Porsche 356 1963–1965 car dimensions: 4010 mm long, 1670 mm wide and 1315 mm high. Unladen weight is 935 kg. Boot space with the seats up is 120 litres.
The cabin seats four in a 2+2 layout with vinyl trim standard on the Coupé. Deeper front seats give better thigh support and headroom, with armrests that double as door pulls. A clock sits in the centre of the dash alongside a rev counter, speedometer and combined oil pressure, temperature and fuel gauge. Heating is standard via a floor lever and vents, with rear window demisting ducts on the Coupé. A Blaupunkt radio is listed with the clock as equipment. Dealer air conditioning appeared as a rare option in 1964-65. No electronic driver aids feature.
Luggage goes in the front compartment under the bonnet, quoted at about 120 litres. The rear seats fold flat with straps to secure bags, adding space behind the front seats for weekend gear.
Payload sits around 265 kg on a kerb weight near 935 kg. No towing figures appear in the published specs. The car is a pure sports two-plus-two with no work-oriented options listed beyond an optional limited-slip differential and rear compensating spring on some versions.
The cabin uses vinyl trim on coupe models with seats offering greater lateral thigh support and lower backrests for better fit. Door armrests are standard and double as closing grips. A padded dash top matches the upholstery, with body-coloured metal fascia holding a combined oil pressure/temperature/fuel gauge, rev counter, speedometer and central clock. Heater controls sit as a lever ahead of the gear stick, with vents aiding rear window demisting. Leather facings are available, as is an optional electric sunroof on coupes.
Petrol fuel, 95-100 octane recommended
Fuel tank capacity around 52 litres
Engine oil change every 3,000 km
Chassis greasing every 1,500 km
Four-wheel disc brakes standard
The air-cooled flat-four runs on normal petrol. Period figures put consumption near 8.5 litres per 100 km on the SC version, with a front-mounted tank holding about 52 litres for solid range on longer runs.
Routine care calls for engine oil and filter service every 3,000 km using SAE 20 or 30 grade. Gearbox oil changes fall every 18,000 km. Grease 12 chassis points every 1,500 km. Valve clearances and carburettor checks form part of regular tune-ups.
Four-wheel ATE disc brakes mark the key safety advance over earlier 356 models, with larger rear discs and an integrated parking drum. The welded steel body offers high rigidity. No formal crash-test ratings appear in period records.
Parts supply remains strong for mechanicals and body items. The design allows straightforward owner maintenance on engine, brakes and suspension once basic tools and knowledge are in place. Watch for rust at jacking points and floor pans on unrestored examples.
Length 4010 mm, Width 1670 mm, Height 1315 mm, Wheelbase 2100 mm (356 1963–1965)
Sources: manufacturer data, motor-car.net, porsche356ig.de and consistent published.