Originally used in homage to Porsche’s 1954 class victory at the final Carrera Panamericana road race, since 1955 the “Carrera” badge has come to signify models which have been fitted with the company’s most powerful production-series engines.
The Carrera 2 2000 GS of 1962 represents the sportiest version of Porsche’s 356 B “T6” series, although its high-performance capabilities are only discreetly teased by minor visual differences from the base model, notwithstanding optional gold-plated Carrera 2 badges.
Beneath the Carrera 2’s demure Reutter-built body, Porsche’s engineers stuffed the Type 587/1—then their latest and most radical production version of the Ernst Fuhrmann-designed, double-overhead cam, air-cooled, four-cylinder “boxer” engine.
While challenging to assemble and tune, these remarkable motors allow sustained high revs and proved relatively reliable in plain-bearing form. Exceptionally compact and power-dense, the 2.0-litre 587/1 delivers an impressive horsepower-per-litre ratio of 65, propelling the 2000 GS Carrera 2 to around 100 km/h in only 9.2 seconds and onto a maximum speed just shy of 200 km/h. The 587/1 is fed by a pair of Solex 40 mm carburetors, while additional oil radiators were installed into the nose of the Carrera 2’s 356 B body to assist cooling. A louvered rear skirt covers the Carrera 2’s oversized muffler and twin exhaust.
In its complementary 2000 GT racing version, this engine was further improved to 180 horsepower in Works chassis and would soon become the basis for Porsche’s revolutionary, Le Mans-class-winning 718 RSK and 904 Carrera GTS race cars.
With the 356 B’s lightweight coachwork, a full-synchromesh four-speed gearbox, disc brakes at all four corners, and a rear transverse leaf spring suspension, these 2000 GS Carrera 2 Coupés present an exceptionally enjoyable and dynamic driving experience, provided, of course, that one can locate an available example of the scant 278 produced at Zuffenhausen between 1962 and 1964.
Chassis 123003, offered here, is a French-market example, which was delivered on 13 February 1963 to the famed Porsche distributor Sonauto in Paris. Clad in Ivory White paintwork over black leatherette upholstery, it was subsequently sold to a Monsieur de Solminimac, domiciled within the northern Parisian suburb of Senlis. Contemporary pricelists from Sonauto note an out-the-door price for the Carrera 2 Coupe at 45,000 French francs. Whatever price he paid for the privilege, the first owner of this formidable Porsche sports car clearly relished the opportunity; a pair of warranty records written into chassis 123002’s Kardex note that it had accumulated approximately 11,630 kilometers during its first eight months on the road.
Despite its exceptional rarity, by the 1990s this Carrera 2 Coupe had been cast aside, and it was in this form that the previous owner found it as a derelict but highly original project, still equipped with its accessories, original engine, paintwork, and 1960s-era registration plate.
Restoration was fully underway by August 1998; historical images on file not only show this Carrera 2 in its “as found” condition, but also in various fascinating stages of disassembly and restoration over the ensuing years. Between 1999 and 2005, marque specialists and suppliers were enlisted from all over Europe to source a tremendous variety of correct parts including exceptionally rare components pertaining to its Fuhrmann-designed engine.
As part of his search for the ideal Carrera 2, the previous owner had acquired another completely intact 587/1 GS engine of the same series which was, in fact, only five units earlier (97195) than that originally installed into this car (97200). Following some critical analysis regarding the state of chassis 123002’s original engine, it was decided to rebuild the spare unit, which was in better condition, and then sell the original as a means to reinvest some costs back into other disciplines of this Carrera 2’s ongoing restoration.
Having been refinished in its factory-correct Ivory White paint over a black leatherette interior with matching square-weave carpets, chassis 123002’s attractive appearance has been tastefully improved with a full sampling of factory equipment and period-correct accessories such as an integrated VDO dash clock, pair of bonnet-mounted driving lights, dual headrests, a Blaupunkt Frankfurt radio, lap belts, wood rimmed steering wheel, and set of chrome disc wheels with matching hub covers.
Following the completion of its restoration in 2005, this Carrera 2 was subsequently road registered in France by its previous owner and subjected to nearly 20,000 kilometers of fair weather enjoyment over the following nine years. During this time, the car’s Fuhrmann engine was rebuilt by L’Atelier AD Auto Workshop in La Chapelle sur Erdre, France.
The consignor purchased this car from its previous owner in February 2014, and during his ownership it has been lavished with continued care by Vogt Classic of Zurich, Switzerland.
This 1963 Porsche 356 B Carrera 2 2000 GS Coupé remains ideally suited for the myriad historic touring and rallying events for which it is eligible, not to mention exhilarating road use. This tremendous versatility—combined with its fascinating specifications, historical correctness, and enviable rarity—render it arguably the most noteworthy 356 Carrera 2 currently available and a “must have” for any committed Porsche enthusiast.
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