Amongst Porsche 356 enthusiasts, perhaps no model is more coveted than a C-Series Carrera 2.

The 1,966-cubic centimeter, mechanically complex four-cam Type 587/1 engine was the most powerful unit that Porsche had ever created for a production car, developing 130 brake horsepower at 6,200 rpm; engines modified for competition were claimed to deliver as much as 180 horsepower.

While most Carrera 2s were B models, Porsche installed the 2.0-liter Carrera engine in 445 T6 steel-bodied C-series Coupes and Cabriolets for the 1964 model year. Interestingly, of that total, just 126 were coupes. Carrera expert Cole Scrogham writes in his 356 Carrera – The Four-cam Production Cars that “the Carrera 2 was touted as Porsche’s fastest model, capable of 130 mph and 0-60 in 9.2 seconds.”

We are pleased to offer here chassis number 129240, whose factory Kardex relates that it was completed on 20 May 1964 and delivered to Paris distributor Sonauto on 8 July of that year. Finished in 6401 Slate Gray with handsome light brown leather upholstery and Oatmeal carpeting, it was fitted with an Eberspacher BN-4 gasoline heater mounted in the front trunk next to the 12-volt battery. Behind the twin vents in the nose panel were large auxiliary oil coolers. ATE disc brakes were fitted all around. The factory Kardex copy, which is included, indicates that the first owner, listed as a Michel Brosselin, requested a single option: one headrest.

Eventually this Carrera 2 coupe made its way to the United States and into the hands of enthusiasts in Colorado and California before joining the collection of Ohio 356 enthusiast Richard Q. King around 1985—still wearing its French registration of 1085RD 14, which it retains today. After years of storage, Mr. King’s estate now offers it for sale. A professional appraisal (on file) found this appealing car in very good condition inside and out. The exterior appears quite original and presents well for a vehicle of this age and indicated mileage (81,916 km, or 50,900 miles; total mileage is unknown). The warm interior appears to be original with nice patina.

The appraisal notes that the original engine was replaced with an un-numbered four-cam engine which is fitted with Weber carburetors and velocity stacks, plus a single-outlet racing exhaust. Included is a louvered rear apron designed to fit the stock four-cam, twin-pipe muffler.

Carrera 2s are rare and highly sought-after, and this example would surely make a worthy addition to any serious Porsche collection.