1964-1965
The final incarnation of the entry-level 356 was 356C. This used essentially the same bodyshell as the previous model. The 1.6-litre overhead valve engine was uprated to produce a modest but useful 75bhp.
For the first time, all-round disc brakes were standard on the 356, while the suspension was revised with a thicker front antiroll bar and softer rear torsion bars.
Inside, the dashboard was restyled and switchgear located better.
Specification
Engine: Rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-four with two Zenith 32 NDIX twin-choke downdraft carburettors
Capacity: 1582cc
Compression ratio: 8.5:1
Bore and stroke: 82.5x74mm
Maximum power: 75bhp at 5200rpm
Maximum torque: 123Nm at 3600rpm
Transmission: Four speed manual driving the rear axle
Brakes: Front: 274.5×10.5mm discs; rear: 285x10mm discs
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
Wheels & tyres: Front: 4.5Jx15 with 5.60/15 tyres 4.5Jx15 with 5.60/15 tyres
Length: 4010mm
Width 1670mm
Weight: 935kg
0-60mph: 14.0sec
Top speed: 108mph
Variations
The 356C 1600 was offered in Coupe, Cabriolet and Hardtop/Cabriolet (Cabriolet with a removable hardtop) forms.
