CARRERA 2: HOMOLOGATION TRICKERY AND THE 587/2 Porsche’s “Carrera” model name was an homage to their 1954 class victory at the final Carrera Panamericana race.

From 1955 onwards, this word would come to signify the most powerful production-series engines produced at Zuffenhausen.

The second-generation Carrera model debuted at the 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show as the sportiest version of Porsche’s new 356 T-6 “B” series.

However, this “Carrera 2” moniker was slightly deceptive, as in truth it applied to two distinct 2.0-liter, quad-cam, flat-four-cylinder engines—one of which was a true competition unit only available to privateer racers and VIP customers.

These two different engine types were installed into divergent trim levels: the “Grand Sport” production version, and the “Grand Turismo” competition car.

Put simply, the GS was the production car used to homologate the GT for racing, even though there were many significant differences between the two, such as lightweight aluminum bo...