This 1952 Glockler- Porsche Weidenhausen roadster was built by Walter Glockler, a Frankfort Porsche dealer, to campaign the 1952 German Sports Car Championship (under 1.5 liter formula). Driven by Helm Glockler, the car collected three wins on its way to the season’s title. At season’s end, Max Hoffman (the patron saint of importing cool cars to the U.S.) brought the car stateside. Sharing the driving with Johnny Von Newmann, the car was campaigned on both coasts.
This car is considered to be the forerunner of the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder, the first two of which also wear Weidenhausen aluminum bodies. Weighing in at 1,113 pounds, the Glockler weighed barely half as much as a stock 356 upon which it is based.
The car has participated reliably and competitively at events in Pebble Beach, Villa D’ Este, Goodwood, Monterey, Amelia Island, the Quail, the Rennsport Reunion, The Porsche Parade, Concourse on the Avenue and the Legends of Autobahn Classic.
Overview
- Production Year: 1952
- Designer/Builder: Walter Glöckler
- Manufacturer: Porsche (Collaboration)
- Class: Sports car / Racing car
- Body Style: Two-seat open-top roadster
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The Glockler Porsche Roadster was powered by a Porsche flat-four engine, similar to the one used in the Porsche 356.
- The engine displacement was around 1.1 to 1.5 liters, depending on the specific variant.
- It featured overhead valves and produced approximately 70 to 85 horsepower, which was substantial for a lightweight racing car of its time.
- Transmission:
- The car utilized a 4-speed manual gearbox, providing the driver with precise control over the power delivery.
- Chassis:
- The chassis was a tubular space frame design, offering rigidity and lightness, crucial for competitive racing.
- Suspension:
- The suspension system was designed to offer excellent handling and stability, with independent front suspension and a swing axle at the rear.
- Brakes:
- Drum brakes were fitted on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power for the car’s performance capabilities.
Performance
- Top Speed: The Glockler Porsche Roadster could achieve a top speed of around 120 mph (193 km/h), impressive for a small-displacement racing car of its era.
- Acceleration: Thanks to its lightweight construction and efficient engine, the car could accelerate rapidly, making it competitive in various racing events.
- Handling: The combination of a lightweight chassis, well-tuned suspension, and low center of gravity resulted in excellent handling and agility, making it highly effective on winding race tracks.
Design Features
- Bodywork:
- The roadster featured a sleek, aerodynamic body crafted from lightweight materials such as aluminum.
- Its design emphasized minimalism and functionality, with smooth curves, a low profile, and an open cockpit for reduced weight and enhanced driver visibility.
- Interior:
- The interior was purpose-built for racing, featuring a simple, spartan layout with essential instrumentation and controls.
- Bucket seats provided support during high-speed cornering, and all unnecessary elements were omitted to save weight.
- Aerodynamics:
- The car's body was designed with aerodynamics in mind, aiming to minimize drag and maximize speed on the racetrack.
Legacy and Historical Significance
- Historical Significance:
- The 1952 Glockler Porsche Roadster is historically significant as one of the earliest examples of a collaborative effort that led to the development of Porsche’s iconic sports cars.
- It showcased innovative engineering and design principles that would later influence the development of the Porsche 550 Spyder and other successful Porsche models.
- Cultural Impact:
- The car played a key role in establishing Porsche’s reputation in motorsport, demonstrating the potential of small, lightweight, and agile racing cars.
- It contributed to the legacy of privateer racers and builders who pushed the boundaries of automotive performance and design.
You may purchase a print of the 1952 Glockler Porsche Roadster in our dElegance 2013 online gallery.
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