It might be difficult to believe, but the Porsche 356 was still equipped with drum brakes in front. This was not unusual, because also its competitor racing cars up to this time were equipped in front with partly gigantic drum brakes. Before the Second World War even by rope, which luckily was not the case for the 356.

The picture shows both brake shoes with its springs. To achieve a better braking power in front, every brake shoe had its own brake cylinder. One speaks of 'Duplex brakes' in contrast to other cylinder settings. If the car moves forwards to the right, both brake shoes are leading. The anchor point is marked clearly by the shifting mechanism. The twist of this mechanism takes place from the back through the anchor plate. Interesting was also the screw protection system, common for that time, at the anchor plate.