# Porsche 356 A: factory option codes and prices (1956–1959)

> The 356 A, with a curved one-piece windscreen, 1.6-litre engines and the four-cam Carrera.

- Web page: https://www.retroconfigurator.com/wiki/356_a
- Structured data (JSON): https://www.retroconfigurator.com/data/agent/generations/356_a.json
- US model years: 1956–1959
- 11 trims, 61 options

## How to read this page

- Prices are US list prices in the dollars of that model year.
- "Not sourced" means the option was offered but no source for its price has been found. It does not mean free.
- A code of `none` means the factory code is not documented. Name the option instead of supplying a code.
- The same code can mean different things in different generations.
- "(assumed)" marks availability that is inferred: the option is documented in other model years of the same phase of the generation, or on the trim this one derives from, and is assumed here.

## Background

The 356 A replaced the original 356 in October 1955 and was sold in the US for the 1956 to 1959 model years. A curved one-piece windscreen replaced the bent screen, wheel diameter fell from 16 to 15 inches, and the dashboard was revised. It was the first 356 for which Porsche used model years.

The pushrod flat-four grew to 1.6 litres, in standard 1600 and higher-output 1600 Super form. The Carrera used the 1.5-litre Type 547 engine, with two overhead camshafts per cylinder bank, developed for the 550 Spyder racing car. All versions used a four-speed manual gearbox.

The body styles were the coupé, the cabriolet, which could be fitted with a removable hardtop from 1958, and the Speedster. The Speedster was replaced for 1959 by the Convertible D, named for the coachbuilder Drauz, which had a taller windscreen and roll-up side windows. Reutter continued to build the coupé and cabriolet bodies.

## Trims

| Trim | Model years | Base price by year | Detail |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 356 A 1600 Coupe | 1956–1959 | 1956–1959: $3,665 | https://www.retroconfigurator.com/wiki/356_a/356_a_1600_coupe.md |
| 356 A 1600 Super Coupe | 1956–1959 | 1956–1958: Not sourced; 1959: $4,115 | https://www.retroconfigurator.com/wiki/356_a/356_a_1600_super_coupe.md |
| 356 A 1600 Cabriolet | 1956–1959 | 1956–1957: $3,910; 1958: $3,900; 1959: $3,915 | https://www.retroconfigurator.com/wiki/356_a/356_a_1600_cabriolet.md |
| 356 A 1600 Super Cabriolet | 1956–1959 | 1956–1958: Not sourced; 1959: $4,365 | https://www.retroconfigurator.com/wiki/356_a/356_a_1600_super_cabriolet.md |
| 356 A 1600 Speedster | 1956–1958 | 1956: $3,210; 1957: $3,215; 1958: $3,200 | https://www.retroconfigurator.com/wiki/356_a/356_a_1600_speedster.md |
| 356 A 1600 Super Speedster | 1956–1958 | 1956–1958: Not sourced | https://www.retroconfigurator.com/wiki/356_a/356_a_1600_super_speedster.md |
| 356 A 1600 Convertible D | 1959 | 1959: $3,581 | https://www.retroconfigurator.com/wiki/356_a/356_a_1600_convertible_d.md |
| 356 A 1600 Super Convertible D | 1959 | 1959: $4,031 | https://www.retroconfigurator.com/wiki/356_a/356_a_1600_super_convertible_d.md |
| 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe | 1956–1959 | 1956: $5,665; 1957: Not sourced; 1958: $5,700; 1959: Not sourced | https://www.retroconfigurator.com/wiki/356_a/356_a_carrera_1500_gs_coupe.md |
| 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet | 1956–1959 | 1956–1958: $5,900; 1959: Not sourced | https://www.retroconfigurator.com/wiki/356_a/356_a_carrera_1500_gs_cabriolet.md |
| 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1958 | 1956–1958: $5,200 | https://www.retroconfigurator.com/wiki/356_a/356_a_carrera_1500_gs_speedster.md |

## Options

### Performance & Sound

| Code | Option | Trims | Years | US price |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| none | 80-litre (21 US gal) fuel tank | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |

### Chassis & Brakes

| Code | Option | Trims | Years | US price |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| none | Koni shock absorbers, set of four | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |

### Exterior Design

| Code | Option | Trims | Years | US price |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| none | Outside rear-view mirror, left | All except 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Steel sliding sunroof, manually operated (Golde) | 356 A 1600 Coupe, 356 A 1600 Super Coupe | 1956–1959 | Not sourced |
| none | Steel sliding sunroof, electrically operated (Golde) | 356 A 1600 Coupe, 356 A 1600 Super Coupe | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Luggage rack, silver finish | All except 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Luggage rack, body colour | All except 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Luggage rack, chrome-plated | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Chrome side trim strips | All except 356 A 1600 Convertible D, 356 A 1600 Super Convertible D, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Supplementary plexiglass side windows for draught-free ventilation | All except 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Wind wings (coupe) | 356 A 1600 Coupe, 356 A 1600 Super Coupe | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Reinforced US-type bumpers | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Chrome-plated bumpers | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Zip-on tonneau cover | 356 A 1600 Cabriolet, 356 A 1600 Super Cabriolet, 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Plastic cover for the folded top | 356 A 1600 Cabriolet, 356 A 1600 Super Cabriolet, 356 A 1600 Convertible D, 356 A 1600 Super Convertible D | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Additional soft top (cabriolet) | 356 A 1600 Cabriolet, 356 A 1600 Super Cabriolet | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Removable steel hardtop (cabriolet) | 356 A 1600 Cabriolet, 356 A 1600 Super Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Electric windshield washer | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Leather bonnet straps, pair | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |

