Andy L

Hi,
I do not own a Porsche but hope that someone can answer some questions about one that I did own.

In 1966 I bought a 1958 356A coupe (for $400) which I sold three or four years later. I am writing an article about "My First Car" and can't remember a lot of details and can't find much information on the Internet that I trust. Some questions I have are…

1. What was the horsepower of a 1958 356A? It was a standard 1600.
2. Was the battery 6 or 12 volts?
3. Was the battery negative or positive ground?
4. Did the '58 Porsche have a stalk on the steering column to flash the headlights, or am I imagining that?
5. What did a '58 coupe weigh?
6. The car had large finned brake drums. Were they aluminum?
7. A longshot. Does anyone know of of a '58 356A bought in Wheeling, Illinois in 1969 or 1970? I like to think that it has survived. Back then it was grey with a red interior, although originally the exterior was also red.

Thank you in advance if anyone can help.

Andy

jcnesq

1. HP was (I am pretty sure) 60hp.
2. 6 volts.
3. Negative ground.
4. Yes, it had a stalk on the steering wheel column to flash headlights and for turn signals.
5. Weight would have been "around" 2,000 lbs, +- 200.
6. I am almost sure they are aluminum.
7. If you know the VIN number (should be a 5 digit number) you can search on 356a.com to see if it is listed. If you are lucky, a subsequent owner put the info in there.

The 356 Registry also has a database (which may be a tad better), but you have to be a member to access it. (Post the VIN if you have it and I could take a look.)

$400 sounds like a great deal! I almost bought a '61 cab in or about 1966, price would have been $2,400. Didn't, and waited 40 years till I finally got my 356.

Andy L

Jim,

Thanks, that information helps. Unfortunately I don't have the VIN number after 45 years

By my very rough calculations $400 in 1966 car dollars is equivalent to about $4000 today (I know that a new basic Ford Mustang cost $2500 in 1966 and about $25,000 today, so I multiplied the $400 by 10). Obviously $4000 for an eight-year-old Porsche today would be a bargain, but in 1966 old Porsche's were just used cars and considered odd rather than exotic. Also, my eight-year-old 1958 Porsche was not in tip-top shape. Everything worked, but the paint was crazed and oxidizing and I discovered after buying it that there were holes rusted in the floor and the spare tire well.

Again, thanks for your help.

Andy

jcnesq

My first car was a 59 or 60 Sprite, bought in 65, paid $800. Second car early 66 was an MGB (used), but don't remember the price. Third was a new 66 Buick Gransport, new cost $3,000. Fourth car a new 67 VW Bug, cost $1,700. Your 10x figure is probably a good ballpark (ignoring collector values).

camchain

Andy, re question #4, you flashed your high beams by pushing what appeared to be a horn button at the center of the wheel with the Porsche crest. The horn was sounded by pressing on the horn ring. Flashing the lights with the turn signal stalk did not appear until the 1960 model year.

Andy L

Thanks, Camchain, that helps as well. After 45 years I'm surprised that I remembered a headlight flasher at all, and just assumed it was on a stalk like a new car.

Andy

doublecabmel

the horn button flashes the lights and the ring honks the horn

Andy L

Hi,
I'm back again with another question. I remember that my 1958 356A Coupe had a lever on the firewall which could turn the gas to ON, OFF or RESERVE, but did the car also have a gas gauge?
I know that older Volkswagens with this switch had no gas gauge, but I can't remember if the Porsche did or not.
Thanks.
Andy

P356GT

Yes you do have a fuel guage on your 356 :-)
It is labeled "0" "2/4" "4/4"
But it is good to have the firewall handle IF you run dry of gas.....
/ Per

Andy L

Per,
Thanks. It was a long time ago that I owned the Porsche, but your description of "0", "2/4" and "4/4" sounds familiar.
Thanks again.
Andy