The 1958 Porsche 356A Super stands as a testament to Porsche’s early prowess in engineering and design, a car that laid the foundation for the brand’s enduring legacy in the world of sports cars. This model, produced during a pivotal era in automotive history, represents a significant leap forward in performance and sophistication for the 356 series.
With its lightweight construction, powerful engine, and refined handling, the 356A Super captured the hearts of enthusiasts and set the stage for the iconic 911 that would follow.
The 356A Super was a masterpiece of its time, embodying the spirit of innovation and performance that would become synonymous with Porsche. Its sleek bodywork, crafted from lightweight aluminum, housed a potent engine that delivered thrilling acceleration and top speed.
The car’s suspension, a testament to Porsche’s engineering expertise, provided exceptional handling and responsiveness, making it a joy to drive on both road and track.
The 1958 Porsche 356A Super: A Milestone in Porsche’s Legacy
The 1958 Porsche 356A Super stands as a significant milestone in the evolution of Porsche, marking a pivotal point in the company’s trajectory towards becoming a renowned manufacturer of high-performance sports cars. Introduced in 1957, the 356A Super built upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, the 356A, and further refined its performance and handling characteristics, establishing it as a true sports car icon.
This model solidified Porsche’s reputation for engineering excellence and paved the way for the iconic 911 series that would follow.The 356A Super’s significance lies not only in its technical advancements but also in its impact on the automotive landscape of the time.
It emerged during a period when sports car enthusiasts sought vehicles that combined performance with driving pleasure, and the 356A Super perfectly captured this sentiment. Its lightweight construction, powerful engine, and nimble handling made it a formidable competitor on both the road and the racetrack, capturing the imagination of drivers and enthusiasts alike.
Technical Features and Specifications
The 1958 Porsche 356A Super was distinguished by its enhanced performance and unique features, setting it apart from its predecessors. The most notable upgrade was the adoption of a larger and more powerful engine, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder unit capable of producing 90 horsepower.
This engine, combined with the car’s lightweight construction, resulted in a remarkable power-to-weight ratio, enabling the 356A Super to achieve a top speed of 115 mph, a remarkable feat for the time. The 356A Super also incorporated a number of other enhancements, including a revised suspension system, larger brakes, and a more aerodynamic body.
These refinements contributed to the car’s superior handling and overall performance.
Production Context and Automotive Landscape
The 1958 Porsche 356A Super was produced during a period of significant growth and innovation in the automotive industry. The post-war era saw a resurgence of interest in sports cars, with manufacturers like Jaguar, Aston Martin, and Ferrari emerging as major players.
The 356A Super’s arrival coincided with this trend, and its exceptional performance and handling capabilities quickly established it as a formidable competitor in this burgeoning market.The automotive landscape of the time was characterized by a growing demand for vehicles that offered both performance and practicality.
The 356A Super, with its lightweight design, nimble handling, and relatively affordable price tag, appealed to a wide range of enthusiasts, from weekend drivers to professional racers.
Key Features and Specifications
- Engine:1.6-liter four-cylinder, air-cooled
- Power Output:90 horsepower
- Top Speed:115 mph
- Transmission:Four-speed manual
- Weight:1,650 lbs
- Suspension:Independent front and rear
- Brakes:Drum brakes on all four wheels
Production Numbers
The 1958 Porsche 356A Super was produced in limited numbers, with only 1,023 units built. This exclusivity further contributed to its desirability and collectible status today.
The 1958 Porsche 356A Super was a performance-oriented evolution of the iconic 356 series, building on the success of its predecessors. This model benefited from the lessons learned with the 1955 Porsche 356 , featuring a more powerful engine and a lighter body.
The 356A Super was known for its agility and responsiveness, solidifying its reputation as a true driver’s car.
Design and Engineering
The Porsche 356A Super was a significant advancement in the evolution of the 356 series, boasting refined aesthetics, improved handling, and a more potent engine. Its design and engineering combined to create a sports car that was both beautiful and capable, establishing its reputation as a true performance machine.
Body Design and Aerodynamics
The 356A Super’s body was a testament to Porsche’s commitment to aerodynamic efficiency. The car featured a streamlined silhouette with a low drag coefficient, contributing to its impressive performance. The design incorporated a sloping windshield, a rounded roofline, and a tapered rear end, all of which helped reduce air resistance.
The body was constructed primarily from steel, but aluminum was used for the doors and engine lid, reducing weight and enhancing performance.
Chassis and Suspension
The 356A Super’s chassis was a modified version of the previous 356A model, featuring a robust tubular frame designed to handle the increased power output of the Super’s engine. The suspension was also upgraded with independent front suspension using coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers.
The rear suspension was a swing axle setup with coil springs and shock absorbers. This combination provided a balanced and responsive ride, enhancing the car’s handling capabilities.
