1957 Porsche 356A 1500 GS/GT Carrera Speedster

Carrera Speedster

In 1955, less than a year after the 356 Speedster model was introduced, Porsche built the first example equipped with the competition-derived four-cam Carrera engine. The result was a brilliant dual-purpose sports car, and the Carrera Speedster continued to be improved and refined throughout production.

For 1957, Porsche began to offer a GT option for the 1500 GS Carrera model. Initially, the option referred only to the engine’s state of tune; however, in time the GS/GTs were equipped with competition features such as an extended-range, 80-liter fuel tank and 60 mm racing front brakes with vented backing plates. In GS/GT form, the Carrera Speedster proved so popular that Porsche continued to build them into 1959, even after production of the standard Speedster had ceased.