Porsche 356 1955–1959 car dimensions: 3950 mm long, 1670 mm wide and 1220 mm high. Unladen weight is 760 kg. Boot space with the seats up is 120 litres.
The cabin is simple and basic with a metal or padded-top dashboard holding a speedometer and clock as standard instruments. A tachometer and radio are optional extras. Reclining bucket seats are fitted, with wind-up windows on later Convertible D models in the generation and side curtains on Speedsters. A heater is standard equipment. No electronic driver aids are present.
The front boot holds approximately 120 litres but also contains the fuel tank and spare wheel. Luggage can also go in the space behind the two seats.
The cabin is a snug two-seater with fully reclining front seats as standard and a choice of vinyl or leather upholstery. The redesigned dashboard has a padded top. A heater draws warm air from the engine. Open versions use a folding fabric top, with bucket seats on the Speedster and more padded seats plus wind-up windows on the Convertible D. Visibility improves with the one-piece curved windscreen.
Fuel tank holds 52 L of gasoline.
Approximate mixed fuel use 8-9 L/100 km for 1600 models.
Engine oil change every 3,000-5,000 km.
Valve clearance check every 5,000-10,000 km.
Hydraulic drum brakes all round.
Padded dashboard top and tempered door glass as safety items.
The car runs on gasoline from a front-mounted tank of about 52 litres. Period figures put mixed consumption near 8-9 L/100 km for the common 1600 engines, rising a little on Super versions. Range is modest by modern standards but matches the era’s small tanks and carburetted flat-fours.
Servicing follows short intervals typical of air-cooled engines of the time. Engine oil needs changing every 3,000-5,000 km, valve clearances every 5,000-10,000 km, and spark plugs plus carburettor checks around 10,000 km. Gearbox oil and front wheel bearings stretch to 20,000 km. Drum brakes require periodic adjustment.
Safety equipment is basic: hydraulic drum brakes, a padded upper dashboard introduced on the A series, and tempered security glass in the doors and windscreen. No seat belts were standard, though later floorpans gained mounting points. No formal crash-test ratings appear in contemporary records.
Living with the car means accepting classic-car routines. The air-cooled engine and torsion-bar suspension reward regular attention. Soft-top weather sealing is limited, especially on early Speedsters, so garaging helps. Parts support remains strong through specialist networks, but expect higher labour time for the rear-engine layout and drum brakes.
Length 3950 mm, Width 1670 mm, Height 1220 mm, Wheelbase 2100 mm (356 1955–1959)
Sources: manufacturer data, ultimatecarpage.com and carfolio.com/encycarpedia.com, porsche356ig.de.