Porsche 356 1500 America Roadster

1952-1953

This limited edition 356 was built exclusively for the US market and featured a lightweight aluminium bodyshell and simple hood and seats. In some ways, it drew styling inspiration of the very first 356 of 1948.

The combination of lightweight and a 70bhp engine made this rare car a lot of fun to drive.

Specification
Engine: Rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-four with two Solex 40 PBIC downdraft carburettors
Capacity: 1488cc
Compression ratio: 7.0:1
Bore and stroke: 80x74mm
Maximum power: 70bhp at 5000rpm
Maximum torque: 108Nm at 3600rpm
Brakes: Front: 230x30mm drums; rear: 230x30mm drums
Suspension: Front: Front: Double parallel arms with torsion bar springs, telescopic dampers and anti-roll bar; Rear: Swing axles with torsion bar springs and telescopic dampers
Wheels & tyres: Front: 30Dx16 with 5.00/16 tyres 30Dx16 with 5.00/16 tyres
Length: 3850mm
Width 1660mm
Weight: 605kg
0-60mph: 10.0 sec
Top speed: 112mph