Fantasy Junction

Description

1964 Porsche 356C Coupe
s/n 216267, Engine No. P*711502*
Champagne Yellow with Tan Leather Interior

The final iteration of Porsche’s first production car, the 356 C was the most developed variant of the model that defined Porsche’s early years, both on the track and off. Incorporating the revisions from the T6 body introduced halfway through 356 B production, the C model was further differentiated by the addition of disc brakes, more powerful base engines, and minor interior revisions. The cars benefitted from the continuous development that occurred between the model’s 1948 introduction and the production of the C, which lasted just two model years and remain among the most desirable 356 variants.

This superb, two-owner, matching numbers 356C Coupe has been a documented California car since new, having been purchased new by Arthur E. Andress of La Mesa, California, from Truman Motors, El Cajon, California on March 17, 1964. The car was registered with the car with black license plate OPU 021 on April 20, 1964. According to the original sales contract included with the car, it was “Sold as Equipped” including Underseal, Safety Belts, Headrests, O.S. Mirrors (2), AM-FM-M Radio, and Chrome Wheels. Service records recorded in the Porsche Service booklet show dated tabs and miles recording the earliest miles. The car has records dating back to 1965, with a robust paper trail all throughout the remainder of the 60s and into the 70s, plus a thick file of records since the current owner bought it from Andress in the early 70s.

Over the course of the next 46 years, the current owner remained in California, using the car regularly. The odometer has turned over once so the total mileage from new is 143,000. The car is exceptionally complete and well-documented. The stainless steel Haneline engine turned sill plates, for example, were installed in 1968 as indicated by the included invoice. The Leitz luggage rack was on the car when the current owner bought it and is still installed. The tool kit has never been used and the lug wrench retains its Klein decal still. The service book contains the filled out stubs for all the services performed early in the car’s life. The car has correct Hella 128 fog lamps with OEM dashboard switch, which the owner installed more than 25 years ago.

The car has been rebuilt and restored as needed. The original engine is still in the car and was rebuilt with a big bore kit 27,000 miles ago at 116,497 miles in 1977. Weber carburetors with K&N filters have also been installed. Most of the chrome was refinished in the early 1990s, and a full tan Autos International leather interior was installed in 2006, including all upholstery, carpets, and headliner. In 2009, Jansen’s Auto Body in Sacramento, California performed a high quality repaint in the car’s original Champagne Yellow, removing the trim and replacing gaskets, rubber, and trim totaling approximately $14,000. Ted Blake rebuilt the distributor in 2012 and in 2018, the car was serviced, including new front brake lines and new shocks all around.

The owner has been active in the 356 community, and he has successfully shown the car numerous times in recent years. In 2011, it won second place in a Sacramento Valley Region PCA “Wash and Shine” concours event sponsored by Neillo Porsche. It won first at the same event in 2016 and 2017 as well. In 2016, the car won first in the People’s Choice category at the North Meets South 356 meet in San Luis Obispo, and second in the same category at the same meet in 2018.

Today, the car presents beautifully, with the uniform crispness of a freshly restored car, even a few years after the cosmetic restoration was performed. The outstanding presentation is truly a testament to the enthusiasm and fastidiousness of the car’s long-term owner. The body is exceptionally straight and solid. In 1991, the owner lent the car to his wife, who promptly rear ended another car. The damage was limited to the nose section of the car, which was carefully repaired to the highest standards. The undercarriage is completely original (including trunk floor) and has never been refinished. The fit and gaps on all panels is uniformly excellent. The exterior chrome and various trim throughout the car are in very nice condition, including the wheels, bumpers, and nicely finished and correct wheel covers. Close inspection reveals very slight pitting on the lower parts of the rear bumper overriders, fog light bezels, and right front turn signal housing. The car currently sits on of 5.5” chrome wheels, allowing for the wider 185 series tires, giving the car a bit more aggressive stance and more grip. Lighting, lenses, and script are all in excellent condition with gaskets, rubber trim, and weatherstripping all exhibiting fine detailing and fit. The windshield and side glass are in very good condition with no major chips or scratches. The front windscreen has minor marks from road use and is a Sigla item made in West Germany.

The interior of the car has been handsomely restored with excellent seats trimmed in correct leather showing only minor evidence of use to the driver’s seat. The door panels and pockets, correct tan carpet, and dash are all very nicely and correctly done. The front carpeting area is protected with a correct contoured rubber mat covering both foot wells and center hump. The instruments are beautiful with excellent color to the dials, no fading, and correct needles. The steering is in beautiful condition, with excellent horn button and aluminum spokes, and a leather cover on the rim, adding the finishing touch to a superb dashboard presentation. Unlike many cars of this vintage, the Blaupunkt AM-FM-Multiband radio, dome lights, and clock all function correctly. The rear seating, carpeting, and remaining interior components are all in harmony with the interior presentation, giving the car a very cohesive appearance.

The engine compartment reveals the rebuilt matching numbers engine, just as it left the factory and as noted in the original books and dealer service documents that accompany the car. The engine and engine compartment have never been restored, but are instead very well-preserved, with some signs of aging but truly impressive presentation considering its originality. The front compartment is in similar condition, showing proper finishes and correct materials including the plastic liner and correct numbers and VIN stampings. The underside of the car is unrestored with all original metal, which is structurally excellent, as one might expect from a carefully used lifelong California car. Suspension and brake components, while not detailed for show, are in very nice condition, including the soft lines and miscellaneous hardware, once again in keeping with the remarkably original floor pan and structural elements.

Driving this car, one is reminded how delightfully light, nimble, and capable the 356 truly can be, particularly when driving a nicely maintained original car. The engine starts easily, settling into a civilized idle. Power is appreciably more than a stock example thanks to the big bore kit and the twin Webers, although the delivery is more characterful than the original Solexes would have been. The gearbox is very good, operating smoothly without issues, both warm and cold. The brakes and steering are firm and well-sorted without play, giving the driver the confidence to drive the car purposefully. Suspension is compliant in corners, while road manners on the highway are smooth and pleasant, yet responsive when the road opens up, and the car has a wonderful communicative and playful character that makes it a joy to drive.

The car is accompanied by more than 50 years of service records, the original Porsche Service book with remaining tabs of service notations, numerous registration cards, original service documents showing mileage and dates, and the original purchase contract. Also included is the original set of tools (Klein sticker still on the lug wrench), tool roll, original jack (restored by 356 expert), the original owner’s manual, Blaupunkt radio instructions, original uninstalled headrests still trimmed in black (the car’s original interior color), and concours trophies awarded in recent years.

This 356C is an exceptionally high quality example that would be difficult to improve. A structurally original and excellent lifetime California car, it is also matching numbers with good options and has been refinished to high standards in its lovely original color. Comprehensively documented and extremely complete, this car shows exceptional pride of ownership with its two owners. Never neglected and always enthusiastically owned, driven, and maintained, this car has a magical character of the type that comes along very rarely.

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