The car was tested on the Kayalami straight during one of the 100 mile an hour events at 103.4 mph (166.5 kmh).This car was in my possession for about a year (1983-1984) when we decided to sell and buy a 911.
The driving impressions of the 356A
Here are some of my impressions with regards to driveability
You must keep in mind that the older cars should not be compared to the technology available today .
This ‘57 could move. The acceleration was smooth and the revs shot up to 6500 very easy. The gear changes was of the smoothest around and at all speeds there was no difficulty to select the required gear. This car outperformed many big engined cars and gave a lot of 80’s hatchbacks a big surprise. Especially with the 90 HP motor. Like all 356’ es in South Africa they all suffer from heat when driven hard for long periods of time . We have roads that go on for ever!! This car could still do it’s 110 MPH (177 KMH) !!!! Think back to the 50’s THAT WAS FAST!!!
Handling :
The 356 was good in this category. The car was precise to go where you pointed it. The rear end would come out if you really overdid it and like all porches once the tail go over the edge it’s gone, sit tight and enjoy the spin and hope you do not hit any thing. These cars do not like cross winds.
Braking ability :
The 356 had standard drum brakes all round. They were much bigger than the Beetle brakes. These cars could stop well if the brakes were in perfect order. You had to concentrate to stop the car on the extreme end of top speed. When you are young who cares!!!!Overall:
These cars are still very close to my heart. There is very little in classic cars of the 50’s that can be driven and enjoyed to the extend that a 356 will give.The Technical specification of the 356A 1600 Super 90
Colour : Red
Engine
Engine Design: 4 cylinder horizontally opposed
Engine Installation: Rear engined
Engine Cooling system: Air cooled
Engine Type: 616/1
Engine Displacement (cc): 1582
Engine Bore and stroke (mm): 82.5 x 74
Engine Output DIN (kW/Hp): 66/90 at 5500 RPM
Engine Maximum Torque (Nm/lb ft): 121/89 at 4300 RPM
Engine Output per litre (kW/l/hp/l): 41.7/56.9
Engine Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Valve operation and camshaft drive: Ohv, cams driven by gears, 2 valves per cylinder
Carburation: two twin choke solex40 p11-4 carburettors
Ignition system: Battery coil ignition
Firing order: 1-4-3-2
Engine lubrication: Full pressure oil lubrication
Engine Oil Total (l): 5.0
Transmission
Drive configuration: Rear axle drive
Manual gearbox: 4 speed
Transmission type: 644
Transmission Ratios
1st Gear: 3.182
2st Gear: 1.765
3st Gear: 1.130
4st Gear: 0.815
Reverse Gear: 3.56
Final drive ratio: 4.428
Body
Body design: Steel body, 2 doors, 2+2 seats, pressed and welded steel sheet sections, mono body shell , curved single piece windshield, single grill in engine lid, bumpers project away from the body.
Suspension
Suspension, front: 2 longitudinal swing arms(suspension arms). 2 transverse, square torsion bars of laminated construction, adjustable, anti roll bar, hydraulic telescopic double action shock absorbers.
Suspension, rear: Oscilating half axles and radius arms, (longitudinal swing arms), one round torsion bar on each side, hydraulic telescopic double action shockabsorbers , anti roll bar
Brakes
Brakes, front (Size (mm): Duplex Brake drums (280x40)
Brakes, rear (Size (mm): Simplex Brake drums (280x40)
Wheels front : 4.5j x 15
Wheels rear : 4.5j x 15
Tyres front : 5-60-15 Sport
Tyres rear : 5-60-15 Sport
Electrical System
Genernator (W) : 160
Battery (V/Ah) : 6/84
Dimensions and weight
Track, front (mm) : 1306
Track, rear (mm) : 1272
Wheelbase (mm) : 2100
Length (mm) : 3950
Width (mm) : 1670
Height (mm) : 1310
Kerb weight (kg) : 850
Permissible gross weight (kg) : 1200
Fuel tank capacity (l): 52 including a 5.0l reserve
Power to weight ratio (kg/kW/kg/hp): 19.31/14.16
Fuel consumption :
Fuel type : 86 RON leaded
Performance :
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) : 12,8
Acceleration 0-161 km/h (s) : +60.0
Maximum speed (mph/kph) : 99/160
Production totals : 13016