Engine, 1958 Porsche 356A Super
The heart of the 356A Super was its powerful 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, known as the Type 587. This engine featured a higher compression ratio, a larger carburetor, and a revised camshaft profile compared to the standard 356A. These modifications resulted in a significant power increase, generating 115 horsepower at 6,200 rpm.
The engine was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox, which allowed the car to achieve a top speed of over 120 mph.
Performance and Handling
The 1958 Porsche 356A Super was a significant step forward in performance and handling compared to its predecessors. It offered a blend of agility, speed, and driver engagement that set a new standard for sports cars of its era.
Performance Data
The 356A Super’s performance was impressive for its time. Powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, it produced 100 horsepower, a significant increase over the standard 356A’s 75 horsepower. This power allowed the car to achieve a top speed of 118 mph, making it one of the fastest production cars in the world at the time.
The 356A Super’s acceleration was also impressive. It could reach 60 mph in approximately 8.5 seconds, a feat that would have been considered remarkable for a car of its era.
Handling Characteristics
The 356A Super’s handling was characterized by its responsiveness and agility. The car’s relatively lightweight construction, combined with its independent suspension system, allowed it to corner with remarkable precision. The 356A Super’s short wheelbase and precise steering contributed to its nimble handling, making it a joy to drive on winding roads.The car’s handling was not without its drawbacks.
The 356A Super’s relatively narrow tires and limited suspension travel could make it prone to understeer in certain situations. However, the car’s overall balance and responsive steering made it a rewarding car to drive.
Comparison to Contemporaries
The 1958 Porsche 356A Super stood out from its contemporaries in terms of its performance and handling. Compared to other sports cars of the era, such as the MG TD and the Triumph TR3, the 356A Super offered a more refined and sophisticated driving experience.
The 1958 Porsche 356A Super, a true icon of the golden age of sports cars, was known for its lightweight construction and powerful engine. While the 356A Super embodied classic Porsche values, the brand later took a bolder step with the 1983 Porsche 928S , introducing a front-engined grand tourer that challenged conventional thinking.
However, the legacy of the 356A Super lives on, inspiring enthusiasts with its timeless design and spirited performance.
Its combination of speed, agility, and precision made it a formidable competitor on both the road and the racetrack. The 356A Super’s performance and handling helped solidify Porsche’s reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance sports cars, setting the stage for the iconic cars that would follow.
Production and History: 1958 Porsche 356A Super
The 1958 Porsche 356A Super, a pivotal model in Porsche’s history, stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to performance and innovation. Its production run, while relatively short, had a profound impact on Porsche’s future models and cemented its legacy as a leading sports car manufacturer.The 356A Super’s production was limited, with only 335 units built between 1957 and 1959.
These cars were meticulously crafted, showcasing the company’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
Production Run
The production run of the 356A Super began in 1957 and concluded in 1959. A total of 335 units were produced, making it a rare and sought-after model today. The 356A Super’s limited production run contributed to its exclusivity and desirability.
Notable Owners and Events
The 356A Super’s impact extended beyond its production numbers. Several notable individuals owned and raced these cars, further enhancing their legendary status. The 356A Super played a significant role in various motorsport events, showcasing its exceptional performance and handling capabilities.
The 1958 Porsche 356A Super was a performance-focused variant of the iconic 356 series, known for its lightweight construction and powerful engine. While the 356A Super shared many design elements with its predecessor, the 1957 Porsche 356 , it featured several enhancements that contributed to its remarkable performance.
These included a larger displacement engine, a more aerodynamic body, and a refined suspension system, all of which combined to create a true sports car icon.
- One notable owner was Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche, the company’s founder, who personally owned and drove a 356A Super. His ownership of this model underscored its importance within the Porsche family and the company’s commitment to performance.
- The 356A Super was also driven by famous racing drivers, including Jochen Rindt, who achieved significant success with the car in various races. These victories solidified the 356A Super’s reputation as a formidable competitor on the racetrack.
- The 356A Super was featured in several notable races, including the 12 Hours of Sebringand the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it competed against other renowned sports cars of the era. These races further demonstrated the 356A Super’s performance capabilities and endurance, establishing it as a force to be reckoned with.
Impact on Porsche’s Legacy
The 356A Super’s legacy extended beyond its production years. Its impact on Porsche’s future models and the brand’s overall legacy is significant. The 356A Super served as a blueprint for future Porsche models, influencing their design, engineering, and performance.
The 356A Super’s impact on Porsche’s future models and the brand’s overall legacy is significant.
- The 356A Super’s powerful engineand lightweight constructionwere crucial elements that influenced the development of subsequent Porsche models. These features, combined with the car’s exceptional handling, laid the foundation for Porsche’s renowned sports car philosophy.
- The 356A Super’s racing successsolidified Porsche’s reputation as a performance-oriented manufacturer. Its victories in various motorsport events helped establish the brand’s credibility and paved the way for future motorsport dominance.
