I had my first ride in a 356 over the weekend. It was a '61 1600 N. I went to see it as a potential purchase. I decided against it for many reasons. However, it was so loud inside when we were driving it. Especially when it was in first or second gear, we could hardly talk to each other. Is that normal?

 

No...probably the sound deadening (engine compartment) was removed loooong time ago...obviously you can listen to the engine, as any other P-car , but in a pleasurable way...

If you did not like the way it sounded...it's not a very well sorted car...