356 Porsche Production Numbers:  How many were produced?

Source:   "Porsche, Excellence was Expected", Ludvigsen, page 283.

 What's the Difference between at 356-B T-5 and a 356-B T-6?

Notice shape of the front hood, number of grills on the rear lid, and size of back window! There are lots of other important differences that can't can't readily be seen in the above image!

"Red" Koni Shocks Absorbers:
 

Did you know that "orange Koni shocks" are not orange?  I always thought orange Koni shocks were orange! I used    to have a set of them on my 65 356-C. But it turns out that  orange Koni shocks are, indeed, not orange, they are red!  At least they are red according to several Factory Service  Bulletins, F 16/60 dated 12/9/60 & F 1/63 dated 12/13/62.

Factory Service Bulleltin F 16/60, dated 12/9/60, is quoted as follows:

"The installation of both grey and red in the same car will adversely affect the roadhandling and driving properties of the car. To avoid confusing, the grey and red Koni shock absorbers have the following part numbers
 

Factory Service Bulleltin F 1/63, dated 12/13/62, is quoted as follows:

"Only whole sets (all 4 wheels) of the new blue Koni shock absorbers can be exchanged for the former types. The old red shock absorbers, spare part No. 644.343.501.10 front, and No. 644.333.501.10 rear, may also be installed per axle as exchange parts for the grey Koni shock absorbers. For racing the red Koni schock absorbers are more favorable than the blue coloured shock absorbers." I guess color is in the eye of the beholder. I still think they are orange!

Chrome Reutter Luggage Racks? 

Luggage racks as a factory accessory are shown in the 356-A, B, and C factory accessory catalogs. During this period there were two suppliers of factory accessory luggage racks, Reutter came first and later Lietz. In general terms, I've always believed Reutter racks were available on 356-A's and early 356-B's, and the Lietz racks were offered on later 356-B's and 356-C's.
 

Notice the T-5 Coupe has a Reutter rack, and the T-6 has a Lietz rack.

According to the Factory Accessory Catalogs, the Reutter luggage racks could be ordered in (1) a silver metalic painted finish, (2) a color-of-the-car painted finish, AND (3) a chrome finish. Some believe that there were no chrome Reutter luggage racks, and that the reference to chome luggage racks was a reference to the Lietz luggage racks which came only in chrome finish. The following from a factory source seems to confirm that, in fact, Reutter racks did come in chrome finish: "....the chromed luggage rack will AGAIN be available as an accessory."

There is some confusion in the accessory catalogs as they do not mention the names Reutter and Lietz, and you can't tell from the accessory booklets when Reutter racks ceased being offered and Lietz racks started being offered. However, based on the above reference, it appears that Lietz chromed luggage racks were offered as factory accessories beginning in April 1960.  

Wire Knock-off wheels for 356 Porsches!
Interestingly, you don't see many 356 Porsches with wire wheels like contemporary British and Italian cars. The reason is that wire wheels are forbidden in Germany (Christophorus Magazine, #44, March 1963, page 40).

Two Interesting Speedsters, one with aftermarket knock-off wire wheels!

Another clipping from an early 1960's Christophorus magazine!

Factory Workshop Manuals 1950-1965!

1. 356 Pre-A 1954.	2. 356-A 1956.	3. 356-A Sup. 1958.	4. 356-B 1960.	5. 356-B Sup. 1961.

6. 356 B/C 1963

(1) 356 Pre-A Workshop Manual, dated 1954, for Pre-A Porsches 1950 to 1955. This is the first Porsche workshop manual, and totals more than 350+ pages,  

(2) 356-A Workshop Manual, dated 1956, for 356-A Porsches 1956 to 1959, totals more than 500+ pages,

(3) 356-A Workshop Manual Supplements, dated August 1958, for late 1958 and 1959 356-A Porsches, including Convertible D's. Covers such things as Zenith carburetors, new steering box, and other changes. Totals 128 pages  

(4) 356-B Workshop Manual, dated as of October 1, 1959, for 356-B T05 Porsches, including Coups, Cabriolets, Hardtops, and Roadsters, and totals 600+ pages.

(5) 356-B Workshop Manual Supplements, published at the beginning of the 356-B T-6 Porsches, 200+ pages.

(6) 356-B/C workshop manual, dated 1959, for 356 B T-5 Porsches 1960 to 1961, 356-B T-6 1962 to 1963, & 356-C Porsches 1964 to 1965, and totals more than 900+ pages.

Park Lights in Headlights? And all you ever wanted to know about 356 Porsche Headlights!

Porsche 356 Headlight Assemblies 1950-1965!

The issue about "park lights in headlight assemblies" has been debated many times. Here are some facts gleaned from the following Porsche factory sources.

(1) Factory Parts Books for 356 Pre-A, 356-A, 356-B T-5, and Supplements for 356-B T-6, & 356-C.
(2) Factory Owner's Manuals 356 Pre-A, 356-A, 356-B T-5, 356-B T-6 and 356-C, (various years 1951-1965).
(3) Factory Workshop Manuals for 356 Pre-A, 356-A, 356-B T-5, and Supplements for 356-B T-6, & 356-C.

"Absolutes" are hard to find for 356 ABC Porsches. Here are the facts as they were found in the reference materials noted above. There are always exceptions, and here are some possibilities:

(1) The factory really did it that way (factory original)!
(2) Sometimes the factory didn't do it that way for some special customer.
(3) The factory did it in a variety of ways, depending on supplier or parts availability.
(4) The factory did it different ways depending on where the car was to be shipped (USA or Europe, for example).
(5) The Dealer or Distributor did it that way (dealer installed options).
(6) The previous owner changed it, and forgot about it.
(7) The previous owner changed it and didn't to tell the next owner.
(8) The current owner thinks the factory did it that way, but really doesn't know for sure (a common problem).
(9) The current owner really doesn't know for sure, but wants to argue about it.

Back to the headlight assemblies and integrated park lights.