### Lighting

| Code | Option | Trims | Years | US price |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| none | Fog lamps, pair (bumper- or body-mounted) | All except 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Removable headlight grilles | All except 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Chrome headlight hoods | All except 356 A 1600 Convertible D, 356 A 1600 Super Convertible D, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1958 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |

### Seats

| Code | Option | Trims | Years | US price |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| none | Headrests (leather, leatherette or corduroy) | All except 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Front bench seat with divided, reclining backrests | 356 A 1600 Coupe, 356 A 1600 Super Coupe, 356 A 1600 Cabriolet, 356 A 1600 Super Cabriolet | 1956–1959 | Not sourced |
| none | Reclining mechanism for the standard seats | 356 A 1600 Coupe, 356 A 1600 Super Coupe, 356 A 1600 Cabriolet, 356 A 1600 Super Cabriolet | 1956 | Not sourced |
| none | Reclining seats, pair (Convertible D) | 356 A 1600 Convertible D, 356 A 1600 Super Convertible D | 1959 | Not sourced |
| none | Bucket seat (Convertible D) | 356 A 1600 Convertible D, 356 A 1600 Super Convertible D | 1959 | Not sourced |
| none | Coupe-type seats for the Speedster | 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster | 1956–1958 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Foam-filled driver's seat cushion (Speedster) | 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster | 1956–1958 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Safety belt, one seat | All except 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |

### Comfort & Assistance

| Code | Option | Trims | Years | US price |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| none | Clock in glove-compartment lid | All except 356 A 1600 Convertible D, 356 A 1600 Super Convertible D, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1958 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Electric clock in centre of dashboard | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Eberspaecher B2 gasoline auxiliary heater | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Extended steering column | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Anti-theft switch under dashboard | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Inside anti-glare mirror | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Cigarette lighter (Convertible D) | 356 A 1600 Convertible D, 356 A 1600 Super Convertible D | 1959 | Not sourced |
| none | Ashtray under dashboard (Convertible D) | 356 A 1600 Convertible D, 356 A 1600 Super Convertible D | 1959 | Not sourced |

### Infotainment & Audio

| Code | Option | Trims | Years | US price |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| none | Radio with two speakers | All except 356 A 1600 Convertible D, 356 A 1600 Super Convertible D, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1958 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Blaupunkt Bremen AM/long-wave radio | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Blaupunkt Stuttgart AM/long-wave/short-wave radio | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Blaupunkt Frankfurt AM/FM/long-wave push-button radio | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Blaupunkt Koeln AM/FM/long-wave automatic-tuning radio | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Becker Europa AM push-button radio | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Becker Europa AM/FM push-button radio | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Becker Mexico AM/FM automatic-tuning radio | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Retractable antenna, hand-cranked | All except 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Electric antenna | All except 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |

### Interior Personalisation

| Code | Option | Trims | Years | US price |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| none | VDM wood-rim steering wheel | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Small-diameter steering wheel (15.75 in) | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Coco floor mats | All except 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Sun visor with vanity mirror | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Full leather upholstery (coupe) | 356 A 1600 Coupe, 356 A 1600 Super Coupe | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Full leather upholstery (cabriolet) | 356 A 1600 Cabriolet, 356 A 1600 Super Cabriolet | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Armrests (leather or leatherette) | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Fitted leather luggage set (two or three pieces) | 356 A 1600 Coupe, 356 A 1600 Super Coupe, 356 A 1600 Cabriolet, 356 A 1600 Super Cabriolet | 1956–1959 | Not sourced |
| none | Leather case behind the rear seat | 356 A 1600 Coupe, 356 A 1600 Super Coupe, 356 A 1600 Cabriolet, 356 A 1600 Super Cabriolet | 1956–1959 | Not sourced |
| none | Luggage for the front compartment (canvas bag or leather case) | All except 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Luggage straps for the luggage space | All except 356 A 1600 Speedster, 356 A 1600 Super Speedster, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Coupe, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolet, 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster | 1956–1959 (assumed for some) | Not sourced |
| none | Rubber-cushion luggage support (Convertible D) | 356 A 1600 Convertible D, 356 A 1600 Super Convertible D | 1959 | Not sourced |
| none | Plastic suitcase over the tunnel (Convertible D) | 356 A 1600 Convertible D, 356 A 1600 Super Convertible D | 1959 | Not sourced |

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Contains information from RetroConfigurator (retroconfigurator.com), made available under the Open Database License (ODbL). License: https://www.retroconfigurator.com/data-license

Historical figures compiled from public sources, provided as-is without warranty and not for purchase or valuation decisions. RetroConfigurator is an independent project, not affiliated with Porsche AG.