The Porsche's we owned - History from 2000-2001
The car was bought from a frient who have had it for ages. This car was original in all ways except the set of Weber carburetors and the 5.5 wide rims. This car was also an emotional buy as my friend owned it when I bought the first 356A. We used this car on the Tour De Namib where we had some misfortunes that resulted in severe engine damage. This car was sold after two years to finance the two daughters transporters (non Porsche)
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 .
Performance :
This ‘58 was not a very fast car. The acceleration was smooth and the revs shot up to 6000 very easy. This was due to the WEBER carburetor conversion. This car was faster than a 60 HP but slower than the SUPER. What made this car special was the sound. The WEBERS were making some pretty good noises at 100 MPH.
Handling :
The 356 was good in this category. This car had widened rims a full 6”. This changed the cars looks entirely and the rims filled the wheel arch gaps better. This car could handle and the reason was the wider wheels.
Braking ability :
The braking ability of this car was good and it could handle any high way traffic with no problem.
Overall:
These cars are still very solid and on long trips they were quite enjoyable. I never got tired driving these cars, even on the long tours to NAMIBIA. Approx. 800 mile !!!!!!.
The Technical specification of the 356A 1600
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): 51/70 at 4500 RPM
Engine Maximum Torque (Nm/lb ft): 110/81 at 2800 RPM
Engine Output per litre (kW/l/hp/l): 27.8/37.9
Engine Compression ratio: 7.5:1
Valve operation and camshaft drive: Ohv, cams driven by gears, 2 valves per cylinder
Carburation: two twin choke Weber 36 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 : 5j x 15
Wheels rear : 5j x 15
Tyres front : 165 SR-15 Sport
Tyres rear : 165 SR-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) : 16.5
Acceleration 0-161 km/h (s) : +60.0
Maximum speed (mph/kph) : 99/160
Production totals : 13016