From the 1955 356 Pre-A Parts book: Porsche lists three (3) separate headlight assemblies:  the Bosch (644.631.101.00), Hella (644.631.101.01), and Hella sealed beam (644.631.101.31). It also mentions that the Park Light and Blinker light were one unit (meaning the little white beehive light in front). I haven't seen a blinking headlight assembly, but who knows. This seems to rule out park lights in the headlight assembly. The rest of the 1955 parts book seems to verify this as there are no other Park light parts or assemblies listed. From comparing part numbers to those in later Porsche parts books, it can be deduced that the Hella sealed beam was probably intended for USA, the Hella was probably for right hand traffic countries, except USA; and the Bosch was for Left hand traffic countries (England, for example).

From the 1957 356-A Parts Book:  Porsche lists five (5) separate headlight assemblies: all three listed above in the 1955 Pre-A parts book, and two new ones:  the Bosch Asymmetrical (644.631.101.02) and Hella Asymmetrical (644.631.101.03). In the 1957 parts book, it also mentions that the Park light and Blinker light were one unit for Coupes up to chassis #100,000, Cabriolets to #61,700, and Speedsters to #83,200. Subsequent chassis numbers for each model had a separate blinker light. There is no listing for a park light, either separately or in conjunction with the headlight assembly. None of theses 5 headlight assemblies is shown in the part diagrams with an integral park light nor are other parts/bulbs listed for park lights as part of the headlight assembly.

From the January 1960 356-B T-5 Parts Book: Porsche again lists three headlight assemblies: the Bosch (644.631.101.00), Hella sealed beam (644.631.101.31), and Bosh Asymmetrical (644.631.101.02). In this 1960 parts book, the destination differences are clearly stated, i.e. the Bosch (644.631.101.00) was non-sealed beam for left hand traffic. The Hella sealed beam (644.631.101.31) was for the USA. And the Bosch (644.631.101.02) Asymmetrical was non-sealed beam for Right Hand Traffic, except USA. Here again, the parts drawings and subsequent listings do not show Park lights integrated into the Headlight assembly, EXCEPT for the "Bosch (644.631.101.02) Asymmetrical for Right Hand Traffic, except USA, non-sealed beam". This unit utilizes a non-sealed beam bulb, and the parts diagram shows a small 4 watt additional bulb as part of the headlight bulb assembly. It is not stated specifically that this 4 watt bulb is a Park light, although no other use makes sense. It would have been available for right hand traffic countries, EXCEPT USA.
 

The September 1961 Parts Book Supplement set for the 356-B T-6: makes the following comment relative to headlight assemblies: "No modification", probably meaning that the same headlight assemblies were used in the T-6 as in the T-5.

And lastly, the Parts Book Supplement set for the 356-C, dated August 1963: indicates usage of the same three headlight assemblies: Bosch (644.631.101.00), Hella sealed beam (644.631.101.31), and Bosch Asymmetrical (644.631.101.02), as for the 356-B T-5, with the addition of a new Bosch Asymmetrical (644.631.101.07). As before, the Bosch (644.631.101.00) is non-sealed beam for Left Hand traffic. The Hella sealed beam (644.631.101.31) is for USA, and the Bosh Asymmetrical (644.631.101.02) is non-sealed beam for right hand drive, except USA. In this parts book supplement, the front Blinker light and Park light (now called 'Side light") are integrated into one unit.
 

Bulb-type Asymmetric Headlight.	Sealed Beam Headlight.

Some general conclusions:

A. There seem to be three (3) general types of headlight assemblies: (1) a standard non-sealed beam unit for right hand traffic countries (driving on the right hand side of the road), EXCEPT USA, (2) A sealed beam unit for USA, and (3) an Asymmetrical non-sealed beam unit for left hand traffic countries. Note, a right hand drive car drives on the left hand side of the road, and the headlights are aimed slightly to the left.

B. There are three general designs of the "glass lens" for these assemblies which correspond to types of assemblies. (1) the standard non-sealed beam unit for right hand drive countries, except USA, has a fluted/sculptured lens with vertical lines and a circular pattern in the center with a triangular shaped fluting on the right side of the lens (looking at the lens head on. (2) The sealed beam unit for USA has a clear lens with some fluting/lines only in an arc at the top, and (3) the Asymmetrical non-sealed beam unit for left hand drive countries has a lens that has a fluted/sculptured lens with vertical lines and a circular pattern in the center.

C. The parts books (collectively) do not show, either in the part diagram drawings or in the part descriptions, any headlight assemblies which include the park light, EXCEPT for the Bosch Asymmetrical (644.631.101.02), which was a non-sealed beam unit for right hand traffic countries, EXCEPT USA. This would suggest that a headlight assembly with integrated park lights was available for right hand traffic countries, except USA. The parts books indicate these were available for the 356-A's through the 356-C's.

D. It would appear that the only headlight assemblies that contained an integral "park light" was the Bosch Asymmetrical (644.631.101.02) which was a non-sealed beam unit for right hand traffic countries, EXCEPT USA. If you have one on your car, it is likely that it is a Euro-spec car (Not Great Britain), or that somebody changed the lights somewhere along the line. Or maybe...........you have VW headlight assemblies! Cars built for USA had sealed beam light assemblies, going back to at least the later Pre-A cars, and according to the parts books, they clearly did not have integral parking lamps. Maybe the VW experts can chime in here!

Lots of circumstances can affect what is in/on a particular 356, either at the beginning of its life, or as it is right now-today, but the "parts books, workshop manuals, and owners manuals" are the factory's record! They do represent "documentation" for a particular way of doing things at the factory, and they are an official statement by the factory of what they did on day "ONE" during the construction of your car. Of course any of these parts could have been changed in the 50+ years since your car was built. And, HORRORS, the parts books may not be correct!  Draw your own conclusions!

Click here for 356 Porsche Factory Technical Manuals FOR SALE!                 Workshop Manuals, Parts Books, Exploded-View Part Diagrams, Wiring Diagrams, & Service Bulletins!

Basic Carbology:  Zenith 32 NDIX vs. Solex 40 PII 4!

The Zenith 32 NDIX carburetor was first introduced in January 1957 on the 356-A Porsches. This dual throat carburetor was fitted to both the 356-A 1600, starting with engine # P-67001 and the 356-A1600-S starting with engine #P-81201. Service Bulletin #4/58.

Solex 40 P II 4 carburators were first used on a non-Carrera in January 1960 on Super 90 engines!

