Porsche 356B 1600S (616/2) T5 Hardtop by Karmann
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Automobilhersteller : |
Porsche |
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Modell: |
356B 1600S (616/2) T5 Hardtop by Karmann |
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Jahr: |
1961-1962 |
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Art: |
Coupe |
In late 1959 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 engine lid grilles, an external fuel filler in the right front wing/fender and a larger rear window in the coupe). It is interesting to note that the Porsche factory didn't call attention to these quite visible changes with a different model designation. However, when the T6 got disc brakes, with no other visible alterations, they called it the model C, or the SC when it had the optional extra powerful engine. The 1961 production run (T5) was essentially a cabriolet body with the optional steel cabriolet hardtop welded in place. By the time the 356B arrived in September 1959, the car had gained a one-piece rounded windscreen and 15"-diameter wheels, and the newcomer's introduction brought with it further styling revisions. The engine, now standardised at 1,600cc, was available in three different stages of tune, the most powerful - apart from the four-cam Carrera - being the 90bhp unit of the Super 90. Convertible D production transferred to d'Ieteren, of Brussels.
The 356B represents significant advances in driveability and comfort over earlier 356 models and is a pleasingly quick way to enjoy the traditional Porsche values of quality, reliability and mechanical robustness.
Erwin Kommenda, Porsche’s old friend and still a major design force within the company, had conceived a new front end with more prominent, almost straight-edged fenders, more vertical headlights and a larger front bumper that was raised for more crash protection. A chrome grab handle appeared on the front bonnet between new parking lamps located at the ends of the front air inlets. In 1962 the 356B model received changes known collectively as the T6 modifications, involving the addition of twin engine cover grilles, an external gas filler lid on the right front fender and larger windows. A unique new model briefly appeared, variously referred to as the Karmann Notchback. The 1961 production run was basically a cabriolet body with the optional steel cabriolet hardtop welded in place. The 1962 line, which incorporated the T6 features, was a properly dedicated design. The body did not begin life as a cabriolet as before, but was its own design incorporating the cabriolet rear end, the T6 coupe windshield frame and a unique hardtop.
