CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Porsche 356

Porsche 356 — 2-door coupé; 2-door convertible; 2-door roadster, 1.1 L ''Type 369'' B4 (1948–1953, 1100); 1.3 L ''Type 506'' B4 (1300); 1.3 L ''Type 506/1'' B4 (1300 A); 1.3 L ''Type 589'' B4 (1953–1954, 1300 S); 1.5 L ''Type 527'' B4 (1951–1952, 1500); 1.5 L ''Type 528'' B4 (1952–1953, 1500 S); 1.5 L ''Type 528/2'' B4 (1954–1955, 1500 S); 1.5 L ''Type 546'' B4 (1952–1953, 1500); 1.5 L ''Type 546/2'' B4 (1954–1955, 1500). Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine1.1 L ''Type 369'' B4 (1948–1953, 1100); 1.3 L ''Type 506'' B4 (1300); 1.3 L ''Type 506/1'' B4 (1300 A); 1.3 L ''Type 589'' B4 (1953–1954, 1300 S); 1.5 L ''Type 527'' B4 (1951–1952, 1500); 1.5 L ''Type 528'' B4 (1952–1953, 1500 S); 1.5 L ''Type 528/2'' B4 (1954–1955, 1500 S); 1.5 L ''Type 546'' B4 (1952–1953, 1500); 1.5 L ''Type 546/2'' B4 (1954–1955, 1500)

Transmissionfour-speed manual

About the Porsche 356

Porsche 356 is a 2-door coupé; 2-door convertible; 2-door roadster in the sports car class. The available vehicle data lists 1.1 L ''Type 369'' B4 (1948–1953, 1100); 1.3 L ''Type 506'' B4 (1300); 1.3 L ''Type 506/1'' B4 (1300 A); 1.3 L ''Type 589'' B4 (1953–1954, 1300 S); 1.5 L ''Type 527'' B4 (1951–1952, 1500); 1.5 L ''Type 528'' B4 (1952–1953, 1500 S); 1.5 L ''Type 528/2'' B4 (1954–1955, 1500 S); 1.5 L ''Type 546'' B4 (1952–1953, 1500); 1.5 L ''Type 546/2'' B4 (1954–1955, 1500) as an engine configuration, paired with four-speed manual and a Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Porsche 356 guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 1.1 L ''Type 369'' B4 (1948–1953, 1100); 1.3 L ''Type 506'' B4 (1300); 1.3 L ''Type 506/1'' B4 (1300 A); 1.3 L ''Type 589'' B4 (1953–1954, 1300 S); 1.5 L ''Type 527'' B4 (1951–1952, 1500); 1.5 L ''Type 528'' B4 (1952–1953, 1500 S); 1.5 L ''Type 528/2'' B4 (1954–1955, 1500 S); 1.5 L ''Type 546'' B4 (1952–1953, 1500); 1.5 L ''Type 546/2'' B4 (1954–1955, 1500) and four-speed manual transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Porsche 356 specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Porsche
Model	356
Model years	Not specified
Body style	2-door coupé; 2-door convertible; 2-door roadster
Vehicle class	Sports car
Manufacturer	Porsche Konstruktionen GesmbH (1948–1949); Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche GmbH (1950–1965)
Production	1948–1965
Market / country	ES, FI, LU, NL, NZ

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Porsche 356 includes 1.1 L ''Type 369'' B4 (1948–1953, 1100); 1.3 L ''Type 506'' B4 (1300); 1.3 L ''Type 506/1'' B4 (1300 A); 1.3 L ''Type 589'' B4 (1953–1954, 1300 S); 1.5 L ''Type 527'' B4 (1951–1952, 1500); 1.5 L ''Type 528'' B4 (1952–1953, 1500 S); 1.5 L ''Type 528/2'' B4 (1954–1955, 1500 S); 1.5 L ''Type 546'' B4 (1952–1953, 1500); 1.5 L ''Type 546/2'' B4 (1954–1955, 1500).. Transmission information includes four-speed manual.. The listed drivetrain/layout is Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive.

Engine	1.1 L ''Type 369'' B4 (1948–1953, 1100); 1.3 L ''Type 506'' B4 (1300); 1.3 L ''Type 506/1'' B4 (1300 A); 1.3 L ''Type 589'' B4 (1953–1954, 1300 S); 1.5 L ''Type 527'' B4 (1951–1952, 1500); 1.5 L ''Type 528'' B4 (1952–1953, 1500 S); 1.5 L ''Type 528/2'' B4 (1954–1955, 1500 S); 1.5 L ''Type 546'' B4 (1952–1953, 1500); 1.5 L ''Type 546/2'' B4 (1954–1955, 1500)
Transmission	four-speed manual
Drivetrain / layout	Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase	82.7 in (2,101 mm)
Length	152.4 –
Width	65.4 in (1,661 mm)
Height	48.0 –
Kerb / curb weight	1700 –

Porsche 356 other specifications

Name	Porsche 356
Image	2007-07-08 Porsche 356 C (01 kl ret).jpg
Caption	Porsche 356 C coupé

