Pulling the latest victim from its longterm residence. This 356A has reportedly been apart since the 1970s, when a restoration was kinda started. One that never really occurred. Fortunately, it turned out to be complete and the late owners family was remarkably kind. So, I spent a few weeks reassembling the car with a new brake system, freshened up engine, and with as many of the original components as I could find.
Hauling the associated parts and extras. One of many loads.
Here is the Hirth crankshaft. Used for only two years in the 1300, 1500, and eventually 1600 Super engines. Famously unreliable, this one was found in the corner of the garage, and is destined for life as a workshop ornament.
An alternative to the traditional cross-hatch. Dimpled chrome cylinder liners. Designed to work with cast iron rings only, in theory the micro dimples help reduce friction and lubricate the piston skirts by retaining a small quantity of oil.
A menagerie of stampings. Quality, grade, size, orientation, date??? Someone out there knows.
We freshened up the heads with a new set of guides and a valve job. The heads wore matching date stamping in the rocker galley. One interesting item for these early S engines are the 40mm Solex PICB (or, PCIB) carburetors. They are similar to their smaller counterparts, the 32 and 34. However, these utilize the same casting left or right and the early Supers have a small recess in the passenger side cooling shroud to accommodate the inward-facing accelerator pump linkage.
Cylinder, head, oil cooler, valvetrain, etc, are all coming back together. Note the front crankshaft seal with a 5-bolt flange.
Closer.
Installed and looking aged.
Grey leather. Much of the upholstery appears original, and all of the date codes on the seat hinges and gauges match the build date.
Aquamarine Metallic Blue is the factory color indicated on the Kardex. The body shows to have been repainted at least once, and in a darker metallic blue.
I’m quite excited to see this car come together, and it has proven to be a helpful resource for others restoring these early 356As.