Pre-A to 356 A Differences

linky no worky for me.

the difference between the 356 and 356 A ......... 

The  " A" is a Canadian Model....  lol

Bill,

Go to the top of this page, click on "resources", then "knowledge base", then "Porsche Pre-A to A Model Changes"

That should do it.

Excellent reference Gordon.  Thank you.  If I ever do another 356 it will be a Pre-A Outlaw.  This will come in handy.  I'm not a stickler for authenticity but would like to get major cosmetic differences correct.

Phil

My IM6 under construction will be a Pre-A outlaw build.  The differences aren't all that great, but the details make the Pre-A a little more interesting.  Although Gordon has identified the small gauge between the two large ones as a clock (at least, that's how I read it), that gauge is the oil temperature gauge.  Then there are the three small vertical 'idiot' warning lights.

http://intermeccanica.com/athi...cles/speedster-pre-a

Here's another excellent source for 356 minutiae.

http://derwhites356literature.com/

Bob

Does the Pre-A have a gas gauge?  

Congrats on acquiring the ultimate in speedster replica engineering.  I have ridden in one IM6 and it was breathtaking.  Handling and brakes are as impressive as the power.  Currently have the least impressive water cooled with the 120hp 2.0 vw/audi and the 914 front suspension bits.  Hope to have the cash to spring for the 6 but I think the 170hp suby with the same 914 front suspension would be just fine.  Please provide pictures and info when you receive your BEAST.

Phil

No gas gauge.  I don't need no stinkin' gauges...

Actually, there is a 'low fuel warning light' as part of the three vertical idiot lights.  The light can be set to come on at any level you choose.

Yes, I'm looking forward to driving this car.

^ I am looking forward to seeing it! 

Interestingly enough, Bob is absolutely right about a mistake I made on the Pre-A dash description.  Yes, there are just two big gauges, with a smaller unit in-between at the top which I described as a clock, which is what it looks like from ten feet away.

In fact, it is an oil temperature gauge which has two, opposing arms on the same shaft - one arm for Celsius and the other in Fahrenheit.

Here are a couple of dimensioned photos for you, Bob.  Happy New Year..... 

Is it me or are the two big gauges off kilter?

It's a hand-built car by German Craftsmen.

Give "Hans und Fritz" a break........

Gordon.

You old Kraut you.  Thanks for the shots of the Pre-A dash.  You've given me a nice idea for my build.

Bob - Glad to help.  That was an easy project to do, and it's been interesting to see how many differences there were, often among different cars being assembled at more-or-less the same time.

Hard to believe, but just in my little town there is a '55 Speedster, a '58 Speedster, a '58 Coupe, '65 Cabriolet and a '63 coupe and my Speedster Replica.  I often see the '55 Pre-A, but never see the others, even at club events.  

I guess they're sleeping...

And there are still "Barn Finds" out there.  Someone in the local club who is also an Antiques dealer found one here in New England in the pat year or so; a "B" Coupe with a ratty (literally) interior and 90% light surface rust.  He had a new interior installed and did the usual resuscitation on the engine (which was not pulled) and drove off.  Here is the car at one of the club events: