Following the first year of 356A Carrera, Porsche split the model into ‘de Luxe’ and GT specification mid way through 1957. The first de Luxe versions were produced in May and featured the Type 547, four-cam engine from the 550 RS Spyder. It produced 100bhp at 6200rpm and was very capable for the small car.
The first Carrera de Luxe cars were built on the T1 356 body in either Coupe or Speedster form. They were visually identical to the SOHC models except for dual exhaust pipes and gold Carrera nameplates on the fenders and rear deck. New to the de Luxe version was a more plush interior and front-mounted gasoline heater. In 1958 the car was fitted with the T2 body style with louvres on the rear deck and an exposed front fuel filler. Other mechanical upgrades included a larger steering box, stronger front spindles and improved transmission.
Most of the de Luxe cars featured the wide array of Porsche options available in the period. Many cars were fitted with the US-style bumper with its extra bracing. Other options included bucket seats and Sealed-Beam headlights.
In May of 1959, the model was upgraded to the Typ 692/2 engine with a slightly larger displacement of 1587cc from a 2.5mm bore increase.
In Detail
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | Germany |
| engine | Flat-4 w/Dry Sump Lubrication |
| position | Rear, Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | Gear Driven DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl |
| displacement | 1498 cc / 91.41 in³ |
| bore | 85 mm / 3.3 in |
| stroke | 66 mm / 2.6 in |
| compression | 8.5:1 |
| power | 85.8 kw / 115 bhp @ 6200 rpm |
| specific output | 76.77 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 133.26 bhp per tonne |
| body / frame | Unitary Steel Monocoque |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | Steel Discs |
| front tires | 5.90-15 Sport |
| rear tires | 5.90-15 Sport |
| front wheels | F 38.1 x 11.4 cm / 15 x 4.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 38.1 x 11.4 cm / 15 x 4.5 in |
| f suspension | Double Wishbones w/Transverse Torsion Bars, Telescopic Shock Absorbers, |
| r suspension | Radius Arms w/Transverse Torsion Bars, Telescopic Shock Absorbers, |
| curb weight | 863 kg / 1900 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2100 mm / 82.7 in |
| front track | 1306 mm / 51.4 in |
| rear track | 1272 mm / 50.1 in |
| length | 3950 mm / 155.5 in |
| width | 42418.0 mm / 1670 in |
| height | 33274.0 mm / 1310 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| top speed | ~201.13 kph / 125 mph |
| fuel capacity | 52 litres or 13.73 gal. |
Auction Sales History
1958 Porsche 356A Carrera GS Coupé – sold for €298,816 Legendary four-cam Carrera engine. RHD example delivered new to Stephen O’Flaherty in Dublin. Fully factory equipped from new with sunroof, Rudge wheels and more. Matching-numbers engine. Period racing history, contested Leinster Trophy and Dunboyne Trophy. Restoration by Porsche specialists European Collectables and numerous marque experts. Extremely rare and desirable build specification. Auction Source: 2011 London Auction by RM
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