1957 Porsche 356 Speedster

356 Speedster image

The descriptions of the Classic Cars in the Directory were partly generated or supplemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The content may occasionally not always be entirely accurate or factually correct despite careful checking.

The Porsche 356 Speedster 1957 was a sports car that was produced by Porsche from 1954 until 1958. It was created primarily for the American market, and as such, it was designed to be smaller, lighter, and less expensive than the standard 356 models. The Speedster was designed with stripped-down features that were meant to appeal to racing enthusiasts who wanted a car that was focused on pure speed and performance.

The 1957 Speedster boasted a unique and innovative design that introduced several new features to the Porsche lineup. It featured a low, flat windshield that could be removed for racing, along with a simple and lightweight folding top that could be easily removed for a convertible driving experience. The minimalistic design also included bucket seats that were flatter and lower than the standard 356 seats, which helped lower the car's center of gravity and improve its handling.

Under the hood, the 1957 Speedster was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 60 horsepower. This was an improvement over the previous year's model and gave the car a top speed of around 100 miles per hour. The engine was paired with a four-speed manual transmission that delivered precise and responsive gear changes.

The suspension on the 1957 Speedster was composed of a unique swing axle setup that was designed to increase stability and handling. The car also had four-wheel drum brakes that provided adequate stopping power.

In terms of aesthetics, the 1957 Speedster was a stunning car that was available in a range of eye-catching colors. The car's sleek and minimalistic design was enhanced by its distinctive body lines and curves. The interior was also well-appointed with high-quality materials and minimalistic instrumentation that added to the car's racing-inspired aesthetic.

Overall, the Porsche 356 Speedster 1957 was a technically impressive car that was designed with a singular focus on performance and speed. Its unique design and innovative features helped set the standard for future Porsche models and ensured its place in automotive history.

Milestones

Here are the key milestones of Porsche 356 Speedster 1957:
  • Introduced as a lighter, more affordable version of the Porsche 356 model in 1954
  • Redesigned in 1956 with a lower, raked windshield and more minimalist interior
  • 1957 model year saw the addition of a 1.6-liter engine producing 60 horsepower
  • Lightweight construction and sporty handling made it popular for racing and rallying
  • Only 1,171 Speedsters were produced in 1957, making it a rare and desirable classic car today
  • The car was featured in the 1958 movie "Top Gun" with the character played by Tom Cruise driving a replica
  • The Speedster is often credited with bringing Porsche to the attention of American buyers and establishing the brand's reputation for high-performance sports cars.


Technical

- Engine Type: Rear-engine, air-cooled, horizontally opposed four-cylinder
  • Engine Capacity: 1.6 liter (1,582 cc)
  • Max Power Output: 59 kW (80 hp) at 5,000 rpm
  • Max Torque: 119 Nm (88 lb-ft) at 3,500 rpm
  • Fuel System: Dual Solex 40 PII-4 carburetors
  • Transmission: Four-speed manual synchromesh
  • Chassis Type: Steel ladder-type frame with front and rear suspensions
  • Suspension: Independent front suspension with torsion bars and telescopic shock absorbers, trailing-arm rear suspension
  • Brakes: 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes
  • Steering: Worm and lever
  • Top Speed: 174 km/h (108 mph)
  • Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 11 seconds (approx.)
  • Dimensions: Length 3,910 mm (153.9 in), Width 1,650 mm (65 in), Height 1,250 mm (49.2 in)
  • Curb Weight: 830 kg (1,830 lb)
  • Production Years: 1954-1958 (Speedster model produced from 1954-1957)
  • Production Numbers: Approximately 7,000 total 356s produced between 1954-1958, with an estimated 1,500 Speedsters produced from 1954-1957.
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