Fantasy Junction

Description

1964 Porsche 356C Cabriolet

Chassis No. – 160644
Engine No. – 714332
Transmission No. - 80263
Exterior Color – Silver
Interior Color – Black Leather
Engine Type – 1.6 Liter Flat-Four
Gearbox – 4-Speed Manual Transaxle
Current Miles – 84,003 (TMU)



Marque and Model History

The legendary Porsche 356 remains today one of the icons of sports car design. With its unique profile and race-inspired lineage, the 356 became the first Porsche to proudly bear the family name of Ferdinand Porsche. Introduced in 1948, the 356 continually evolved with design and mechanical refinements until 1965, when production yielded to the 911. Culminating those years of development, the most impressive advancements came with the 356 C. Offered with standard Dunlop four-wheel disc brakes, higher lift camshaft in the 1600 C engine, and deeper bucket seats, the most advanced 356 set a new standard for the model line and continues to be desired by collectors and enthusiasts who enjoy driving their cars.

History of this Car



According to a copy of the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity included with this 356 Cabriolet, this car was delivered June 26, 1964, finished in Ruby Red #6402 and trimmed in black leather. The Porsche CoA notes the engine number as 714332 and the transmission number as 80263, both of which match the numbers stamped on the engine and transmission casings.

According to service records dating back to 2004 and included with this Porsche, this car was comprehensively restored from 2004-2007 under prior ownership. Restoration included numerous parts purchased from Stoddard Imported Cars Inc., itemizing notable items such as a new Leitz luggage rack, Durant mirror, new signal lights and bumper guards, numerous emblems, rubber, gaskets, various trim, correct engine decals, and other important details to complete the three-year restoration. During the teardown for the engine, the engine shroud, valve covers, oil canister, oil filler cap, tie bracket, and vent were powder coated in silver and the engine tin powder coating in semi-gloss black. Additional metal polishing and nickel cad finishing was also performed by specialized vendors including chrome work by South Bay Chrome, Santa Ana, CA, as well as cleaning and refurbishing all three gauges and bezels by North Hollywood Speedometer and Clock, North Hollywood, CA.

A five page summary detailing the restoration with highlights from the engine rebuild calls out items performed during the rebuild including polishing the crankshaft, magnaflux, new crank and rod bearings, resized and re-bushed rods, a wide lobe “C” camshaft, new Mahle “C” Pistons and cylinders, balancing for the rotating assembly, fly cutting the cylinder heads, new valve guides and stem seals, complete engine gasket sets top and bottom, and engine tin refinished with powder coating. Other notable items include “S”exhaust tips new heater cables, new master brake cylinder, new brake lines including hard and flex lines, starter rebuild, new shocks, dip and refinishing for the fuel tank, undercoating for the inner doors, new rubber seals and gaskets for windows and chrome trim, new leather for the dashboard, seats, and door panels, new square weave carpet, and date matched chrome finished wheels with polished stainless-steel hubcaps.



The current owner purchased this 356 Cabriolet in 2007 just after the restoration was completed and has maintained and enjoyed the car for the past 19 years including installing a new generator, cooling fan, tuning the engine and adjusting the valves in 2011, a 5k tune and service in 2016, and a new battery installed in 2024. In preparation for consignment the car was serviced at Eason Auto Works, Oakland, CA including disassembling both carburetors, cleaning and blowing out passages and reassembling with new gaskets and Zenith rebuild kit including accelerator pump shaft.

General Overview

Today, with 84,003 indicated on the odometer, this 356C Cabriolet presents as a nicely preserved restoration delivering refined cosmetics reflective of ongoing maintenance and enthusiast care over the past 18 years of current ownership. Worthy of local shows and Porsche club events, the silver metallic paint is glossy throughout showing only minor road chips on front facing surfaces. The paint is glossy and smooth with consistent overall coverage and correct micro flake silver metallic. The chrome is also in excellent condition including smooth wind wing frames and exterior door handles. The lenses, lighting, and various trim and script are all in excellent condition contributing to the overall impressive visual presentation. The panel gaps are consistent, offering excellent closure including the doors which open and shut properly. Outfitted with chrome plated wheels and polished wheel covers, the stance and driving appeal is particularly nice riding on a set of 165 SR15 radial tires.

The black leather presents beautifully with handsome interior finishes reflective of correct restoration and ongoing care. The seats, matching black leather door panels, correct square weave carpeting, and black canvas convertible top are all in keeping with the theme of excellence throughout the interior. The dashboard is particularly nice, having been treated to restored instrumentation with vivid color and nomenclature contrasted by matching silver paint, smooth black leather dash padding, and a smaller diameter padded black rim steering wheel featuring satin black spokes and a colored Porsche center emblem. The original black steering wheel with horn ring is included with the car. The rear seating area is finished with matching black leather and correct square weave carpet creating a helpful storage area when the rear seats are in the down position.


Under the hood, the matching numbers engine and engine bay deliver a thoughtful and correct presentation using Porsche parts, correct oil filter canister, correct air cleaners, twin Zenith carburetors, and accurate engine details. The engine has been refurbished using factory type finishes, proper coatings, correct hardware, and fasteners all of which contribute to the overall high quality presentation. The front storage compartment houses a correct spare wheel and tire retained by a leather hold down strap, the correct molded Porsche branded liner, and the chassis number is stamped on the steel tub along with the aluminum chassis plate. The undercarriage is representative of a well-cared for example with sound floor pans, a replacement battery box, and properly restored components including the matching transmission which is confirmed by the Porsche CoA.


The car starts easily warm or cold and is a delight to drive, exhibiting smooth road manners and progressive acceleration through all gears including reverse. With the carburetors recently serviced, the engine performs very well running up to highway speeds with confidence and coming down evenly on four-wheel disc brakes. The overall ride quality, handling, and suspension is quite good even when encountering bumpy road surfaces and, with the top and side windows down, open-air touring is leisurely and pleasurable.

Included with this Car

This Porsche comes with a copy of the Porsche CoA, the original black and chrome steering wheel and horn ring, an original 356 owner’s manual and clear plastic case, a set of tools and tool roll, a leather wrapped gear shift knob, and a set of four coco mats.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608