1963 Porsche 356B Carrera 2 GS/GT

Launched in 1962, the Carrera 2 was built to satisfy customer demand for a four-cam Porsche delivering enhanced mid-range power and torque. This innovative larger displacement two-liter type 587 engine represented the pinnacle of Ernst Fuhrmann’s four-cam design and was ideal for 356-based sports cars to maintain competitiveness. This engine featured a reinforced crankcase, redesigned cylinder heads, larger cylinder bore, increased cooling capacity, and wider main bearing journals, enabling it to generate a minimum of 140 bhp in standard form, with potential for tuning to surpass 160 bhp.

Approximately 400 examples of the 356 Carrera 2 were manufactured in total, 300 during the B-series and 100 or so during C-series production. A limited number of these were originally built for competition use, incorporating lightweight aluminum panels and specialized high-performance components.

Chassis no. 122561, the car in focus, is a rare specimen of this breed and features a plethora of high-performance attributes including a Sport II “Sebring” style exhaust, long-range fuel tank, bi-metallic competition wheels, aluminum doors, hood, and deck lid, alongside interior enhancements like GT bucket seats, a roll bar, and a wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel.

Authenticated by its Porsche Kardex and Certificates of Authenticity, 122561 is finished in its original color combination of Silver Metallic with Blue Leatherette upholstery and matching blue carpeting. This Carrera 2 was equipped with coveted competition features from its inception, including lightweight aluminum doors, Plexiglass windows, and a type 741/20A transaxle boasting BBAB Speedster gear ratios.

Finished on December 5, 1962, this Carrera was initially retailed through D’leteren Frères and sold to Mr. Politzer of Brussels, Belgium. Notably, the car returned to the Porsche factory in 1964, wherein its original engine (numbered 97175) was replaced with a type 587/2 GT-specification engine numbered 98016—a unit originally installed in a prototype 904, chassis 904-003, as documented in Porsche Carrera.

Introduced in 1963, just 33 type 587/2 engines are believed to have been built! This new engine featured Weber 48 IDA carburetors and made an estimated 180 BHP at 6,600 RPM. Various racing models were equipped with the type 587/2, including the 904 and Abarth Carrera GTL.

In conclusion, the amalgamation of special lightweight competition features installed by the factory during construction, along with the addition of the rare factory-installed 587/2 GT engine in 1964, distinguishes this 356 as one of only a select few to have been outfitted in such a manner during its period of production.

Car Highlights 

• The Ultimate Evolution of the 356 Carrera

• Factory Upgraded in 1964 with a 904 GT-Spec Engine

• Ideal Specification with Many Desirable Competition Features

• Original color combination of Silver Metallic with Patinated Blue Leatherette Upholstery

• Consistently Maintained in Major US and European Collections

• Kardex and Porsche Certificate of Authenticity included

Technical Specs

• Type 587/2 1,966 CC DOHC Flat 4-Cylinder Engine

• Two Weber 48 IDA Carburetors

• Estimated 180 BHP at 6,600 RPM

• 741/9A 4-Speed Manual Transaxle

• 4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes

• Fully Independent Torsion Bar Suspension with Shock Absorbers

• Aluminum doors, hood and engine lid

• Lightweight interior with GT seats and half roll cage

• Plexiglass windows

• Center fill fuel cell

Ownership History:

• Mr. Politzer, Brussels, Belgium (acquired new via D'leteren Frères in 1962)

• Grady Clay, Denver, Colorado (acquired circa 1982)

• Robert Pass, St. Louis, Missouri (acquired from the above in 1986)

• Richard Freshman, Los Angeles, California (acquired from the above in 1986)

• Private Collection, Geneva, Switzerland (acquired from the above in May 2002)

• Juan Barazi, London, England (acquired from the above in May 2003)

• Luay Allawi, London, England (acquired from the above in July 2006)

• Cavallino Holdings (acquired from the above in 2008).

• Acquired by the current owner from the above in 2014.

• Sold at the Amelia Island Gooding & Company Auction in 2016.

• Reacquired by the current owner in 2017.

Inquire via CabiglioGarage@gmail.com