1960
Porsche commissioned a small number of lightweight 356B racecars from Abarth, the Turin-based racing specialist.
The restyled bodywork was made from aluminium and sleeker and more aerodynamic than the standard 356. The interior was stripped out to save weight, too.
The GTL was powered by an uprated 1600 engine with double overhead cams. Three versions were offered, producing 115bhp, 128bhp and 135bhp – the power differences were mainly down to the exhaust system.
Just 21 examples were built and sold to wealthy customers.
Specification
Engine: Rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-four with two Weber 40 DCM 2 twin-choke downdraft carburettors
Capacity: 1582cc
Compression ratio: 7.5:1
Bore and stroke: 87.5x66mm
Maximum power: 115bhp at 6500rpm (standard), 128bhp at 6700rpm (sports), 135bhp at 7400rpm (Sebring)
Maximum torque: 135Nm at 5500rpm (standard), 139Nm at 6000rpm (sports), 148Nm at 5800rpm (Sebring)
Transmission: Four speed manual driving the rear axle
Brakes: Front: 280x60mm drums; rear: 280x40mm drums
Suspension: Front: Two swinging arms with two transvers torsion bar springs, telescopic dampers and anti-roll bar; Rear: Swing axles with radius arms, two torsion bar springs and telescopic dampers. Compensating spring.
Wheels & tyres: Front: 4.5Jx15 with 5.90/15 tyres 4.5Jx15 with 5.90/15 tyres (optional radial tyres: 165R/15)
Length: 3980mm
Width 1550mm
Weight: 845kg
0-60mph: 8.8 sec (Sebring)
Top speed: 138mph (Sebring)
Variations
Three exhaust systems were offered – standard, sports and Sebring, which dictated the power output.
