Porsche 356 1500

1952
In 1952, the 356 was updated with a new, single-piece windscreen, larger front bonnet handle and rubber-inlaid bumpers. Inside, there were new, green-digited instruments and a speedometer was now standard.

Also new this year was the option of a larger 1500cc engine that lifted power to 60bhp. This was a lot of power and the German magazine, auto motor und sport, wrote that “Its driving performances lie in regions which are available to only a small proportion of drivers.” This was, after all, one of the few cars of the day that could exceed 100mph.

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: 60bhp at 5000rpm
Maximum torque: 102Nm at 3000rpm
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: 770kg
0-60mph: 15.5 sec
Top speed: 105mph

Variations
Coupe and Cabriolet versions were offered