1959 Porsche 356 A Carrera GT Speedster
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The Porsche 356 A Carrera GT Speedster is a classic sports car, renowned for its design and performance. Released in 1959, this particular model is an icon of the golden era of motorsports, and it still commands a significant presence on the road today.
The 356 A Carrera GT Speedster boasts a sleek, curvaceous body that is instantly recognizable. Its sleek lines and smooth curves are accentuated by the lack of a roof, giving it an open-air, carefree feel. The car is a two-seater, with low-slung bucket seats that keep the driver and passenger close to the ground, making the ride feel even more thrilling.
Under the hood, the Carrera GT Speedster packs a powerful punch. It is powered by a four-cylinder, 1.6-liter boxer engine, which was tuned to produce 115 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. The engine is mated to a four-speed manual transmission, which was state-of-the-art technology for its time. The transmission is located at the rear of the vehicle, which helps improve the car's weight distribution and handling.
One of the highlights of the Carrera GT Speedster is its suspension system. The car features a torsion bar suspension in the front, and a trailing swing axle suspension in the rear. This innovative design gave the car exceptional handling characteristics, and it was able to tackle corners with ease. The Carrera GT Speedster also featured four-wheel disc brakes, which were a rarity at the time, and they provided excellent stopping power.
Many of the body panels on the Carrera GT Speedster were made from lightweight aluminum, which helped reduce the car's overall weight. The doors and engine lid were also made from aluminum, which made them easy to remove for servicing. The car was fitted with only the bare essentials, which helped keep its weight to a minimum.
The Porsche 356 A Carrera GT Speedster is a remarkable machine, and it remains one of the most iconic cars of its era. Its unique design, innovative technology, and exceptional performance make it a true classic. Even today, the Carrera GT Speedster commands a loyal following of enthusiasts who appreciate its timeless style and thrilling performance.
Milestones
- The first Porsche 356 A Carrera GT Speedster was produced in 1956 - In 1958, production of the Carrera GT engine was stopped due to difficulties in meeting emissions standards - In 1959, the last year of production for the 356 A Carrera GT Speedster, 195 units were produced - The 1959 model featured a four-cam engine, a removable windshield, and a racing-inspired leather strap for the hood. - The Speedster was the most lightweight and affordable member of the 356 family at the time, making it a popular choice for racing enthusiasts - In 2005, a 1959 Porsche 356 A Carrera GT Speedster sold at auction for over $1.7 million, a testament to its enduring desirability among collectors.Technical
- Engine: air-cooled, 4-cylinder, horizontally opposed, 1.6-liter displacement - Power output: 130 horsepower at 6,200 rpm - Transmission: 4-speed manual - Top speed: 125 mph (estimated) - Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds - Suspension: independent front and rear with torsion bars, telescopic dampers, and anti-roll bars - Brakes: 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with dual circuit hydraulic system - Steering: rack-and-pinion - Wheels: steel wheels with chrome hubcaps - Tires: 185/70R15 - Body style: open-top speedster with removable windshield and side curtains - Weight: 1,190 kg (2,624 lbs) - Length: 3,870 mm (152.4 in) - Width: 1,670 mm (65.7 in) - Height: 1,270 mm (50 in) - Wheelbase: 2,160 mm (85 in) - Fuel capacity: 55 liters (14.5 gallons) - Production years: 1955-1959 - Production quantity: approximately 80 Carrera GT Speedsters were built (exact number is unknown)
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