Porsche 356
Ferdinand Porsche’s early efforts relied heavily on the parts bins at VW for engine cases, gearboxes and steering. As time went on, more and more of those parts would become unique to the Porsche. Early, VW based 1100cc engines would give way to Porsche’s own engines (and the two piece Split Windshield would be replaced by a Bent Screen) in 1952. At Max Hoffman’s prodding, the Speedster appeared in 1954. These early 356’s are generally called, pre-A’s: early cars with 16”wheels, minimal bumpers and sometimes fitted with roller bearing crankshafts (though these cranks were available on early A models as well). This changed in 1955-56 with the 356A. The V windshield was replaced by the curved screen, 15” wheels replaced the 16” version and over the life of the A, the VW steering box would be replaced with a ZF unit, wheel bearings and transmissions were updated and in 1957, the bee hive tail lamps would be replaced with the teardrop type that would appear on all 356’s until the end of production. Excerpt copied with permission from ‘Sports Car Pocket Guide’ by Michael Duffy. For more info or to purchase, go to….. http://www.amazon.com/shops/hc-books