Break-away Interior Rear View Mirrors on B's and C's!

There is some contradition in the factory literature about whether or not 356-C Coupes had break away safety interior rear view mirrors. According to the factory parts books, 356B T-6 Coupes had a break-away mirror (644.731.101.06) described as: "Rear view mirror complete, anti-glare with face plate". According to the 356-C parts book supplement, Coupes had a "screwed-down (3 screws)" mirror (644.731.101.07) described as: "Anti-glare mirror, inside, complete". The contradiction comes from the 356-C Factory Owner's Manuals dated 10/63, 6/64 and 10/64, page 41:  "Glare caused by vehicles behind may be eliminated by moving the selector lever at the lower edge of the mirror fixture. In addition, the mirror mount has a built-in safety device which allows the mirror to detach itself from the mount in the event of a collision in order to minimize the possibility of injury."

Screwed-down mirror 644.731.101.07.

Above quote from the 356-C Owner's Manual.

Break-away mirror  644.731.101.06.

Are Exhaust Extensions on 356-B's and C's Factory Accessories?

No, they are aftermarket accessories. We're talking about the chrome exhaust extensions that fit into the holes in the rear bumper guards thru which exhaust is exited from the car. Stock 356-B's and C's all had this exhaust arrangement, and many found over time that the exhaust gasses blackened the chrome finish of the bumper guards. To prevent this, some enterprising soul came up with chrome exhaust extensions that were fitted to the bumper guards preventing the exhaust gases from blacking the bumper guards. They became very popular. Some came to believe that they were factory accessories! They were not!

 Porsche Stuff Catalog 1966

 
Performance Products Catalog 1966                                         Performance Products Catalog 1983
 

Lockable Vent Wing Latches in Late B/C Coupe Doors!

Did you know that the Vent Wing Latches in late 356 B T-6 and 356-C doors were Lockable? In additon to putting the latch down to close the vent wing window, the latch can be locked by turning the knurled knob all the way clockwise. Close the vent wing window all the way, snap the lever down as shown in the pictures, and turn the knurled knob clockwise. The lever can then not be raised and the vent wing window opened. To unlock, turn the knurled knob counterclockwise, push in the knob and lift up the lever. Simple, and not covered in the owner's manual! But there are hints in the factory parts books!

Gear Shift Locks on 356 B's & C's!

There is an interesting and somewhat complicated history to Porsche's introduction of an anti-theft Gear Shift Lock for 356 Porsches. In September 1960 Porsche introduced the availability of Gear Shift Locks as a theft prevention measure for 356-B Porsches in Service Bulletin F 13/60 dated September 2, 1960. Quoting Porsche: "The gear shift lock is to be installed behind the gear shift lever in the ball housing, and locks the gear change mechanism by engaging a catch, which is firmly mounted on the shift rod." This Gear Shift Lock could be ordered for any 356 Porsche beginning with the following chassis numbers.
 

In Service Bulletin F 3/61 dated February 23, 1961, Porsche announced the availability of the Gear Shift Locks for ALL 356-B's including those produced prior to the date of SB F 13/60 referenced above, and included the following chassis numbers:
 

Service Bulletin F 3/61 points out that during this period two different shift lever bases were used which require slightly different parts to install the Gear Shift Lock. In addition it is necessary to check to see if a particular car is equipped with the earlier shift rod type with the angled end, or the newer straight shift rod. These differences will also require slightly different parts to install the Gear Shift Lock. See these specific Service Bulletins for lists of appropriate parts.

Service Bulletin F 18/61, dated December 6, 1961, announces a change in the Gear Shift Lock assembly with a new guide pin and a snap hook to prevent the lock from turning.

Service Bulletin F 8/62, dated May 7 1962, announces that effective July 1, 1962, German traffic regulations require all vehicles licenced in Germany must be equipped with an anti-theft device.

Beginning with the 356-B 1962 model year, a Gear Shift Lock is installed as STANDARD EQUIPMENT.
 

The parts for the accessory gear shift lock from the B/C Factory Workshop Manual!

Gear Shift Lever with Lock on a 356-C!

So, if you are installing a Gear Shift Lock in a 356-B or C Porsche, it is necessary to check to see if the car is equipped with the earlier shift rod type with the angled end or the new straight shift rod. See Service Bulletins F 13/60 and F 3/61 for the specific part differences and part listings.

Steering Wheel & Shift Lever Locks for 356 Pre-A's and 356-A's!
 
Factory Service Bulletin F 8/62 indicates that 356 & 356-A Porsches can be fitted with "a steering wheel lock similar to that installed in the VW cars, or a gear shift lock ("Sperrwolf") can be fitted to vehicles Type 356 and 356-A. These anti-theft locks are obtainable in automobile accessories shops. When fitting a gear shift lock to a Porsche car, attention should be paid that the necessary intermediate plate be mounted with it."

These anti-theft devices were not provided by Porsche, nor were they installed by Porsche as a regularly offered accessory. In the early 1960's the German Government mandated anti-theft devices in autos produced in Germany, leading eventually to the accessory shift lever locks that initially were avilable as an accessory, but later became standard equipment.

Above are two Steering Wheel Locks lused on VW's. Note VW on the key!

Above is a "Sperrwolf" Shift Lever Lock as used on early VW's!

Factory Service Bulletin F 16/62 mentions the "punkt Schloss". "This "punkt-Schloss" can be installed regardless of what type of gearshift and steering column the car is equiped with. Available from punkt Schloss - vertriebs-Gmbh, 65 Mainz (Rhein) Am Fort Elisabeth 33." Loosely translated, "punkt-Schloss" means "point lock". It was a steering wheel lock attached to the outside of the steering column like the one shown in the first image above. When the key is turned, a pointed shaft is moved into a hole in the steering column shaft imobilizing it. The steering wheel cannot be turned. Hence the name "punkt-Schloss" or point lock!

When did Porsche add Seat Belt Mounting Points to 356's?
 
