RIGHT: THE PORSCHE 356B Carrera GTL Abarth was Porsche’s response to the four-cam 356 becoming increasingly uncompetitive in the face of newer and more specialised competition-bred Italian models.

    Unsurprisingly therefore, Porsche turned to Carlo Abarth in 1959 given his reputation and the already existing relationship between the two Austrian men who were founders and bosses of their respective companies.

    The Zagato submission for the low-drag lightened bodywork never materialised, so the job was tackled by former Bertone stylist Frano Scaglione. After three bodies were produced by Rocco Motto, production was transferred to Viarengo & Filipponi where the other shells were completed. Interestingly enough, the GTL Abarth only shares its headlamps with the production 356.

    The first GTL Abarth was completed in February 1960, and its mechanical spec featured all around independent suspension, a front-mounted radiator housed in the elongated nose-pod, hydraulic drums (later discs) and – over the (approximate) 21 car run – five different types of engine. Initially of 1.6-litre capacity with 115bhp, power soon rose to 135bhp, before the introduction of 155bhp and 180bhp 2-litre units.   

    The GTL Abarth, which was 50kilos lighter and featured a 16% lower aerodynamic profile, went to win three successive class wins at Le Mans from 1960 to 1962, four Targa Florio wins, three in the Nürburgring 1000km, three at Sebring and two at Montléry.

    Unfortunately, the collaboration went no further because Porsche was not satisfied with the GTL Abarth's build quality – and it is a beautiful looking machine. Ho-hum.

BELOW: THIS REALLY DOES illustrate the sheer quality and quantity of machinery present at Silverstone – plus the event's superb access for one and all.

    Where do you look first? At one of the Aston Martin Special Project cars, the gorgeous Ferrari 250GT SWB, the cracking Morgan SLR, the complementary pair of Alfa TZ1s, the mean Daytona, the Sebring Sprite or at the beautifully-preserved Alfa Junior Zagato?

    It's enough to make you want to sell everything up and go classic racing until your funds run dry!