Overview

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.

How to Spot

Smooth open bodyshell. Bumpers closely fitted to body with no overriders. Split windscreen with thin, angular frame. Simple hood arrangement.

Specification

Capacity: 1488cc

Compression ratio: 7:1

Maximum Power: 70bhp @ 5000rpm

Maximum Torque: 108Nm @ 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

Did you know?

0-60mph: 10.0 sec Top speed: 112mph

No one is quite sure how many American Roadsters were made, estimates vary from 16 and 21 cars, and it is thought that one had a steel body.