Fantasy Junction

Description

1964 Porsche 356 C (SC spec) Cabriolet s/n 160005 engine no. 810428 Red with Black Leather 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. The ultimate development of these years was the 356 C, which represented huge advances over initial models, including the adaptation of disc brakes. They were available in several configurations as both coupes and cabriolets, and with several motors. Aside from cars fitted the rare and extremely complicated four-cam racing motors, the SC cabriolet was the top of the line model, with its fully insulated top and more powerful motor. This car was originally sold with the less potent C motor, but was upgraded to an SC during its lifetime. The car has had two owners since 1973, and the current owner has owned the car since 1986. Between 1973 and 1986, the car lived in Marin County, just north of San Francisco, and the owner who bought the car in 1986 lived just across the bay in Oakland. He moved to New Jersey, and then to Missouri, and then back to the San Francisco Bay Area, taking the car with him as he moved. According to the included Certificate of Authenticity, the car was originally light ivory in color, though it was light yellow when the current owner acquired it. During the restoration, the color was changed to the current red. The restoration itself is still very fresh because minimal mileage has been covered since its completion in 1994. The bills for the restoration total over $70,000 and include the renewal of all major systems. The paintwork was done by a shop in Missouri that specializes in Porsches called Crawford Custom. The total for all bodywork and chrome is almost $29,000. The engine and clutch were redone at Honest Engine, a 356/race specialist shop in Southern California, at a cost of about $8,000. The motor that was used was a correct and very difficult-to-find SC motor, which was then rebuilt. The remainder of the restoration was completed at Hjeltness Restorations, a shop famous for their outstanding work on Mercedes 300SL Gullwings and Roadsters. The work by Hjeltness includes the following: carpet, rebuild seats, new leather, refinish steering wheel, new rubber, complete top, new hardware (like hinges etc.), some chrome work, wiring harness, the suspension (including Koni shocks), complete braking system (from the pads to the master cylinder), the gauges, and final assembly. The Hjeltness portion of the restoration receipts totals over $30,000 and there are a few dozen photographs from the process. The restoration is completely documented, as is the service history of the car from 1973 to present. There are hundreds of pages of receipts indicating the quality of care that this car has received over the years. Included among these are a few minor accidents, one in 1978, one in 1987, and some damage during shipping immediately before the restoration. Since the restoration, the car has required only routine maintenance and the replacement of the generator in 2000, about 3500 miles ago. The car has seen minimal use since the restoration and is accordingly in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition. The paintwork is a high quality job, and shows only light chipping from road use. The engine lid fits well, but there are some irregularities to the door and trunk lid fits. The chrome is in excellent condition, including the wheels, which are fully chromed and feature color Porsche crests. The rubber trim is in excellent condition, as are all lenses and glass, with the exception of the foglights, which have some pitting and one crack to them. The fit and quality of the top are really exemplary, and the top is in as-new condition, including the rear window. A set of correct Michelin XZX tires is installed. The interior and top of this car are truly outstanding. All of the work is to the highest standard. The quality of the materials, the attention to detail, and the fit and operation of the components are really first-rate. Even the doorjambs/door sills are stunning and detailed. The leather and carpets are both extremely fresh and fit beautifully, including the rare headrests. The gauges and switches were all renewed during the restoration, and even the clock keeps good time. The original manual is present in the glovebox. The wood wheel is in excellent condition and has a horn ring. The only noticeable fault is the inoperability of the sun visors. The trunk is also outstanding and very well detailed. The spare wheel is held down by the correct leather strap, and the heaters, bottles, fuses, and various components are all in wonderful condition. The engine is equally presentable, having been cosmetically refinished during the restoration. It is well-detailed with the correct decals and small details like the correct brown distributor cap. From beneath, it is evident that the car is extremely solid. There is no rust anywhere, and while the underside is not detailed for show, the engine, transmission, and suspension show signs having been thoroughly overhauled. The car comes with a great deal of extras, including a certificate of authenticity from Porsche, the original manual, and six boxes of assorted parts, catalogs, and a few Porsche club magazines. The records since 1973 are also included, as is a tool roll with tools, carburetor synchronizing tool, some technical manuals, and a tonneau cover with bag. Thanks to the extensive work performed and minimal mileage since, this example drives superbly. The shifter works properly, and the gearbox is very nice, being exceptionally tight. The engine sounds very healthy and provides brisk performance. The road handling is very good and the car feels sure-footed. The disc brakes are authoritative and the car is representative of what a 356 SC would have felt like when it was new. This car is in all-around excellent condition. From a driving and cosmetic standpoint, this is an extremely fine example; surely one of the finest available. It needs absolutely nothing to be enjoyed, and is very nice, though not so nice as to discourage the new owner from using it. The cabriolet C, with its fully lined top, proper wind-up windows, and disc brakes, represents a sophisticated and enjoyable way to experience the ultimate version of Porsche`s very first production model. This car is more sophisticated, both mechanically and in terms of creature comforts, than earlier cars, and when compared with the cruder Speedster at twice the price, this car is a great buy. These cars are appreciating smartly right now, and this car is an example that will allow its new owner to enjoy the appreciation and the car itself with minimal attention.

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

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