Help Please Difference between 56-59 and B cars externally

curbo · Post by **curbo** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 4:57 pm

Guys
Could somebody explain the external visual differences between a 1956-1959 A 356 and the later B cars, is it just the front end or is there more. I do not need to know internal or engine specs just the outside apperance between the 2 cars
many thanks

Lightweight_911 · Post by **Lightweight_911** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 5:14 pm

When compared to the earlier 356A, the B models have:

- larger/higher F&R bumpers
- higher headlamps
- bigger chrome bonnet 'handle'
- front opening quarterlight windows

+ lots more

curbo · Post by **curbo** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 5:24 pm

trying to figure if its possible to clip a 56-59A onto a B and have a good result?

cubist · Post by **cubist** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 7:26 pm

It will fit as they share bonnets and will look as good as any A (gorgeous...).
Early A's also have small round beehive rear lenses - larger than pre A - and two different depths of glass or plastic. My late '55/early '56 has the flatter, darker red glass lenses...

I have better pics but like this one! Hi-po 912 being built to replace the blitzed original case, though this is being remachined at the moment to maintain 'matching numbers' nerdiness. Pope's nose is cut down from a '55 oval but it should have shine down chrominess, which changed at some point to shine-up for later As and then Bs

louis356 · Post by **louis356** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 9:45 pm

the one for sale on here is a T6 'B' not a T5 there are BIG differences between the two!

curbo · Post by **curbo** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 10:03 pm

so best to hold out for a 56-59 car?

louis356 · Post by **louis356** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 9:00 am

Yes, T6 is way different in looks and proportions. Hang out for a T5 b and you can do the 'look' you're after.

louis356 · Post by **louis356** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 9:03 am

cubist wrote:

Cubist your car has done a wee on the floor, BAD BOY!! you should train it better. no treats for a week! Rub it's popes nose in it and chuck it at the back door.

curbo · Post by **curbo** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 9:10 am

Thankyou Louis, how excatly is a T5B identified?

louis356 · Post by **louis356** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 9:18 am

Best way is the bonnet on a T6 is square and the T5 is round. and the rear lid has 2 grills on and the T5 has one.

curbo · Post by **curbo** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 9:51 am

excellent thank you

cubist · Post by **cubist** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 10:22 am

The T6 is a desperately ugly bugger when parked up next to an A or early B... square hood, those bullock nose vents - Ugh!

louis356 · Post by **louis356** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 2:22 pm

Oi! watch it!

although I agree, don't tell my car!!

cubist · Post by **cubist** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 2:33 pm

As with type 1 split to oval and then oval to later larger rear window, there have been a few As and early Bs updated with later front panels at the owners request after accident damage etc

Beyond me why though!

Post by **Bootsy** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 2:38 pm

cubist wrote:The T6 is a desperately ugly bugger when parked up next to an A or early B... square hood, those bullock nose vents - Ugh!

Although I prefer an A I actually prefer a T6 B over a T5 B - not sure why but never bonded with the T5 with it's round bonnet.