The introduction of the 1500 GS Carrera at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show represented a significant moment for Porsche in its early days as a manufacturer. By installing Ernst Fuhrmann’s exotic four-cam engine in a 356, Porsche bridged the gap between its production models and the 550 Spyder racing cars.

The 356 Carrera steadily evolved and, in May 1958, Porsche redesigned the original four-cam engine, now offering two different specifications: the 692/0, which featured a roller-bearing crankshaft, and the 692/1, which featured a plain-bearing crankshaft. For 1959, these 1500 engines were replaced with even more potent 1600 Type 692/2 and 692/3 engines for the Carrera GS and GT respectively.

Completed in December 1958, this 1600 GS Deluxe is one of only 31 such Carrera Coupes built for the 1959 model year. Outwardly distinguished by its twin-grille rear deck lid, this exceedingly rare 1600 GS Carrera represents the most powerful, refined, and luxurious variation of Porsche’s beloved A-series 356. After testing one of these remarkable 356s for their September 1959 issue, Sports Cars Illustrated concluded, “There is absolutely no other 1.6 liter sports car available today that has the performance and comfort of the Porsche Carrera.”

According to an accompanying copy of the Porsche Kardex, chassis 105255 was originally finished in Ruby Red over black vinyl upholstery, equipped with engine no. 93038, and outfitted with chrome wheels wearing Continental Super Record tires. The Kardex further notes that the Carrera was delivered through Munich-based Porsche dealer MAHAG to its first owner, Mr. Leaning, at the US Army base in Augsburg, Germany.

This car’s unusual specification and matching-numbers engine attracted the attention of Ken Roath, who has owned this Carrera since 2013. Under his ownership, the 1600 GS was repainted and shown at the competitive 356 Club of Southern California Concours d’Elegance at Dana Point, where it scored 221.8 out of a possible 225 points in the Street Carrera class. In 2020, the Carrera was invited to take part in the Summer of Porsche exhibit at the Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana, California, where it was displayed alongside other four-cam models, including a 550 Spyder and Abarth GTL.

Beautifully presented in its original Ruby Red over black color scheme and benefiting from meticulous care under Mr. Roath’s ownership, this limited-production 1600 GS Carrera is offered today with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, Kardex copy, judging sheets, and period magazine road test. This is an exciting opportunity to acquire a superb example of one of the most prized Carreras – an exceptionally rare model that represents the ultimate development of Porsche’s original four-cam road car.