Quoted from Factory Service Bulletin F 17/62, dated August 23, 1962 - "Effective Immediately:  As of chassis Nos. Coupe 120 620 resp. 210 931, Cabriolet 156 850 anchorages for the mounting of safety belts are standard equipment. The location of the anchorage points and the mounting of the necessary parts are described in the Supplement to the 356-B Workshop Manual, Group TRA, page S TRA 19-22." Seat belts could be ordered as factory accessories going back to the 356-A and probably earlier, but the built in anchorages became Standard Equipment as indicated above in August 1962.
 

Switch to 200 Watt Generators from 160 Watt Generators!

In November 1959, Porsche began installing 200 watt 6 volt generators instead of the earlier 160 watt 6 volt generators. Service Bulletin #46/59, dated December 17, 1959 points out that these new 200 watt 6 volt generators were installed in all 356-B engine variations (1600, 1600S and 1600 S-90). No doubt there are exceptions, as owners may have switched their earlier cars to 200 watt generators!
 

356 Porsche Part Numbers.......What do they tell you?

356 Porsche part numbers aren't just randomly assigned numbers, and they aren't sequentially assigned numbers. They are number codes which tell alot about a particular part! Porsche first used an 8 digit part number consisting of 3 groups of numbers only. An example is 356.51.314. Three groups, eight numbers, no letters. This number, 356.51.314, is for a right rear fender for a 356 Coupe. In 1955 Porsche changed to an 11 digit part number consisting of four groups of numbers only. The larger part number for each part contains significantly more information, if you know how to read Porsche part numbers!

In August 1968, the USA Distributor for Porsche published a series of nine what they called "Catalogs" which were multi-page descriptions of the Porsche Parts Numbering System. These "Catalogs" explained in detail how the Porsche Part Numbering System worked, right down to how to read and decode individual numbers in a part number.

8 Digit Part Numbers: For the 8 digit example number, 356.51.314, the first three numbers (356) are the "prefix" which identifies the Type and Model Porsche for which the parts were originally used. This three digit number represents the project number of that particular type or model. If a part is used unchanged on another Porsche model, it will retain it's original part number. If a part is extensively redesigned for a new model, it will use the prefix of the new model.

The second set of numbers (51) designates the section of the vehicle on which the part is used. The first digit is the Main Group and designates the major portion of the vehicle such as engine, front axle or body. The second number designates the Sub Group and represents the sub assembly of that portion of the vehicle.

The third set of numbers (314) denotes each Part's Individual Number within the main and sub groups. For parts that come in lefts and rights, odd numbers denote left hand parts, and even numbers denote right hand parts.

11 Digit Part Numbers: Eleven part numbers expanded the sub group number to two numbers, and added at the end a body designation number and a modification number. Below is a breakdown of an eight part number and an eleven part number.

In the table above, each number has a meaning. 356 and 644 are Model/Type Numbers. 5 is the Main Group Number for all three fender parts. 1 and 03 are Subgroup Numbers. And 5 in the modification column means 5th part modification. All are right rear fenders as all of the actual part numbers are even.

When describing parts on a 356, Front, Rear, Left and Right are determined as if you were sitting in the car facing forward as if your were driving forward.

Model or Type Numbers: As previously mentioned, the first three numbers in an 8 digit part number represent Model or Type. Below are some examples of these numbers and their meaning.

Main Group Numbers:  They describe the major parts groups in a 356 Porsche. There are 9 Main Group Numbers which you will find in a factory parts book.

So, part number 356.51.314 is a Model 356, Right (even number) Rear Fender, Main Group Bottom Frame.

Sub Groupe Numbers: For each Main Groupe Number there were multiple Sub Groupe Numbers, each representing various Sub Group Parts. Sub Group Number 1 in the 8 digit number 356.51.314 is for sub group Frame and Body.

Introduction of the Synchromesh Transmission Type 716!

Porsche introduced the Type 716 Synchromesh Transmission in November 1958 for 356-A Porsches, starting with serial #25001. Quoting Service Bulletin 1/59, dated January 15, 1959: "From the above effective date, the synchromesh transmission Type 716 is installed in all cars of the Type 356-A for technical manufacturing reasons, with the only exception of the Convertible "D" destined for the U.S.A., which further on will be delivered with the transmission Type 644 and the gear ratios particularly suited to the American condition."

Accessory Fresh Air Blower!

A new accessory Fresh Air Blower was introduced by Porsche for the 356-B T-6 effective April 17, 1963 beginning with the following vehicles. This is a fairly rare factory accessory that you don't see very often. The air exits on two sides of the blower and goes thru paper tubes situated along each side of the front trunk area to the air intakes on each side of the car. Information sources:  Service Bulletin F 9/63, the B/C Factory Workshop Manual pages S TRA 43-44, and the 356-C Owner's Manual page 45.
 

The Porsche 356 Cut-Away Car!

Where is this 356 today?

Interesting Stolen 356 Porsche!

On December 10, 1959, Porsche reported in Service Bulletin #44/59 that a Porsche 1600 Coupe was stolen in the Dusseldorf, Germany area. The following information was provided, note the last item!

License Plate - DI -W 820
Chassis Serial No. - 100 753
Engine No. - P 65 935
Paint Color - Ruby Red
Upholstery - Brown with Corduroy inserts
Chrome Plated Wheels
Windshield wiper on the rear window

Anybody got this car? Hey Bill Block, do you have this chassis number in your database?

356 Porsche Interior Upholstery Color Codes!

Did you know that there were factory interior upholstery color codes for 356 B & C Porsches? There were, and they are shown in the Factory Color Charts and described as follows:

Above are all of the standard interior upholstery color codes for 356-B T-5's, T-6's & C's! 
 

B T-6 & C color charts have additional color codes.

Outside/Inside Thermometer.....as a Factory Accessory!

Effective April 17, 1963, an outside/inside thermometer could be installed by the factory into all 356's as a special order item, part #644.731.601.05. This item shows up first in the 356-C factory accessory catalog as item #9157. The factory installations started with Coupes beginning with serial #'s 117 601 & 210 601 and with Cabriolets beginning with serial #155 601. A 61 mm diameter hole is needed in the dash. Two manufacturers supplied outside/inside thermometers to Porsche: VDO and Moto-Meter.

