Porsche 356 A 1500 GS Carrera

Among the most desirable 356 variants are those fitted with the Dr. Ernst Fuhrmann-designed type 547 four-cam engine, denoted as Carreras by Porsche after the famous Mexican road race. The 356 Carreras were offered in GS and GT specifications, and while the GS variants were more road-oriented than their GT counterparts, most Carreras were marketed towards dual-purpose lives of both road and track use, at which they excelled. A scant 225 Carrera Coupes were built over a four-year period, with far fewer surviving today. They stand among the ultimate sports cars of the period, having been owned and raced by luminaries around the globe while remaining incredibly sought after by aficionados to this day.

According to a copy of its Porsche Kardex on file, this 1957 Porsche 356 A 1500 GS Carrera Coupe was delivered in May 1957 to German dealer Schmidt + Koch, finished as it is seen today, in a stunning shade of gold with a beige interior. It was equipped with fog lights, a Becker Mexico radio and antenna, turn indicators, and a clock in its glove box door. Its first listed owner was K.G. Maeder of Stubben, Germany, and service entries on the Kardex show it was taken back to Schmidt + Koch for attention on several occasions through December 1958.

Subsequent ownership is believed to have been primarily in Germany before it was sold to an Italian collector that brought the Carrera, then painted red, to Cremonini Carrozzeria SRL in Modena for a restoration sometime before 2011. Cremonini is known as one of Europe’s most acclaimed and capable restoration shops, and photos on file demonstrate the extensive nature of the work completed on this Carrera. The paint was returned to the original gold color and the interior re-trimmed in appropriate beige leather with fabric inserts. As is common with 356 Carreras, at some point the original engine and gearbox of this example were exchanged with appropriate replacement units.

Importantly, the May 1957 build date of this 356 makes it eligible for the Mille Miglia Storica, which it participated in several times after its restoration. It remains a likely unique example of the revered 356 A Carrera that capably demonstrates the alluring qualities of the model. Whether used for tour or concours, this gold-colored Porsche will linger in the minds of all who encounter it.