Porsche 356 A

In model year 1956, the 356 was replaced by the comprehensively enhanced 356 A. As from its market launch, this type was available with five four-cylinder engines:

- 356 A 1300 with 44 hp
- 356 A 1300 Super with 60 hp
- 356 1600 with 60 hp
- 356 A 1600 Super with 75 hp
- 356 A 1500 GS Carrera with 100 hp

The modifications to the vehicle were part of "Technical Programme 1" (T1). One of the key visual differences between the A series and the original 356 was a single-piece, curved panoramic windscreen. The front indicators were always integrated in the horn grille and all models had a modified front lid handle with inset Porsche Crest. The tail lights were teardrop-shaped as of 03/1957.

The 1300 models were discontinued in model year 1958 (T2). The tailpipes of the 1600 models ended between the bumper guards to give more ground clearance. The chrome-plated housing with number plate lighting and reversing light was mounted below the number plate.

All 356 generations were also available in an open-top version (Cabriolet, Speedster or Convertible D).

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

This power unit, named after designer Ernst Fuhrmann, was characterised by four overhead camshafts, which were driven by bevel-gear shafts. The engine also featured a dual ignition with two separate distributors.

Model versions

356 A 1300 (1956-57)

Features
Bumpers set apart from body and with bumper guards // One-piece curved windscreen // Long, narrow handle with Porsche Crest on luggage compartment lid // Round tail lights; teardrop-shaped as of 03/57 // Round, flat front direction indicators integrated in horn grille // Round rear direction indicators adjacent to tail lights; integrated in tail lights as of 03/57 // Brake lights integrated in tail light // Number plate lighting in chrome housing above number plate

356 A 1300 Super (1956-57)

Features
Bumpers set apart from body and with bumper guards // Sill trims // One-piece curved windscreen // Long, narrow handle with Porsche Crest on luggage compartment lid // Round tail lights; teardrop-shaped as of 03/57 // Round, flat front direction indicators integrated in horn grille // Round rear direction indicators adjacent to tail lights; integrated in tail lights as of 03/57 // Brake lights integrated in tail light // Number plate lighting in chrome housing above number plate

356 A 1600 (1956-59)

356 A 1600 Speedster (1956-58)

Features
Bumpers set apart from body and partially with bumper guards // One-piece curved windscreen with rounded top corners // Window inserts in doors // Long, narrow handle with Porsche Crest on luggage compartment lid // Round tail lights; teardrop-shaped as of 03/57 // Round, flat front direction indicators integrated in horn grille // Round rear direction indicators adjacent to tail lights; integrated in tail lights as of 03/57 // Brake lights integrated in tail light // Number plate lighting in chrome housing above number plate; below number plate as of MY 1958 // Unpadded fabric hood with flexible plastic rear window // Chrome trims at level of door handles // "Speedster" logo on front wings

356 A 1600 Super (1956-59)

356 A 1600 Super Speedster (1956-58)

Features
Bumpers set apart from body and partially with bumper guards // Sill trims // One-piece curved windscreen with rounded top corners // Window inserts in doors // Long, narrow handle with Porsche Crest on luggage compartment lid // Round tail lights; teardrop-shaped as of 03/57 // Round, flat front direction indicators integrated in horn grille // Round rear direction indicators adjacent to tail lights; integrated in tail lights as of 03/57 // Brake lights integrated in tail light // Number plate lighting in chrome housing above number plate; below number plate as of MY 1958 // Unpadded fabric hood with flexible plastic rear window // Chrome trims at level of door handles // "Speedster" logo on front wings

356 A 1600 Hardtop (1958-59)

Features
Welded (Coupé) or removable (Cabriolet) hardtop // Bumpers set apart from body and with bumper guards // Sill trims // One-piece curved windscreen // Long, narrow handle with Porsche Crest on luggage compartment lid // Teardrop-shaped tail lights with integrated direction indicators // Round, flat front direction indicators integrated in horn grille // Rear direction indicators integrated in tail lights // Brake lights integrated in tail light // Number plate lighting in chrome housing below number plate // Tailpipes protrude through bumper guards

356 A 1600 Super Hardtop (1958-59)

Features
Welded (Coupé) or removable (Cabriolet) hardtop // Bumpers set apart from body and with bumper guards // One-piece curved windscreen // Long, narrow handle with Porsche Crest on luggage compartment lid // Teardrop-shaped tail lights with integrated direction indicators // Round, flat front direction indicators integrated in horn grille // Rear direction indicators integrated in tail lights // Brake lights integrated in tail light // Number plate lighting in chrome housing below number plate // Tailpipes protrude through bumper guards

356 A 1600 Convertible D (1959)

Features
Bumpers set apart from body and with bumper guards // One-piece curved windscreen // Retractable side windows // Long, narrow handle with Porsche Crest on luggage compartment lid // Teardrop-shaped tail lights with integrated direction indicators // Round, flat front direction indicators integrated in horn grille // Rear direction indicators integrated in tail lights // Brake lights integrated in tail light // Number plate lighting in chrome housing below number plate // Unpadded fabric hood with flexible plastic rear window // Chrome trims at level of door handles // Tailpipes protrude through bumper guards

356 A 1600 Super Convertible D (1959)

Genuine parts & historical documents

Genuine Parts Catalogue

ORIGINALE

Historical Documents

Porsche Classic Parts Explorer

Search. Click. Result.

You can now quickly and easily find selected genuine parts for your classic car using the Porsche Classic Parts Explorer. Each year, some 300 reissued parts plus selected products for specific models become available online, along with all of the relevant details, of course. In addition to images and part numbers, you will find a range of useful information regarding the individual products and specific usage scenarios.

As you can imagine, there is a wealth of information available to explore. Why not begin your own tour of the Parts Explorer now and find out which reissued parts are available for your classic car. Incidentally: It is worth checking back regularly. After all, our product range is always expanding. We look forward to your visit.

Product Highlights

Classic performance. Modern braking.

356. A number that inspires sports car enthusiasts. And to ensure that this remains the case for every model 356 A owner, Porsche Classic has reissued the brake drum specifically for these classic vehicles. The complex manufacture of the Porsche Classic brake drum from a forged blank differentiates it from other spare parts on the market. The result? Porsche standards. An investment in road safety that will be worth your while.

Balm for the soul of your classic car.

The relationship you have with your Porsche is something very special – and long-term relationships need special care and attention. The 17-piece Porsche Classic Car Care Set is the best way to do this. It can be used on all exterior surfaces and on all Porsche paint generations. Particularly authentic: the high-quality, classic-style storage bag with houndstooth pattern.

Porsche Classic Motoroils

When engine oil is used as a declaration of love, you'll find "Classic Motoroil" written on the canister. The engine oils, which are specially tailored to the needs and properties of the various classic Porsche engines, were developed by the engineers at the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach together with the experts from Porsche Classic.

It's the small details that make a classic complete.

Like the Original Porsche Crest for your classic. Each Porsche embodies the fascination of the Sports Car, up to a ripe old age and down to the last detail. One of these is the Porsche Crest. Because it is so indispensable, the Original Porsche Crest has been relaunched for the Porsche Classic models. True to the original colour, material and details, and "Made in Germany".