Page 14 - Porsche Decades sample pages

Porsche was the relatively short service life and occasionally spectacular failures of the Hirth crankshaft. In April 1952, Porsche changed from the earlier split-window to a more conventional but slightly v-shaped, one-piece windshield.
The 356 itself was constantly being improved and developed in all of its mechanical and cosmetic features. The 1500 Super engine powered an important offshoot from the 356 Cabriolet, known as the America Roadster. Body builder Eric Heuer’s firm was the fabricator for this small series of stripped-down, roadster-style aluminum body 356s. Heuer also built some standard Cabriolet bodies but they were unable to build the bodies to the required price. The cars were very expensive at $4,600 and only sixteen America Roadsters were built with eleven thought to survive. Intended for competition rather than daily use, several raced successfully in the United States.
RIGHT: Ferry Porsche with a group of 356s in 1954.
BOTTOM: Cutaway drawing shows details of the engine placement,
drivetrain and chassis of the 356 (later body style).
1950s
PORSCHE POINTS
tThe first Porsche club was founded in 1952 near Essen. The chapter is now known as Porsche Club Westfalen (aka Westphalia). There are now over 700 clubs around the world, in 86 countries and with nearly 250,000 members.
PORSCHE DECADES 1950s
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