Specifications

Engine: Type 547/1 Flat-4 w/Dry Sump Lubrication
Position: Rear, Longitudinal
Aspiration: Natural
Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl
Fuel feed: 2 Type 40PII Solex Carburetors or Optional Webers
Displacement: 1498 cc / 91.41 cu in
Bore: 85 mm / 3.3 in
Stroke: 66 mm / 2.6 in
Compression: 9:1
Power: 82 kw / 110 bhp @ 6400 rpm
Specific output: 73.43 bhp per litre
Hp/weight: 127.32 bhp per tonne
Torque: 118.6 nm / 87.5 ft lbs @ 5200 rpm
Body / frame: Unit Steel
Driven wheels: RWD
Front brakes: 550RS Discs w/Cooling Scoops
Weight: 863.96 kg / 1903 lbs
Fuel econ: 79.48 litres or 21 gal.

In May of 1957, Porsche offered two distinct versions of the Carrera, one called the de Luxe for the street and this model for the track. The main difference between the two models was wight.

The Carrera GT was a purpose-built car with little on board amenities. For instance, no heater was fitted giving the car its ‘icebox’ nickname. Futhermore the interir was stripped of sound deadening, side windows were replaced by Perspex units and only simple panels were fitted.

Further weight reduction was found on components like the lightened bumper bracks, Nardi aluminum steering wheel and no undercoating.

Mechanically, the GT model was only slightly more powerful than the de Luxe, having sports muffler which provided little deadening and no heater. Further at the front, a 21 gallon tank was fitted instead of the 13.8 gallon unit.

Front braking was provided by 550RS units that were 10mm thicker and had cooling scoops.

Offered as both Coupe and Speedster the GT version was considerably lighter than any previous 356. The weight was 1903 lbs for coupe and 1848 for the speedster. Naturally performance values were slightly different between the two versions.

Racing

Some of the first Carrera GTs were raced at the 12 Hours of Reims by von Hanstein and Hild, but with enlarged engines using slighly larger pistons to make a displacement of 1529cc. They won their class and finished sixth and seventh overall.

Probably the GT’s best moment came when Claude Storez used a Speedster to claim victory at the Liege-Rome-Liege rally in 1957. He used the same car to place fifth overall at the Tour de France.

Seinfeld’s Car

Our feature car is Seinfelds personal 356 which is reported to be a real Carrera GT, which if true is one of the first made. At some point he had it upgraded for $125,000, installing an incorrect, but more reliable push-rod engine. The car was sold at Barrett-Jackson for only $64,800 which leads us to believe this wasn’t an original Carrera GT.