1956-1957
The short-lived 1.3-litre 356A was also offered in Super form. Raising the compression ratio from 6.5:1 to 7.5:1 led to a useful increase in power from 44 to 60bhp. This had a dramatic impact on performance, with the 0-62mph time being cut from 22 to 17 seconds.
Specification
Engine: Rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-four with two Solex 32 PBIC (or 40 PICB) downdraft carburettors
Capacity: 1290cc
Compression ratio: 7.5:1
Bore and stroke: 74.5x74mm
Maximum power: 44bhp at 4200rpm
Maximum torque: 81Nm at 2800rpm
Transmission: Four speed manual driving the rear axle
Brakes: Front: 280x40mm drums; rear: 280x40mm drums
Suspension: Front: Two swinging arms with two transverse torsion bar springs, telescopic dampers and anti-roll bar; Rear: Swing axles with torsion bar springs and telescopic dampers
Wheels & tyres: Front: 4.5Jx15 with 5.90/15 tyres 4.5Jx15 with 5.90/15 tyres
Length: 3950mm
Width 1670mm
Weight: 850kg
0-62mph: 17sec
Top speed: 99mph
Variations
The 356A 1300 Super was offered in Coupe and Cabriolet forms.
