1952 Porsche 356 America Roadster
Quick Specs
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1.5-liter Flat-4
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70 hp.
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110 mph.
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17; this is the only one built with a steel body.
The Broken Egg Before The Omelette
The America Roadster was Porsche’s response to dealers Max Hoffman and John von Neumann’s request for a pared-down 356 for racing. It had a lightweight aluminum body built by coachbuilder Heuer-Gläser, a top-spec engine, and a no-frills interior. Construction was time-consuming and expensive, however. To save on material costs, Porsche experimented with using steel in place of aluminum. The car on display, one of just 17 America Roadsters ever manufactured, is the only one with a steel body. After its completion, Heuer-Gläser went bankrupt and Porsche reworked the concept into the Speedster, which was released to great success in 1954.
Collection of Chip Perry
This Vehicle featured in ‘We Are Porsche’ Exhibit
1952 Porsche 356 America Roadster Gallery
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