BaT Essentials
- Engine Number: P90513
- Type 547/1 Fuhrmann Four-Cam Flat-Four
- Originated in an Early Carrera RS Speedster
- Sandcast Solex 40 PII Carburetors
- Twin Bosch Ignition Systems
- Included Generator, Fan, and Shroud
- Inspected by Jacques Le Friant
- Started on a Test Stand in 2017
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This Porsche Type 547/1 four-cam engine (P90513) originated in a pre-A 356 Carrera 1500 RS Speedster and was removed in the late 1960s. It was sold to the previous owner in San Diego, who reportedly intended to install it in his custom sand rail. Those plans never came to fruition, and the engine sat in storage until the seller’s acquisition in 1990. It has been part of his collection for the past three decades. Porsche vertical-shaft engine specialist Jacques Le Friant inspected the engine in 2017, at which point it was fired up on his stationary test stand. The cooling system, generator, twin Bosch distributors, and Italian-made Solex carburetors are included with the sale. This Fuhrmann four-cam engine is now being offered on a bill of sale in Del Mar, California.
First developed in 1952 under the guidance of Ernst Fuhrmann, the Type 547 series of DOHC flat-four engines powered many Porsches, including the 550 Spyder, 718, Abarth GTL, 356 Carrera, and 904. According to the Porsche archives, the four-cam provided power for at least 1,000 outright competition victories. The series of engines also played a crucial role in twice that number of class wins, including 16 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. More about the Fuhrmann engine can be read in this 2018 BaT “Technically Interesting” article.
The Type 547/1 features a roller-bearing crankshaft assembly manufactured by Hirth Motoren GmbH. This example was produced in late 1955 and was reportedly overhauled with factory parts by a German specialty mechanic at some point in the past. As an early motor, it features a one-piece Spyder cooling shroud, unlike the two-piece shroud used on later Carreras. The chrome finish, air cleaner modification, and cam cover polishing were done by the previous owner in the 1970s.
A video of the engine starting and running on Jacques Le Friant’s test stand can be viewed above.
Induction is through a pair of Italian-made, sand-cast Solex 40-PII carburetors. The Fuhrmann four-cam engine utilizes two spark plugs per cylinder and twin ignition systems with dual Bosch distributors. Early examples such as this one feature a pair of distributors driven by the intake camshafts.
Closeups of engine stamping P90513 and various component/assembly markings are provided in the gallery below. Internal components are said to also wear matching assembly numbers. Â An original Mann & Hummel oil filter assembly accompanies the sale.
Video Gallery
Photo Gallery
Auction Result
| High Bid | USD $220,000 (Reserve Not Met) |
| Auction Ended | August 21, 2019 at 2:38PM PT |
| Bids | 27 |
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