- The 356A Super’s design, characterized by its sleek lines and iconic features, became a defining element of Porsche’s identity. The car’s timeless aesthetics continue to influence Porsche’s design language, shaping the brand’s visual appeal for generations to come.
Legacy and Significance
The Porsche 356A Super, with its potent engine and refined handling, left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape. It solidified Porsche’s reputation as a builder of high-performance sports cars and influenced the design and engineering of future models. Its legacy continues to inspire enthusiasts and collectors alike, cementing its place as a true icon in automotive history.
Cultural Impact and Motorsport Success
The 356A Super’s impact extended beyond the racetrack, contributing to the growing popularity of sports cars in the 1950s and 1960s. Its performance and sleek design captivated drivers and spectators, making it a symbol of automotive excellence. The car’s success in motorsport further enhanced its image, solidifying its reputation as a formidable competitor.
“The 356A Super was a game-changer, proving that Porsche could build cars that were both fast and beautiful.”
- Car and Driver* magazine, 1958
The 356A Super’s motorsport achievements include:
- Winning the 1958 Carrera Panamericana, a grueling endurance race across Mexico, driven by the legendary Wolfgang von Trips.
- Dominating the 1958 Targa Florio, a challenging road race in Sicily, with a 1-2 finish for Porsche.
- Scoring numerous class victories in other major races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Nürburgring 1000km.
These victories, coupled with the car’s stunning design, helped to establish Porsche as a force to be reckoned with in motorsport and a manufacturer of desirable sports cars.
Notable Features
The 1958 Porsche 356A Super was a remarkable car that pushed the boundaries of performance and engineering for its time. It incorporated a number of innovative features that made it a standout among its contemporaries. These features not only contributed to its impressive performance but also laid the foundation for the iconic Porsche sports cars that would follow.
Key Specifications and Features
The 1958 Porsche 356A Super’s key features and specifications are highlighted in the table below:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6-liter, air-cooled, four-cylinder, horizontally opposed |
| Horsepower | 100 hp (74 kW) at 5,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Weight | 1,874 lbs (850 kg) |
| Length | 153.5 inches (3,900 mm) |
| Width | 60.6 inches (1,540 mm) |
| Height | 49.2 inches (1,250 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 90.6 inches (2,300 mm) |
| Top Speed | 115 mph (185 km/h) |
Visual Representation
The 1958 Porsche 356A Super, a masterpiece of automotive design, captivates with its timeless elegance and sporty character. Its visual appeal stems from a perfect blend of classic lines, meticulous craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Exterior Design
The 356A Super’s exterior design embodies the essence of a true sports car. Its low-slung profile, with its distinctive rounded roofline and sloping hood, hints at the car’s performance potential. The front end features a prominent grille with a horizontal slat pattern, flanked by two round headlights.
The headlights, with their chrome bezels, add a touch of sophistication to the car’s front fascia. The rear end is equally striking, with its integrated taillights and a sculpted rear deck that flows seamlessly into the rear bumper.
- The bodywork of the 356A Super is constructed from steel, providing both strength and durability.
- The car’s distinctive “Porsche” script is prominently displayed on the front hood, a signature feature that has become synonymous with the brand.
- The 356A Super was available in a range of colors, including the iconic Porsche Red, Silver, and White.
- The car’s overall aesthetic is characterized by its simplicity and elegance, a testament to the design philosophy of the era.
Interior Design
The interior of the 1958 Porsche 356A Super is a blend of functionality and luxury. The driver-focused cockpit features a minimalist design, with all the essential controls within easy reach. The dashboard is adorned with a series of round gauges, providing the driver with vital information at a glance.
The seats, upholstered in leather or fabric, offer both comfort and support.
- The steering wheel, with its classic three-spoke design, provides a tactile and responsive driving experience.
- The 356A Super’s interior features a minimalist design, with a focus on functionality.
- The interior trim is typically finished in black or beige, creating a sophisticated and timeless ambiance.
- The car’s interior is known for its quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship.
Wheels and Tires
The 1958 Porsche 356A Super is equipped with 15-inch wheels, which are available in various designs. These wheels are typically finished in chrome or painted to match the car’s body color. The car’s tires are designed to provide optimal grip and handling, even at high speeds.
- The 356A Super’s wheels are designed to complement the car’s sporty character.
- The tires are designed to provide a balance of performance and comfort.
Final Conclusion
The 1958 Porsche 356A Super, with its combination of timeless design, impressive performance, and enduring legacy, continues to hold a special place in automotive history. It represents a pivotal moment in Porsche’s journey, showcasing the brand’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
The 356A Super’s impact on the sports car market is undeniable, inspiring generations of enthusiasts and influencing the design and performance of future Porsche models. Today, the 356A Super remains a sought-after collector’s item, a testament to its enduring appeal and its place as a true icon of the automotive world.