The B/C Factory Workshop Manual mentions that "on former vehicles without a clock, a 61 mm diameter orifice for the installation of the indicator can be practiced in a suitable position on the dashboard." Meaning any suitable position on the dashboard. For 356 B's with a clock in the center of the dashboard,  the B/C Workshop Manual recommends that a 61 mm hole be drilled on the right hand side of the glove box, and that the clock be installed in this position, while the outside/inside thermometer is installed in the center of the dashboard where the clock used to be!

Information about the outside/inside thermometer can be found in Service Bulletin F 11/63, and in the B/C Factory Workshop Manual, pages S TRA 49-50.

A Little Known Fact:  The outside/inside thermometer has a red warning light which lights up if the outside temperature is below zero! Christophorus magazine, #44, March 1963, page26.

Image shows Outside/Inside Thermometer in center of the dash, clock to the far right!

Change in Windshield Wiper Assembly for Late 356-A's!

Beginning April 7, 1959, Porsche switched from the SWF windshield wiper assembly to the Bosch windshield wiper assembly for Coupes, Cabriolets and Hardtops. Convertible D's were excluded from this change and continued to receive the SWF assembly.
Service Bulletin #15/59, dated June 4, 1959.

Was there REALLY a Porsche factory Trailer Hitch?  Yes!

Sometime in 1962 or 1963 Porsche approved a Trailer Hitch for 356 Porsches. The design that was approved by the German Federal Traffic Authority fits all 356-A's, B's & C's. It does not appear in any of the regularly published factory accessory catalogs. The Factory B/C Workshop Manual describes the installtion procedures on pages S TRA 51 - 55. Permissible maximum weights are 1,058 lbs. for any 356-A, 1,113 lbs for 356-B's & C's, except the Roadster which can pull a permissable maximum of 1,080 lbs. The workshop manual also has a wiring diagram for installtion of electric brakes that can be used assuming the trailer being pulled has electric brakes!

The Trailer Hitch utilizes the two mounting points on each side for the rear bumper!

356 A, B & C Tachometers!
 

Source:  356-A & 356-B T-5 Parts Books, & 356-B T-6 & C Parts Book Supplements!

Fog Light Switch Installation! Where to put it?

The fog light and switch for 356-B T-5's is first covered in Factory Service Bulletin SB 41/59, December 1959, in which it says: "To mount the pull switch (spare part No. 644.613.501.01) a hole of 5/16 diameter must be drilled through the dash on the same level left of the ignition switch at a center distance of approximately 1 9/16 inches." Note the part number. Subsequently, in Factory Service Bulletin SB F 1/62, it says: ""When installing the pull switch, spare part No. 644.613.501.01, for fog lamps which is located above the ignition/starter switch....." Again, note the part number which is the same as in the earlier bulletin. Below is SB F 1/62. Note in the drawing that the switch has the yellow center on the pull knob. The two bulletins indicate different positions for the fog light switch, the early bulletin for the T-5 B's says to the left of the ignition switch, and the later bulletin for the T-6 B's says above the ignition switch.

I believe the reason for the change is due to the changing position of the windshield wiper switch. In the T-5 B's the windshield wiper switch was above the ignition switch, so the fog light switch was placed to the left of the ignition switch. On T-6 B's the windshield wiper switch was moved to the right of the clock which was centered in the dash, and the fog light switch switch was moved above the ignition switch. On the 356-C's the fog light switch was mounted just to the right of the clock which was centered in the dash. This was due to the fact that windshield wiper switch and the cigarette lighter were moved below the radio mounting area on either side of the ashtray. You can see all this clearly in the images in the various owner's manuals. There are probably lots of exceptions to this based on who installed what..............when!
 

Factory Service Bulletin F 1/62, dated January 30, 1962.

The S-90 Engine!

The 1600 S-90 ("Super 90") engine was introduced by Porsche on January 29, 1960 for the 356-B T-5 model Porsches. This engine has an internal number of 616/7, and with various refinements, totals 90 HP DIN at 5500 RPM. Compression ratio was set at 9 to 1, and Solex 40 P II 4 carburators were used for the first time on a non-Carrera. First S-90 by serial number was 800 101. Factory Service Bulletin F 5/60 dated February 22, 1960 details the differences in this engine compared to the 1600-S.

Chrome bumpers for 356-A's?

Yes! You could order chrome bumpers front and rear for a 356-A Porsche as shown in the late 356-A Factory Accessory Catalog dated February 1959. You don't see many of these rare accessories as they were't a particularly popular option. Chrome bumpers were not regularly offered prior to this time, and were eliminated with the subsequent 356-B's and C's. Special Order/SpecialPeople exceptions, of course! Chrome bumpers were available for Coupes, Cabriolets and Speedsters! The factory part numbers are shown in the 356-A Parts Book, page 461.

Image provided as example only, not known if chrome bumpers are factory original.

Retaining Spring for Inner Tube Valve!

Effective May 21, 1957, Porsche started fitting inner tube valves (rubber valve stems) on all production cars with a retaining spring (spare part 644.68.211). Quoting Service Bulletin # 16/57, dated July 19, 1957: "The retaining spring will hold the rubber valve stem in its normal position against the centrifugal force even at high speed. A subsequent fitting of the holding spring is possible on all standard 4.5 x 15 rims."
 

White Wall Tires for 356 Porsches? Well, Yes!

White wall tires were commonly available in the 1930's for luxury vehicles. This carried over after World War II into the 1950's. Little documentation was available about factory-provided white wall tires for 356 Pre-A Porsches. Presumably they could be ordered during this time. White wall tires were not mentioned in the early 356-A Factory Accessory Catalog. They did appear in the late 356-A factory Accessory Catalog dated February 1959 and a buyer could order a set of five white wall tires as part of a new car purchase from the factory. White walls were also mentioned in the later 356-B T-5, 356 B T-6 and 356-C Accessory Catalogs. It doing a little research on the history of white walls it appears the popularity of white walls declined during the mid-1960's. White walls tires were not shown as available in the early 911/912 Porsche Factory Accessory Catalogs.
 

Every once in a great while, somthing completely unexpected happens as a result of creating these 356 Porsche related websites. Jordan Bochanis, another 356 Porsche enthusiast saw the photo above of the blue 356 Coupe with the white wall tires on this website, and thought "that sure looks familiar"! Sure  enough, he lives in the very area where this photo was taken, probably some time in 1960 - 1961, and he went out and found the very spot where the picture was taken and sent the photo below. Thanks Jordan, for making  the connection and sending the Photo!

