Porsche Fuhrmann Engine

Developed and patented at Porsche by Austrian engineer Dr Ernst Fuhrmann for motorsport use.

Design concept

The starting point was the Type 547, which first ran on the test bench in 1953. Its defining features included four overhead camshafts driven by vertical shafts and bevel gears, together with dual ignition and dry-sump lubrication. This basic concept was subsequently developed further in engines including the Type 692 and Type 587.

Different versions of the Fuhrmann engine were used in the Porsche 550 Spyder, the Carrera variants of the Porsche 356 and later Porsche competition cars. They were among the most technically sophisticated Porsche engines of their era and played an important role in the company’s early motorsport successes.

The engine shown here is the Type 547/1, identifiable, among other details, by the arrangement of its ignition distributors.

1: Complete Type 547 engine
Depending on specification, the 1.5-litre Type 547 produced approximately 100–110 PS. In the Porsche 356 A 1500 GS Carrera it produced 100 PS, while the competition version used in the 550 Spyder developed around 110 PS.

2: Crankcase
Horizontally split crankcase with forged crankshaft and flywheel.

3: Pistons and camshaft drive
Four overhead camshafts driven by vertical shafts and bevel gears.

5: Cooling system
Air-cooled design with mechanically driven axial fan.

6: Induction system
Solex 40 PII carburettors and DC generator.

7: Ignition and exhaust system
Dual ignition with Sebring-style racing exhaust.

Current value: approx. €200,000