Porsche 356 generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
Porsche 356	1948–1965	Not specified	Not specified	Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Porsche 356	1948–1955	1.1 L ''Type 369'' B4 (1948–1953, 1100); 1.3 L ''Type 506'' B4 (1300); 1.3 L ''Type 506/1'' B4 (1300 A); 1.3 L ''Type 589'' B4 (1953–1954, 1300 S); 1.5 L ''Type 527'' B4 (1951–1952, 1500); 1.5 L ''Type 528'' B4 (1952–1953, 1500 S); 1.5 L ''Type 528/2'' B4 (1954–1955, 1500 S); 1.5 L ''Type 546'' B4 (1952–1953, 1500); 1.5 L ''Type 546/2'' B4 (1954–1955, 1500)	four-speed manual	Not specified
Porsche 356 A	1955–1959	1.3 L ''Type 506'' B4 (1300); 1.3 L ''Type 506/2'' B4 (1300 S); 1.5 L ''Type 547/1'' B4 (Carrera 1500 GS/GT, 1955–1959); 1.5 L ''Type 692/0'' B4 (Carrera 1500 GT, 1958); 1.5 L ''Type 692/1'' B4 (Carrera 1500 GT, 1958); 1.6 L ''Type 616/1'' B4 (1600); 1.6 L ''Type 616/2'' B4 (1600 S); 1.6 L ''Type 692/2'' B4 (Carrera 1600 GS)	four-speed manual	Not specified
Porsche 356 B	1960–1963	1.6 L ''Type 616/1'' B4 (1600); 1.6 L ''Type 616/2'' B4 (1600 S, 1960–1962); 1.6 L ''Type 616/7'' B4 (1600 Super 90); 1.6 L ''Type 616/12'' B4 (1600 S, 1962–1963); 1.6 L ''Type 692/3'' B4 (1600 Carrera GS GT, 1960); 1.6 L ''Type 692/3A'' B4 (1600 Carrera GS GT, 1961); 2.0 L ''Type 587/1'' B4 (Carrera 2 GS)	four-speed manual	Not specified

Porsche 356 features and equipment

Features shown below are tied to the available source material for this model. Equipment can vary by year, trim and market.

Standard or documented features

✓This name was used only in 1955 and today this version is especially valued

✓For 1956, the equivalent version was briefly sold as the "European", in order to use up a batch of front fenders with pre-punched holes for a script logo to be installed

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Porsche 356

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load34 PSI front32 PSI rear

Fully loaded36 PSI front35 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	34 PSI	32 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	36 PSI	35 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Porsche 356

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Porsche 356 have?

The available source data lists the Porsche 356 engine as 1.1 L ''Type 369'' B4 (1948–1953, 1100); 1.3 L ''Type 506'' B4 (1300); 1.3 L ''Type 506/1'' B4 (1300 A); 1.3 L ''Type 589'' B4 (1953–1954, 1300 S); 1.5 L ''Type 527'' B4 (1951–1952, 1500); 1.5 L ''Type 528'' B4 (1952–1953, 1500 S); 1.5 L ''Type 528/2'' B4 (1954–1955, 1500 S); 1.5 L ''Type 546'' B4 (1952–1953, 1500); 1.5 L ''Type 546/2'' B4 (1954–1955, 1500). Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Porsche 356?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 34 PSI front and 32 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Porsche 356?

There is no single best engine oil for every Porsche 356 configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Porsche 356?

The Porsche 356 is classified as a 2-door coupé; 2-door convertible; 2-door roadster.

What are the dimensions of the Porsche 356?

The available source data lists length 152.4 -, width 65.4 in (1,661 mm), height 48.0 -, and wheelbase 82.7 in (2,101 mm).

What transmission does the Porsche 356 have?

The available source data lists four-speed manual transmission options for the Porsche 356.

Is the Porsche 356 FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Porsche 356 is Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive.

Who makes the Porsche 356?

The manufacturer listed for the Porsche 356 is Porsche Konstruktionen GesmbH (1948–1949); Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche GmbH (1950–1965).

When was the Porsche 356 produced?

The available source data describes production as 1948–1965.

How much does the Porsche 356 weigh?

The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 1700 –. Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.

Where was the Porsche 356 built?

The available source record lists assembly information as Austria: Gmünd (1948–1949)Germany: Zuffenhausen (1950–1965).

What class of car is the Porsche 356?

The Porsche 356 is listed in the Sports car class.

Which markets or countries sold the Porsche 356?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Porsche 356 with ES, FI, LU, NL, NZ. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What came after the Porsche 356?

The available vehicle data lists Porsche 911/912 as a successor where applicable.

What cars are related to the Porsche 356?

The available source data identifies related models as Porsche 356/2; Volkswagen Beetle. Relationships can vary by market and generation.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Porsche 356?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Porsche 356?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Porsche 356 is fully loaded?

It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Can the Porsche 356 have different tire pressures front and rear?

Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.

Why can mileage differ from the published figure for the Porsche 356?

Published fuel economy is measured under a defined test method. Real-world mileage can vary with traffic, speed, temperature, tire pressure, payload, maintenance and driving style.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Porsche 356 images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.