Porsche 356 B 1600 GS Carrera GT
Highlights
- Raced in period at the Macau Grand Prix
- Restored by Serratini, Hloch and Reinbacher
- Rare factory GT version of the 4 cam Carrera
From the first moment Porsche started building their inaugural 356 model in 1950 it was used in competition. Its light weight, reliability and build quality set it apart and despite the limitations of its VW derived pushrod engine it was successful in races and rallies across the world. In 1955 Porsche decided to do something about their power disadvantage and installed the newly designed four cam “Carrera” racing engine from the 550 Spyder into the 356 as a top of the range Carrera model. A small number of these cars were prepared by the factory for racing and bore the now famous moniker “Carrera GT”.
The 1960 / 61 Carrera GT version of the 356 B boasted a long list of modifications over the standard road car. To save weight the doors, engine lid and bonnet were made from aluminium rather than steel and the side windows were Plexiglass. The suspension was modified, the front brakes were larger, twin front oil coolers were fitted and the wheels had aluminium rims rivetted to steel centres. The four cam engine had been evolved in both its design and capacity and offered 135 hp from its 1600cc