autonews: 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GS Speedster

1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GS Speedster

The Porsche 356 Carrera Speedster

Originally introduced at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 356 Carrera was the first edition of Porsche’s long-running prestige performance car, featuring a special race-bred engine in development since 1952. Dr. Ernst Fuhrmann was tasked with determining just how much power the classic Porsche flat-four motor could develop, and in this pursuit he made some fundamental engineering adjustments over the basic pushrod engine. These modifications included the addition of twin ignition, two twin-throat carburetors, dry-sump lubrication, and dual-cam valve actuation.

Tested at various races during development, the high-performance dual-cam engine was also evaluated by Porsche staff in their personal 356 examples, even though the motor was originally positioned for use in the 550 Spyder racecars. Eventually determining that the 356-based road car was the most opportune platform for the Type 547/1 engine, Porsche used the Frankfurt show to debut the Carrera, which was named for the famously grueling Mexican road race at which Porsche had dominated the 2-liter class.

While the Carrera was available in coupe and convertible bodystyles, the open Speedster variant offered the sportiest and most dramatic packaging for the powerful drivetrain. Overwhelmingly successful in privateer competition, the Porsche Carrera Speedster was only built in a modest quantity of 151 examples from 1955 to 1959, and the model has evolved into one of Porsche’s most important and desirable early road cars.

1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GS Speedster

The Motorcar Offered

Boasting a well-preserved 1990s restoration and identity as one of the rare Porsche 356A Carrera Speedsters, this car is a preeminent example of Stuttgart’s powerful flagship model. According the cars Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity, chassis no. 82243 was specified as a Carrera 1500 GT with instruments in miles, though given the 1956 production date it is more likely that the car was built with GS trim specifications. Completed on May 30, 1956, the 356 was equipped with sealed-beam headlamps and Dunlop tires, and cosmetically finished with striking Aquamarine Blue Metallic paint over a beige leatherette interior.

By the mid-1970s the Speedster had come into the care of Jeff Mohr, and in 1978 it passed to Arnie Schmidt, who retained possession for 16 years. It is believed that 82243 received a majority of its restoration during this period, including the current repaint in black. In 1994 the Porsche Carrera was purchased by Steve Johns of Scottsdale, Arizona, and he sold it three years later to Jeffrey Mamorsky of New York City. Soon passing through dealers European Collectibles in Costa Mesa, California, and Motor Classic and Competition Corp. in Bedford Hills, New York, the Porsche received some major mechanical work, including an engine rebuild that reportedly included installation of 550 Spyder camshafts. It should be noted that the original engine and gearbox were substituted at some point, though the current motor is stamped as a Type 547/2 (which was used almost exclusively in the 550A Spyder 1500 RS racing cars).

1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GS Speedster

Rejuvenated to a superior state of tune with the 550A-specification engine, 82243 was offered at the Quail Auction in 2000 and acquired by the consignor, a discerning collector based in Oklahoma. During the last 16 years of continuous single ownership, the Carrera has experienced minimal use and regular maintenance as needed, including a host of sympathetic measures that were undertaken between 2012 and 2015 (as indicated by a file of invoices). Such work included the installation of a new Haartz soft top and tonneau cover, repairs to the fuel tank and a rebuild of the carburetors, and re-upholstery of the interior with proper square-weave carpeting, correct Speedster seatbacks, and rear-cowl coverings. Minor panel-fit issues were addressed, and the paint was touched up and detailed as needed.

Accompanied by all weather equipment and a copy of the car original Kardex built records, this Carrera is now ideally prepared to be shown at concours events, or use on driving events. As a 1956 production car, it is eligible for most every premium vintage rally worldwide, including the Mille Miglia Storica and the Colorado Grand. 82243 is equipped with sporting and period-correct, Rudge-type knock-off wheels mounted with Michelin XZX tires, and features what appears to be an original Type 547/2 engine, one of the first evolutions of Dr. Furhman’s famed 4-cam Carrera motor. Also boasting rarity with its legendary and desirable Speedster bodystyle, this outstanding Porsche 356A Carrera GS Speedster would make a fantastic addition to any collection, and should particularly appeal to marque collectors and aficionados of important postwar sports-racing Roadsters.