Porsche 356 BT5 Notchback Conv. '61

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  Karmann hardtop converted to convertible

  
  

 Walkaround video: Click Here

 This car was originally delivered as a Karmann hardtop coupé

 Engine number: 605724

 Chassis number: 200310

Color: 6002 / Ruby red

The 356 was a four-cylinder, air-cooled, rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive car utilizing unitized pan and body construction

The basic design of the 356 remained the same throughout its lifespan, with evolutionary, functional improvements rather than yearly superficial styling changes. Nevertheless a variety of models in both coupe and convertible forms were produced from 1948 through 1965.

To distinguish among the major revisions of the model, 356's are generally classified into a few major groups. 356 coupes and "cabriolets" (soft-top) built through 1954 are readily identifiable by their split (1948 to 1952) or bent (center-creased, 1953 to 1954) windshields. In 1955, with numerous small but significant changes, the 356A was introduced. Its internal factory designation, "Type 1," gave rise to its nickname "T1" among enthusiasts. In early 1957 a second revision of the 356A was produced, known as Type 2 (or T2). In late 1959 more significant styling and technical refinements gave rise to the 356B (a T5 body type)

The mid 1962 356B model was changed to the T6 body type (twin deck lid grilles, an external fuel filler in the right front fender and larger windows). A unique "Karmann Hardtop" or "Notchback" 356B model (1961 to 1962) was essentially a cabriolet body with the optional steel cabriolet hardtop welded in place.

The last revision of the 356 was the 356C which was introduced for the 1964 model year. It featured disc brakes as well as an option for the most powerful pushrod engine Porsche had ever produced, the 95 hp (71 kW) "SC." 356 production peaked at 14,151 cars in 1964, the year that its successor, the new 911, was introduced to the US market (it was introduced slightly earlier in Europe). The company continued to sell the 356C in North America through 1965 as demand for the model remained quite strong in the early days of the 911. The last ten 356's (cabriolets) were assembled for the Dutch police force in March 1966 as 1965 models.

• Specifications. 


• Body : length/width/height/wheelbase – cm (in) : 401/168/132/210 (156866/52/82.7); weight : 935 kg ('2064 lb).


• Engine : flat-four  1582 cc (97 cid), air-cooled,  rear-mounted, 8 valves, 2 Solex carbs,  4-speed, manual, rear-wheel drive.  Power : 74 bhp @ 5000 rpm; torque : 119 Nm at 3700 rpm.  Top speed : 182 km/h (113 mph)