Factory Accessory Radios for 356 Porsches!

According to Christophorus magazine, the Porsche factory magazine, the following brands of radios were regularly installed by the factory in 356 Porsches. These do not include radios that were special ordered for special clients, or radios that were subsequently installed by dealers. The list includes the familiar Blaupunkt, Becker and Telefunken radios, of which Blaupunkt seems to be the best known. Other relatively unknown radio brands included the Philips "Paladin", and radios from Wendal and Goltermann. One brand that was commonly installed by US dealers was the Bendix/Motorola Sapphire I & II radios.

Above clip from an early 1960's Christophorus magazine.

Radio Speakers:  the Switch from Oval Speakers to Round Speakers!

The below page from the B/C Factory Workshop Manual spells out the change from oval radio speakers to round radio speakers! Check it out! Page S TRA 3.
 

Anti-Theft Ignition Cut Off Switch under the Dash!

For late 356-A's and 356-B T-5's there was a factory accessory anti-theft switch available for under the dash. This was mentioned in the 356-A Factory Accessory Catalog dated February 1959, and later in the 356-B T-5 Factory Accessory Catalog dated February 1960. This anti-theft ignition cut off switch does not appear in the later 356-B T-6 or 356-C Accessory catalogs. Little information is available about this item. It is not shown in the electrical wiring diagrams. Below are images reported to be of a factory original anti-theft ignition kill switch. It is not known exactly how this switch is wired. If anyone has any additional information about this rare accessory, contact this author at the email address below.

Factory option Anti-theft switch shown as installed up under the dash!

Unmounted factory option Anti-theft switch. Above two photos by Tim McQuire!

Certificate of Authenticity for 356-A Cabriolet.

When did Porsche start offering Electrically Operated Sun Roofs?

Electrically Operated Sun Roofs were first mentioned in the late 356-A Factory Accessory Catalog published in February 1959, and again in the 356-B T-5 Accessory Catalog dated February 1960. This accessory continued to be offered in the B T-6 and 356-C Accessory catalogs.
 

Transaxles throughout the 356 Era!

356-A, 356-B and 356-C Keys!

Ignition keys, glove box keys, front hood key (Cabriolets), and shift lock keys!

Source:  Porsche Car Distributors, Inc. August, 1968.

Roll Bars for 356-B Roadster!

A Factory Accessory Roll Bar! According to the factory magazine, Christophorus, issue #28 English, dated July 1960:  "Upon special request we can equip the Roadster with a roll bar for the price of DM 385 ($91.70). Installation on the Reutter body runs DM 225 ($53.60). In the United States a roll bar is a basic requirement for races in open cars."

Exterior Colors for 1960 and1962!

From Christophorus Magazine #31, dated January 1961, and #43, dated January 1963! Below is a breakdown of colors on a percentage basis for 356's built in 1960 and 1962.
 

Regular, Tinted and Heated  Windshields for 356 B & C Porsches!

B T-5 Parts Book, Page 7/2:
644.541.101.00 Windshield Coupe, Cabriolet/Hardtop.
644.541.101.50 Windshield, heatable, 6 or 16 volt, Carrera GT.
644.541.101.45 Windshield, Roadster.

B T-6 Parts Book, Page 7/2A:
644.541.101.06 Windshield, Coupe.
644.541.101.11 Windshield green colored, Optional, Coupe.
644.541.101.52 Windshield, heatable, 6 & 12 volt, Optional Coupe, Carrera GT.
644.541.101.16 Windshield, green colored upper edge, Optional, Coupe, Carrera GT.
644.541.101.10 Windshield, green colored upper edge, Optional, Cabriolet/Hardtop.

C Parts Book (Same as in B T-6 Parts Book, Page 7/2A)

97. 9485 Tinted Windshield ($19.00). (listed separately in a price list dated 9/25/64), 356-C Accessory Booklet.
98. 9487 Electrically heated windshield for Coupe ($87.50). 356-C Accessory Booklet.
99. 9488 Electrically heated windshield for Cabriolet ($87.50). 356-C Accessory Booklet.

Heated windshields for late 356-A's, but not Conv. D's or Speedsters, is mentioned in Service Bulltein 10/59 dtd April 13,1959.
 

Polaroid Windshield???

6 volt v. 12 volt:  When did 12 Volt Systems begin for 356 Porsches?

From the Factory Parts Books it appears that the 12 volt electrical system in 356 Porsches, excluding the Carreras, first became available as an option with the 356 B T-6's. The availability as an option of the 12 volt electrical system started with the following chassis serial numbers:
 

Steel sunroof "Golde" for Detachable Hardtop!

Most everyone is familar with the Removable Hardtops for Cabriolets beginning in September 1957 for Model Year 1958. From that point on, removable hardtops for Cabriolets became a regularly offered factory accessory. But did you know that you could have ordered a factory removable hardtop for your Cabriolet THAT HAD A BUILT-IN SLIDING SUNROOF? Yes! It was available for the 356-B T-6 Cabriolets and was shown in the September 1961 factory accessory catalog. Bet you don't see many of these around! One of these special removable hardtops would be the "Ultimate Option"!
 

Source:  Porsche 356-B Aggregate Accessories Booklet, Conversion and Dispatch Sets, June 1963.
 

Special Reinforced Wheels for 356-C Carrera 2's!

There's a possible "Porsche Treasure" out there that many 356'ers may not know about! They may even have one or more, and not even know it! I'm talking about Special Reinforced 356-C slotted rim wheels made specially for Carrera 2's! Effective October 1963, Porsche introduced specially reinforced wheels for "C" Carrera 2's. They came either in primer (901.361.013.00), painted (901.361.013.10), or chrome (901.361.013.20). The secret to this "Porsche Treasure" is knowing how to tell the very rare reinforced Carrera 2 wheels from standard 356-C wheels. Here's the secret:  the rare reinforced are stamped "3,9" in the wheel center, whereas the stock wheels are stamped "3,7"! So now all you guys gotta run out to your stock of "C" wheels and see if you have any! I'll bet Adam Wright will have a few, I've seen a picture of his wheel collection! Source: Service Bulletin #F 19/63.

