Many of you carnuts out there are probably familiar with Dr. Ferdinand Anton Ernst “Ferry” Porsche's famous line: “I couldn't find the sports car of my dreams, so I built it myself”. I had also heard it but given my age, I was never able to drive any one of his earliest creations. Woe is me as I could only evaluate late-model Porsches but, that was until now...
In an incredibly bold move, Porsche decided to bring over four of its museum pieces, from Germany, to Monterey for us to drive. Yes, you read that right. I took a spin in not one but two very distinct and special 356s. It is very difficult for me to put into words the excitement and nervousness that filled my being when I was given instructions, mostly on what not to do, with the 2000 GS Carrera GT.
“Make sure to keep the engine revs between 3,000 and 4,000, as the engine and transmission are cool, all shifts must be performed gracefully, if you stall the car, do not give more than a single gradual gas-pedal application or you'll flood the motor... This is a very expensive engine.” This is but a summary of what we were told before we left with the 356 coupé.
The specs for this car read as follows: 1,966 cc 2.0L flat-4 cylinder, 175 hp and a top speed of 220 km/h. If you know anything about today's car business, you will be aware that these stats are quite modern numbers, especially where volumetric efficiency is concerned. Needless to say that this evil, yet cute looking silver bullet of a car, had me in stitches at the prospect of the upcoming drive.
This car featured all the latest technology for the time: aluminum body panels, supplemental chassis welds used to increase the rigidity of the car's structure and numerous more weight-saving tricks such as plexiglass windows, aluminum seat shells and a wood steering wheel.
Interestingly, as of 1955, all Porsche street cars that received race-prepped engines were called Carrera. Now you know the reason for the name. You're welcome.
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| It is very difficult for me to put into words the excitement and nervousness that filled my being when I was given instructions, mostly on what not to do, with the 2000 GS Carrera GT. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |
In an incredibly bold move, Porsche decided to bring over four of its museum pieces, from Germany, to Monterey for us to drive. Yes, you read that right. I took a spin in not one but two very distinct and special 356s. It is very difficult for me to put into words the excitement and nervousness that filled my being when I was given instructions, mostly on what not to do, with the 2000 GS Carrera GT.
“Make sure to keep the engine revs between 3,000 and 4,000, as the engine and transmission are cool, all shifts must be performed gracefully, if you stall the car, do not give more than a single gradual gas-pedal application or you'll flood the motor... This is a very expensive engine.” This is but a summary of what we were told before we left with the 356 coupé.
The specs for this car read as follows: 1,966 cc 2.0L flat-4 cylinder, 175 hp and a top speed of 220 km/h. If you know anything about today's car business, you will be aware that these stats are quite modern numbers, especially where volumetric efficiency is concerned. Needless to say that this evil, yet cute looking silver bullet of a car, had me in stitches at the prospect of the upcoming drive.
This car featured all the latest technology for the time: aluminum body panels, supplemental chassis welds used to increase the rigidity of the car's structure and numerous more weight-saving tricks such as plexiglass windows, aluminum seat shells and a wood steering wheel.
Interestingly, as of 1955, all Porsche street cars that received race-prepped engines were called Carrera. Now you know the reason for the name. You're welcome.
 |
| The specs for this car read as follows: 1,966 cc 2.0L flat-4 cylinder, 175 hp and a top speed of 220 km/h. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |