Get-Ad Free Access: Join Today!

Porsche 356A/1600 Super GT Speedster (1958 – 1959)

1958 – 1959 Porsche 356A/1600 Super GT Speedster – Ultimate Guide

A handful of push-rod 356As were delivered from the factory with a lightweight package that was usually reserved for the Carrera race cars. Called GTs, these got the stripped out interior, aluminum doors, a large fuel tank and Porsche ATE disc brakes.

As few as four Speedsters came equipped this way. Since the four-cam was only a marginal improvement in power, the regular 1600 Super was more than enough for the small car. It was also easier to maintain and overhaul the engine since they were manufactured in very large numbers for the general public.

Specs & Performance

type Racing Car
production years 1958 – 1959
coachbuilder Reutter Karosserie
engineers Klaus von Rücker
production 7
engine Boxer-4
position Rear, Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
displacement 1582 cc / 96.54 in³
bore 82.5 mm / 3.2 in
stroke 74 mm / 2.9 in
power 87.2 kw / 117 bhp @ 3700 rpm
specific output 73.96 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 135.26 bhp per tonne
body / frame Unit Steel w/Aluminum Doors, hood
driven wheels RWD
front tires 5.90 – 15 Supersport
rear tires 5.90 – 15 Supersport
curb weight 865 kg / 1907 lbs
wheelbase 2100 mm / 82.7 in
front track 1306 mm / 51.4 in
rear track 1272 mm / 50.1 in
length 3950 mm / 155.5 in
width 1670 mm / 65.7 in
height 1310 mm / 51.6 in
transmission Type 716 Transaxle
tran clutch Haussermann Diaphragm-Spring Clutch
top speed ~200 kph / 124.20 mph