Porsche 356A/1500GS Carrera Speedster (1955-1958)
In late 1955 the first regular production Carrera Speedster hit the market as the 1500GS. This used a detuned version of the Porsche 550 engine which was fitted until March of 1958. Like the coupes, these cars used the potent Type 547/1 Flat-4 engine that had a 100 capable bhp.
Porsche priced the 1500GS almost 30% more than the standard push-rod Carrera at 17,500 dm compared to the 1600 Super at 13,000. This increased cost was directly related to the engine which was much more complex with four separate camshafts.
Later into production Porsche began fitting the Speedster with options to go racing. In 1957 the first GT engines were available with 10 additional horsepower. These were generally fitted with the 80-liter fuel tank and 60mm front racing brakes.
By 1958 the racing program was taken a step further with optional aluminum panels such as the doors, trunk and hood. Many of the final Carrera Speedsters were fitted with the GT package in 1958.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1955 – 1958 |
| built at | Germany |
| production | 110 |
| rear brakes | s |
Auction Sales History
1956 Porsche 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster 82189 – sold for €840,000 Original matching-numbers Carrera engine. Copy of original Kardex warranty card. Desirable Rudge wheels. Ideal for Porsche club events and vintage rallies. Auction Source: 2014 Monaco by RM Auctions
1957 Porsche 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster 83087 – did not sell for $1,050,000 Extremely desirable and rare; one of approximately 75 built. Documented history, with only four owners from new. Full restoration by marque experts. Numerous concours awards. Auction Source: 2014 Arizona by RM Auctions
1956 Porsche 356 1500 GS Carrera Speedster 81072 – sold for $1,485,000 A Rare and Desirable Early Four-Cam Speedster. Believed to Be the 8th Pre-A Carrera Speedster Produced. Period SCCA Competition History. Believed to Have Just 20,000 Miles from New. Fantastically Restored by Some of the Marque’s Best. Four-Cam Engine Prepared by Bill Doyle. A Matching-Numbers Four-Cam Porsche. Auction Source: Gooding & Company’s 10th Anniversary 2013 Pebble Beach Auction
