1964 Porsche 356C Carrera 2
First Porsche with disc brakes.
Revolutionary ‘4 Cam’ engine.
One of only 30 made with an electric sunroof.
The 1948 356 ‘Gmund’ was a very simple car, focused on lightweight performance. These cars were built simply to carry momentum, with just 40 horsepower. Sixteen years of advancements later, the 356 was a completely different beast. Now with triple the horsepower, two more camshafts, and disc brakes, the 356 Carrera 2 was one of the most potent sports cars on the road, and today is one of the most valuable 356’s on the market.
Porsche sold only one model – the 356 – from 1948 until the 911 was announced in 1964. The company focused solely on improving its bread and butter until it had reached its potential. Porsche incorporated slight body changes over time, some only true Porsche enthusiasts would notice. However, this example has a very rare option: an electric sunroof. Only about 30 Carrera 2’s were produced with this option. What really makes the Carrera 2 special, however, is the powerplant.
The ‘4 cam’ engine was designed by Dr. Ernst Fuhrmann when Porsche requested a more powerful engine for the legendary 550 Spyder. These engines are much more complicated than the original pushrod engines seen in earlier 356’s. The 4 cam was originally engineered for racing, and later made its way into road cars like the Carrera 2. The 904 Carrera GTS, which you may remember from our last show, “Stars of 30 Audrain Exhibitions,” hosts the most powerful 4-cam engine, boasting nearly 200 horsepower in an extremely lightweight fiberglass body. The Carrera 2, a much more comfortable road car, carries about 130 horsepower, which is plenty for a car that weighs just over 2000 lbs. This is like having 460 horsepower in a 4000 lb. car! The new 4-cam not only offered more top-end power for the Autobahn but also more low-end torque for easy maneuvers around town. Simply put, was the most powerful 356 to ever hit the road.
Porsche introduced disc brakes on the Carrera 2, drastically increasing braking performance in the car and a serious advancement for the early 1960’s. These brakes were completely engineered by Porsche, utilizing an open-concept wheel and wide-spaced wheel studs to fit the discs. This advancement turned the 356 into a potent sports car, allowing drivers to carry much more confident speed and brake later before turns. With a top speed of nearly 125 MPH, these cars were able to tackle much bigger competitors – both on the track and on the road.
365C Carrera 2 Specifications:
Engine: 2.0 Liter ‘4 Cam’ flat-four cylinder
Horsepower: 130 @ 6200 RPM
Torque: 118 ft./lbs. @ 6200 RPM
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Top Speed: 123 MPH
Weight: 2200 lbs