1956 Porsche 356

Number of cylinders: 4

Engine capacity: 1.498 cc

Manufacturer: Metropole Classics BV Meubellaan 1 6651KV DRUTEN, NL 0031653328817 http://www.metropole.nl [email protected]

Among the small circle of early Carrera GS Coupés built in the first months following this legendary model's introduction, this example holds a special place. The car left the Porsche factory in Zuffenhausen on 5 April 1956, making it one of the earliest 1500 GS Carreras built, the designation GS standing for Grand Sport and distinguishing this sporting flagship from the standard 356A.

For much of its life this Carrera formed part of the noted Rene Mauries collection, before moving from France to Italy in 2001, where it passed briefly to Sig. Vincenzo Di Leo. A year later the car was acquired by Enrico Consoli of Brescia, who had it thoroughly restored and equipped with a FIVA identity card. In 2014 the Carrera changed hands again, traded for a 911 Carrera RS 2.7, and entered the well regarded Ted Gildred Collection. Under this careful stewardship the car received ongoing maintenance and inspection, including attention to the transaxle and to the camshaft covers to prevent oil weeping.

Presented in the handsome Silver Metallic it wore on leaving the factory over sixty years ago, this Carrera appears strikingly authentic. Inside, the blue vinyl upholstery along with the door cards and dashboard knobs are believed to be original to the car. Porsche specialist Taylor K. Shannon, who inspected the car in May 2017, described it as an excellent example of a very rare model that retains a great deal of originality. His findings confirmed that the car is fitted with a four cylinder Carrera GS engine of the correct type, although it is not the unit with which the car originally left the factory; the gearbox, by contrast, remains the matching numbers unit fitted at the time of delivery. Stampings on the front and rear engine covers and on both doors confirm these to be the original factory fitted body components.

This rare and desirable Carrera GS Coupé is offered with a substantial history file, including a copy of the original Kardex build sheet, the Certificate of Authenticity issued by Porsche, and the FIVA passport mentioned above, and currently carries Italian registration. Built in 1956, the car falls within the years recognised by the Mille Miglia storica for entry, making it Mille Miglia eligible.

For enthusiasts of rare and largely original Porsches, this represents an excellent opportunity; contact our sales team for further information, to arrange a viewing, or to discuss the possibilities for entering the Mille Miglia.