The "356-B" Flip-top Oil Filler Can v. the "356-C" Oil Filler Can!

Early 356-B "Flip-top" Oil Filler!	Tall Oil Filler from the 356-C Parts Supplement!

Many think that the tall oil filler can first appeard with the 356-C/SC, but that is not the case. The 356-C style oil filler first appeared on certain 356-B T-6's, particularly those with a new muffler/heater system introduced by Porsche in January 1963. In response to German regulatory requirements, Porsche produced a new muffler and heater system essentially to improve air circulation within the car. This new muffler/heating system loosely known as the "Euro" muffler/heater system met the requirements of the new German regulations, and applied only to cars that remained in Germany. The system was described in detail in Factory Service Bulletin M 1/63, dated January 4, 1963, and to quote: "For reasons of registration in the Federal Republic, our vehicles Type 356 B (with the exception of Carrera vehicles) will be equipped with a new heating unit according to the heat exchange principal." The bulletin further notes under: "Important modifications on the vehicle due to the installation of the heating (system):  More voluminous oil breather provides better pressure compensation."
 

Basic Stats:  Carrera 4-cam Engines 1955-1960!

Note, ALL the engines are referred to as "GS"!  Source:  Factory Carrera Assembly Guide (Engine only!).

356-A, 356-B T-5, 356-B T-6 & 356-C Dashboard Arrangements!

Below are images from the factory owner's manuals showing the dashboards of 356-A's thru 356-C's, together with indications for what each item on the dash board does, i.e. speedometer, headlight switch, ignition switch, and ashtray, to name a few. Look carefully at the images below to see the differences over time where individual switches and other items were located. Sources include the 356-A owner's manual dated 10/56, the 356-A owner's manual dated 9/57, the 356-B T-5 owner's manual dated 5/60, the 356-B T-6 owner's manual dated 9/61, the 356-B T-6 owner's manual dated 1/63, and the 356-C owner's manual dated 10/64.

A Crash Helmet from Porsche as an Accessory? YES!....and More!

Yes, you could order a Crash Helmet AND a racing suit from Porsche as an factory accessory!

Source:  Undated Porsche Factory Accessory Catalog believed from 1956!

356C/SC Major Engine Spec Differences!

Source:  356 C/SC Factory Owner's Manual, June 1964 Edition.
 

Optional Battery cut off switch for 356-C's!  

Did you know that 356-C's/SC's could be ordered from the factory with a factory installed battery cut off switch? Have you ever seen one? There are probably lots of after-market battery cut off switches out there, but probably not many original from the factory. The part number is 644.613.521.50 from the 356-C Factory Parts Manual Supplement, part diagram 9/3 C.
 

Factory Battery Cut Off Switch for 356-C's!

Blaupunkt Radios as Factory Accessories for 356 Porsches!

This information comes from 356 Porsche Factory Accessory Catalogs and pricelists.

1. 356-A Factory Accessory Brochure - 1956.

Blaupunkt Bremen, AM/Long Wave ($89.50*).
Blaupunkt Stuttgart, AM/SW/Long Wave ($109.00*).
Blaupunkt Frankfurt, AM/FM/Long Wave ($126.00*).
Blaupunkt Koln. AM/FM/Long Wave Automatic ($165.50*).

2. 356-A Factory Accessory Brochure - February 1959.

Blaupunkt Bremen, AM/Long Wave (transistor).
Blaupunkt Stuttgart, AM/SW/Long Wave/ (transistor).
Blaupunkt Frankfurt, AM/FM/Long Wave push button.
Blaupunkt Koln, AM/FM/Long Wave Automatic (transistor).

3. 356-B T-5 Factory Accessory Brochure - February 1960.

Blaupunkt Bremen, AM/Long Wave (transistor).
Blaupunkt Stuttgart, AM/SW/Long Wave push button (transistor).
Blaupunkt Frankfurt, AM/FM/Long wave push button (transistor).
Blaupunkt Frankfurt US, AM/FM/Long Wave push button (transistor).
Blaupunkt Koln, AM/FM/Long wave Automatic (transistor).

4. 356-B T-6 Factory Accessory Brochure - September 1961.

Blaupunkt Bremen ATR, M-L (all-transistor).
Blaupunkt Stuttgart ATR, AM/SW/Long Wave (all-transistor).
Blaupunkt Frankfurt ATR de Luxe, UKW (all-transistor).
Blaupunkt Frankfurt ATR de Luxe, AM/FM/Long Wave (all-transistor).
Blaupunkt Koln ATR de Luxe, UKW Automatic (all-transistor).
Blaupunkt Koln ATR de Luxe, AM/FM/Long Wave Automatic (all-transistor).

5. 356-C Factory Accessory Brochure - September 1964.    

Blaupunkt Bremen ATR, M-L (all-transistor) ($92.50*).
Blaupunkt Stuttgart ATR, AM/SW/Long Wave (all-transistor) ($113.75*).
Blaupunkt Frankfurt ATR de Luxe, UKW (all-transistor) ($141.25*).
Blaupunkt Frankfurt ATR de Luxe, AM/FM/Long Wave (all-transistor) ($141.25*).
Blaupunkt Koln ATR de Luxe, UKW Automatic (all-transistor) ($185.00*).
Blaupunkt Koln ATR de Luxe, AM/FM/Long Wave Automatic (all-transistor) ($185.00*).
          *Original Factory Accessory Price. 

Rear View Mirrors on 356 Porches change over time!

Below are the various exterior rear view mirrors offered by Porsche during the 356 era, as shown in the Factory Accessory Catalogs. Beginning May 1, 1956, German law required an outside rear view mirror. (Christophorus #4 Engish, July 1956).  Did you know that a standard outside rear view mirror on a 356-A uses 1 hp due to the wind resistance of the mirror at 160 kph? (same reference as above).

Hand Crank Retractable Radio Antenna for early 356-A's!

The early factory accessory catalog for 356-A's included a retractable radio antenna that worked from inside the car using a hand crank. Also offered was an electric retractable radio antenna. The hand crank antenna was not offered in later Factory Accessory Catalogs.

