Porsche 356 1500 ~ 1952-1955

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.

 

 

• Rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-four with two Solex downdraft carburettors

 

Capacity: cc

Compression ratio: 1488:1

 

Maximum Power: 60bhp @ 5000rpm

 

Brakes: Front: drums; rear: drums

 

Suspension: Front: Double trailing arms with torsion bar springs, telescopic dampers and anti-roll bar; Rear: Swing axles with torsion bar springs and telescopic dampers

 

Wheels: Front: 16”. Rear: 16” tyres

 

Length: 3950mm

 

Width: 1660mm

 

Weight: >830kg

Top speed: 104mph (one of the few cars of its day to exceed 100 mph)