FOUR SCORE
A major step in the continuation of Porsche’s iconic four-cylinder boxer engine was the decision to replace the unit’s Volkswagen-sourced crankcase with a new design. This took place at the end of 1954, resulting in a three-piece case with a much larger oil sump, all made from aluminium. The new design took into consideration the need to continually increase engine capacity and was a key part of 356 A’s launch in late 1955, which is where the second part of our look at the flat-four’s development begins.
Two versions of the old 1.3-litre engine were carried over, powering the 1300 A and 1300 Super. The former, loaded with the Type 506, made 42bhp, while the latter, powered by the Type 589, produced up to 59bhp. The 1.1-litre option was dropped completely, while the famed ‘Fuhrmann’ engine (with its complicated double overhead camshafts design) was offered in the series production 356 A in 1.5-litre Type 547 guise, providing the 356 Carrera GS with
