A superb and rare
photo of the 1960 Porsche 356 B 1600 GS Carrera GTL Abarth
as seen at the factory before the 1960 24 Hours
race of Le Mans.
This magnificent Porsche 356 B 1600 GS Carrera GTL Abarth
has a very interesting history. By the late fifties, Porsche’s four-camshaft
356 Carrera was losing ground to more specialised machinery from Alfa Romeo and
Abarth. To remain competitive, the firm understood that a lighter, more aerodynamic
version would be required. Facts surrounding these rare cars are murky, but
it's generally agreed that Porsche’s first port of call for their new racer was
Carlo Abarth. It was the start of the Porsche
Abarth 356B Carrera GTL. Abarth was approached in late 1959 with a view
to his outfit working the same magic on the German marques Carrera GT as they had
so successfully done with Fiat-based machines bearing the famed Scorpion logo.
After assurances from Carlo Abarth, Porsche initially thought Zagato would be
responsible for executing bodywork. However, the Milanese carrozzeria's
contribution never materialised and Abarth eventually commissioned ex-Bertone
designer, Franco Scaglione, to design the re-profiled bodywork. Rocco Motto in Turin would fabricate it.
But Rocco's contribution was merely a fleeting one as, having manufactured the
first three shells and received part payment for the entire run, he disappeared
on what was described at the time as 'an unplanned holiday'. Production quickly
got switched to another Turinese body builder, the little Viarengo &
Filipponi firm moving heaven and earth to complete the last 18 aluminium
shells. After all the logistical problems of working with the Italian's was
over, the GTL was able to do its talking on the track, securing a hat-trick of
of Le Mans 24 Hour class victories between 1960 and '62 (SEE PHOTO!). The first example was completed in late
February 1960 and would have been finished sooner if only there had been
sufficient space for the engine - its dimensions not having been taken into
consideration when the prototype was designed back in Italy! All 21
were built on chassis's and floorpans taken directly from Porsche's 356 B
Carrera GT, this car featuring all-round independent suspension and
hydraulically operated drum brakes. Discs were quickly introduced though, the
factory using an experimental set on their works entry in 1960's Le Mans 24
Hours - the GTL's third race. No less than five different types of engine were
used in these cars between 1960 and '64, 1.6-litre motors initially with 115bhp
being fitted but soon afterwards, both 128 and 135bhp units saw service, both
with straight-through competition exhausts. Even hotter two-litre versions with
155 and 180bhp were also plumbed in, but quite amazingly, even with the
intermediate 128bhp 1.6 installed, Herbert Linge and Paul-Ernst Strahle were
timed at 150.2mph down the Mulsanne Straight in 1960's Le Mans. The only
existing body parts carried over from the regular 356 were the headlamps
although these were now set well back into the front wings and could later be
fitted with Plexiglas covers. Scaglione's elongated nose housed a prominent
radiator duct flanked by two distinctive pods that were either used as
brake-cooling channels or supplementary light bays. Another interesting detail
was the heavily louvred engine lid that in true Abarth style could be propped
wide open. Some cars even featured cockpit-controlled scoops located between
the two highest banks of vents on the rear lid. But although Scaglione was able
to reduce the GTL's frontal area by an impressive 16% compared to the regular
356, instantly acquitting it with a far more drag resistant profile, it
certainly wasn't the prettiest thing on the track. Inside, cockpits were
spartanly finished as you would expect, identical aluminium bucket seats to
those of the GT normally being trimmed in black leatherette with velour
centres. Porsche instruments were housed in a new lightweight aluminium dash.
Binnacles of early GTL's featured two main dials, later models housing three,
but all were fronted by an exquisite triple aluminium spoked, wood-rimmed Nardi
steering wheel. Pretty uncomfotable for most tall drivers though, the GTL's
cut-down windscreen meant headroom was at a premium. Various weight-saving
measures ensured the Porsche-Abarth tipped the scales around 50kg lighter than
a regular Carrera GT, but the German marque were unhappy for a number of
reasons. Poor build quality, leaking seals and an insufficient steering radius
convinced them that the collaboration with Abarth should go no further.
However, Porsche couldn't have been disappointed with the GTL's record in the
World Manufacturers Championship. They would go on to take three consecutive
class victories at Le Mans
and no less than four in the Targa Florio. Porsche also secured a hat-trick of
class wins in the Nurburgring 1000km, Germay's highest profile endurance race.
There were three class wins at Sebring and two at Montlhery, GTL's also triumphing
at Daytona, Bridgehampton and the Rossfeld Hillclimb. There has always been
some disagreement with regard to exactly how many were originally built, but it
is believed that 21 cars were eventually manufactured with chassis numbers ranging
from 1001 to 1021.
This is a very
nice and very rare non period photo that reflects a wonderful era of
Porsche ‘s automotive history in a wonderful way. This is your rare
chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format
of ca. 8" x 10" (ca. 20 x 26 cm). It makes it perfectly
suitable for framing.
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you
buy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on
photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright
expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our
archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well
protected in PVC clear files and board backed
envelopes.
We have
photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the
original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and
excellent quality.
After many decades
of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our
archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They
will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a
border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace,
restaurant, bar or club!
First come -
first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any
questions before the auction ends.