|
| 
|
1959 Porsche 356 B
flat four cilinder, displacement (bore * stroke), 1.582 cm3 (82,5 mm * 74,0 mm), compression ratio, 8,5/9,0 : 1, ohv, fan cooling, 2 Zenith-/Solex twin carburetors, torque, 119/134 at
3.700/4.300 rpm, 55/66 kW (75/90 HP) at 5.000/5.500 rpm, 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 springs, telescopic damper, drum bakes f/r, spindle steering, wheels, 5.60 - 15, length 4.010 mm, width 1.664 mm, height 1.308 mm, cW
value 0,34, tank capacity 52,5 liters, kerb weight 940/890 kg + driver, 175/185 km/h, from 14.650 DM (S 75), 1959 - 1963
The 356 was produced for a total of 17 years. By the end of 1960, production had reached just under 40,000 units. It was a time of consolidation with the aim of creating the best possible product. What was
unusual from that point on was the high number of inspections during and after production.
It was also the date on which the nearby Plant III, with its spare parts warehouse, sales and customer service, was put into operation. This also involved the effort of delivering the cars to German and European
customers, even though the majority of the vehicles were shipped to North America.
The 356 B marks the final break from its ancestor, the VW Beetle. Over time, Karmann of Osnabrück took Dauz's place. The Belgian importer D'Interen was added to the list. But the vast majority
of the vehicles were manufactured by Reutter, as a sign on the side of the body indicated.
You really had to look closely to notice the changes to the front end compared to the previous model, including the redesigned fenders, higher headlights, and bumpers. What stands out, however, is the handle
that widens toward the bottom, with a coat of arms on the front hood.
The fuel tank was lowered to increase cargo space, and refueling was made easier by a flap on the right fender, a feature that didn't appear in the 356 B not until 1961. The anti-theft system was another
feature, including a gearshift lock and security locks on the swivel windows, a new addition to the Coupé.
For an additional 880 DM, an electric steel sunroof was available. A new feature was the addition of two fences to the engine compartment, presumably because the 55/66 kW (75/90 hp) engines required more
airflow. The rear window has now also been defogged by the heater. The heating controls in the front were also improved.
| Super 90: Compensation spring on the rear axle for a slight lowering and more
consistent ground contact |
Both the rear and front windows are now larger. The front window is made of laminated glass.
| This video shows how it all began. |
|
|
