Introduced in 1962, the 2000 GS – or Carrera 2 – was created to meet customer demand for a four-cam Porsche with greater mid-range power and torque. At the heart of the 2000 GS was the new two-liter Type 587 engine, which, in its various iterations, represented the ultimate development of the Ernst Fuhrmann-designed four cam. Benefiting from a reinforced crankcase, redesigned heads, larger bore, and increased cooling capacity, the Type 587 engine produced 130 bhp in GS specification and 150-plus bhp in GT tune. The most powerful 356 ever built, the Carrera 2 could reach a top speed of 130 mph and offered acceleration, braking, and handling superior to any other two-liter production sports car of the era. In all, approximately 300 examples of the Carrera 2 were built during B-series production, with an additional 101 examples built as C-series cars, featuring the improved ATE braking system.
As documented in the definitive book Carrera, this 2000 GS Coupe, chassis 129714, is among this extremely rare breed of late-production C-series cars. According to a copy of the Porsche Kardex, this 356 was originally finished in the elegant color combination of Irish Green (code 6406) over black leatherette upholstery with gray corduroy seat inserts. Optional factory equipment included a Blaupunkt Frankfurt radio, safety belts, Coco mats, an electrical windshield washer system, and chrome wheels wearing Dunlop tires.
Completed in May 1964, this Carrera 2 was delivered to its first owner, Kurt Brenner of Laconia, New Hampshire, via Porsche dealer Max Moritz of Reutlingen, Germany. Michael Simonhoff of Miami acquired the Carrera in 1981 and retained it for over two decades before selling it to marque specialist David Mohlman in 2005. From there, the Carrera passed through the ownership of prominent American collectors before joining Ken Roath’s impressive stable in 2012.
Under Mr. Roath’s ownership, this Carrera has been diligently maintained by respected California-based specialists, including servicing by Andial and an engine rebuild recently completed by noted four-cam specialist Jim Ansite of Paso Robles. When it was displayed at the competitive 356 Club of Southern California Concours d’Elegance in Dana Point, this handsome Irish Green Coupe achieved 220.8 out of a possible 225 points in the Street Carrera class.
Significantly, this Carrera 2 retains its matching-numbers engine (no. 97398) and transaxle (no. 78473) per factory build records, while the hood and deck lid are stamped with the last digits of the chassis number. Attractively presented throughout and offered with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, Kardex copy, and original owner’s manual, this Carrera 2 is an outstanding example of the final and most developed four-cam 356. For Porsche connoisseurs, this represents an opportunity not to be missed.
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