QA 34    -  Retractable Antennae, hand crank ($19.35).
QA 34a  -  Retractable Antennae, automatic electric ($47.60).
 

Have you ever seen a hand crank antenna? This image comes from the 356-A accessory catalog, shown together with the electric radio antenna!!!

Color Code "9402"?
 

Recently on the 356 Registery Email List, a member asked for information  concerning the color code stamped on the number plate in his door well.  His number was #9402. Thorough reserach determined that there was no  such color number for a 356 Porsche. Some speculated that it was a special  order color, a practice that was common and may still be common today.  They were almost correct. The #9402 also showed up on another member's  Kardex, the factory document detailing the build details of each car. Turns  out that the number #9402 is the ACCESSORY NUMBER! In the Factory  Accessory Catalogs, there is a listing for special order paint. The accessory  number is #9402!

Porsche Factory Calendar Coins!

	Porsche published a calendar beginning in   1962 to go along with their own magazine   "Christophorus". Calendars were given out   to buyers when they picked up their Porsches     at the factory and later were available by   subscription. From the beginning Porsche   included a bronze coin with each calendar.   These Calendar coins were struck by the   state treasury in Vienna, Austria. Over the   years, Calendar coins have become highly   collectable, some of the early ones going for   hundreds of dollars. The Porsche Calendar   and the Calendar coins continue to this day!
Above is the 1962 Coin!		Above is the 1964 Coin!

Exploded-View Part Diagrams!
 

Body Panels, 356-A Coupe!

Very Early 356 Pre-A Electrical Wiring Diagram!
 

Porsche Factory 356 Pre-A Electrical Wiring Diagram!

"Birth of a Porsche 356-A......a Moment in Time"!

A softcover booklet showing 356-A's on the factory assembly line!

Click here for an Order Form, $15.00 + postage!

Accessory Headrests!

Headrests were available as factory accessories for at least all 356-A's, B's and C's. Below are images from the 356-A, B & C Factory Accessory Catalogs, together with an image from the Factory B/C Workshop Manual showing the bulilt-in headrest mounts welded into all seat frames. These mounts are included in all seats whether ordered with headrests or not. Once these mounting brackets are located, it is a simple matter to subsequently install the headrests.

Headrests shown in late 356-A, early 356-B Catalogs!	Headrests shown in 356-B T-5 Catalog March 1961!

Headrests shown in 356-B T-6 October 1962 and 356-C September 64 Catalogs!

Measurements:  A = 15 mm, B = 8 mm, C = 44 mm, D - 3.5 mm diameter.

More on Seat Belts for 356 Porsches!

Here's more on seat belts for 356 Porsches! As previously mentioned the Porsche factory didn't build in seat belt mounting points as a standard item until August 1962. Previous to that, you could special order seat belts from the factory and they would mount them for you. Seat belts as a factory accessory were mentioned as early as 1956 in the 356-A factory accessory catalog, and in all the later 356 B & C accessory catalogs. The first two pictures shown below are from the A, B & C Factory Accessory Catalogs. Actual pictures of these items are shown further below courtesy of Jon Bunin and Paul Hatfield. Their pictures are of seat belts that came originally with their cars. In Jon's case his car is a 356-A Coupe, and Paul's car is a 356-C Coupe. Notice that the accessory catalog pictures look exactly like Jon's and Paul's actual pictures. In particular, notice the seat belt buckles, they are exactly the same in all the pictures! Probably most current owners today have subsequent aftermarket seat belts, so they won't look like the ones shown below. 

The above images can be seen in the 356-A, B and C Accessory Catalogs!

Actual seat belts and mounting hardware from Jon Bunin's 356-A Coupe!

Seat belts from Paul Hatfield's 356-C Coupe. Posted to 356 Registry Forum.

Emergency Access to Front Trunk & Engine Compartment!

356-A's:
Front Trunk Compartment and Engine Compartment!  

   
356-A Owner's Manual dated September 1957.  

356-B's:
Front Trunk Compartment - An emergency release cord is hidden near the left horn by sealing compound. Locate and pull the cord and the front trunk compartment can be opened (Owner's manual 356-B dated September 1961).

Engine Compartment - f you break the cable that releases the engine compartment lid, you can open the engine compartment by removing the left engine cover grill and pressing the release lever to the left (Owner's manual 356-B dated September 1961).

356-C's:
Front Trunk Compartment - the front trunk compartment latch is designed in such a way that should the operating cable break, the lock will automatically release the front lid and will be held in place only by the safety catch (Owner's manual 356-C dated October 1963).

Engine Compartment  - If you break the cable that releases the engine compartment lid, you can open the engine compartment by removing the left engine cover grill and pressing the release lever to the left (Owner's manual 356-B dated October 1963). 

Special Blaupunkt Radio Installation for 356 Porsche Roadsters!

356 Porsche Roadsters, which were produced for model years 1960 thru 1962, did not come with cutouts in the dash for a radio. Because of this Blaupunkt offered a special mounting kit that mounted the radio under the dash utilizing the same radio hanger used in Coupes and Cabriolets, but with the second piece of the radio, sometimes incorrectly called the "power pack", mounted on top of the main case rather than below and behind (see the diagram and parts list below).

The Blaupunkt mounting bracket shown below for 356 Porsche Roadsters is shown in the Porsche Factory Accessory Catalog dated March 1961 as accessory #9614, Radio Bracket for Roadsters!  

356 Porsche Roadster Blaupunkt Radio Mounting Instructions, Blaupunkt AUTORADIO Bulletin 111-61!

Blaupunt Radio Bracket used by factory for 356 Roadsters. Photos by Jon Bunin!

A Fire Extinguisher as a 356 Porsche Factory Accessory!

Part 2 coming soon!

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Research and website creation by:

Charlie White

 This website is an accumulation in no particular order of interesting subjects relating to 356 Porsches. All information is documented
to the fullest extent possible from multiple Porsche factory technical information sources. For lots of reasons
your individual 356 Porsche may differ from what is presented here! Such is life!
Comments, corrections and additional info welcomed!

Copyright@2010, 2014 DerWhite Productions, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Website created over many months, first posted 8/12/10, updated 3/14/14.