1956–1959 Porsche 356 A 1600 Super Cabriolet Specs & Performance

The Porsche 356 A 1600 Super Cabriolet offered open-air motoring with a more refined character than the stripped-back Speedster. Its folding roof and carefully rounded bodywork preserved the elegant proportions of Porsche’s early sports cars, while the Super designation marked it out as the stronger-engined version of the standard 1600 Cabriolet. Rather than pursuing dramatic visual changes, Porsche focused on making the car more capable through its mechanical specification. The result was a convertible suited to drivers who wanted classic sports-car character alongside the comfort of a more conventional touring car.

For the 1956–1959 range, the Super Cabriolet used a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre flat-four producing 74 hp and 86 lb-ft of torque. Its four-speed manual gearbox gave the driver direct control, while the rear-mounted engine powered the rear wheels. This combination distinguished the Super from the regular 1600 Cabriolet without changing the model’s essential character. The appeal lay in its stronger performance and open-top versatility, making it a well-rounded member of the early 356 family.