Fantasy Junction

Description

1964 Porsche 356 C Cabriolet
s/n 160629, engine no. KD*P*731223
Black with Black Interior and Oatmeal Carpets

Ferdinand Porsche's first roadgoing model bearing his own name was the 356. Introduced in 1948, it underwent continuous development during the production run, which finally ended in 1965. By production's end, the car had come a long way. Engine output over doubled, from 40hp at introduction to just shy of 100hp in the last examples. The ultimate development from these years was the 356 C, which represented significant advances over earlier models, including the adoption of disc brakes. They were available in several configurations as both coupes and cabriolets, and with several motors.

This particular car was sold new in Florida and was originally red in color. In 1977, a long term owner from the Atlanta area purchased the car, retaining it until 2000. He maintained the car fastidiously, and a thick stack of service records dating back to 1977 is included with the car. A ground-up restoration was performed in 1980, and new floor pans, battery box, and longitudinals were installed at that time as well. Considerable other maintenance was also performed over the years, and it is clear that the car was the owner’s pride and joy. The car collected a number of first place trophies at various PCA concours during the 1980s, including the People’s Choice Award at the 1986 Rennfest. It was also featured in the October 1986 and May 1990 issues of Porsche Panorama magazine.

In more recent years, the car has been in the care of an owner in Southern California, where it has been very well maintained. The engine was completely rebuilt in 2007, with new pistons, refurbished heads, new generator, and overhauled carburetors. A 1750cc big bore kit was installed. The transmission was rebuilt in its entirety in 2007, including new synchromesh, resurfaced clutch, new clutch, and a taller 4th gear. The front suspension was rebuilt as required in 2009, and a new starter fitted in 2011.

Cosmetically, the car is a very nice driver level example with nice quality paint over straight panels. The gaps and panel fit are very good on the deck lids but the door gaps are wider than they should be. The chrome is very good to excellent, with some surface scratches and very light pitting in places, but strong presentation overall. The hubcaps are in excellent shape, having been recently replaced. The lights and glass are very good to excellent and the soft top is in very fine condition and is of the correct Haartz canvas.

The interior is in excellent shape, with excellent upholstery on the seats, door panels, and dashboard. The carpets are contrasting oatmeal square weave items in excellent condition. The floor mats are correct rubber items although matching oatmeal square weave floor mats are also included with the car. The instruments, switches and controls are also excellent, although some of the dashboard chrome shows minor aging. The car is fitted with desirable Blaupunkt radio. The steering wheel is excellent overall, with only some crazing on the horn button to detract from its presentation.

The engine compartment is clean and nicely detailed. It is relatively correct, with nicely refinished components, although the distributor is non-original and the car has been upgraded with a 12 volt ignition system. The factory air cleaners are in place. The trunk is missing its plastic liner tray, but is structurally very nice. The spare is in place, as is the tool roll with tools.

The car is a pleasure to drive. The engine is well tuned and is noticeably more powerful than a stock 356C thanks to the big bore kit. The gearing provides sprightly acceleration while the taller fourth gear makes highway cruising more relaxed. The transmission is a pleasure to use with precise linkage and effective synchromesh. The brakes work well and the steering and suspension are tight. The changes from stock are relatively subtle but meaningfully improve the driving experience of this 356, making it a particularly enjoyable example to drive.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a great-driving high end driver level 356 C Cabriolet. With nearly four decades of records and known history, the car is well-documented, and benefits from recent engine and transmission rebuilds. Subtly upgraded to significantly improve the driving experience, the car is an ideal companion for touring or weekend drives and is cosmetically striking in its black on black color combination with contrasting carpets. In addition to 38 years of service records, the car also comes with tool roll and tools.

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.

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