Porsche 356 A/1500 GS Carrera '56

aspiration

NA (Naturally Aspirated)

Group

Gr.N

Displacement

1,498 cc

DriveTrain

RR

Height

1,310 mm

Length

3,950 mm

Weight

840 kg

Width

1,670 mm

Max Power

97 BHP / 6,000 rpm

Max Torque

12.0 kgfm / 5,000 rpm

Performance Point

PP 361.76

Manufacturer

Porsche

Porsche 356 A/1500 GS Carrera '56: A Milestone in Sports Car Heritage

The Porsche 356 A/1500 GS Carrera '56 stands as a significant hallmark in automotive history, representing both the innovation and racing passion of 1950s Porsche. Introduced in 1956 as part of the revered 356 lineup, the 'GS Carrera' badge signifies the use of the advanced 'Carrera' engine—an ode to Porsche's victories in the Carrera Panamericana race. The '1500 GS' refers to its 1.5-liter, four-camshaft "Fuhrmann" engine, which brought higher performance and exclusivity to the model. The 356 A/1500 GS Carrera wasn't just a glamorous sports car; it was a homologation special designed for clients with racing in their veins.

On the racetrack, the Porsche 356 A/1500 GS Carrera established itself as a force to be reckoned with. Privateers and factory teams campaigned these cars in endurance events such as the Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio, where the combination of lightweight bodywork, precision handling, and the rev-happy Carrera engine garnered numerous class victories and podiums. The car's technical innovations, particularly the complex four-cam engine, set it apart from rivals, cementing its reputation for both reliability and outright performance in an era dominated by tough competition.

From a sales perspective, the 356 A/1500 GS Carrera remained an exclusive offering, produced in limited numbers to satisfy homologation requirements for racing. This rarity combined with Porsche's burgeoning reputation for quality and engineering excellence ensured that the Carrera variants became highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts over the decades. Today, the 1956 Carrera 'GS' stands as one of the most collectible and influential models in Porsche's rich heritage, symbolizing the dawn of the 'Carrera' name that would go on to grace the brand's most iconic high-performance models.