1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin Zenith Carburetors
75bhp at 5,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes


*Three owners from new
*Porsche Certificate of Authenticity
*Thorough recent mechanical and cosmetic service
*Documented by a quarter century of maintenance records
*First-year 356C incorporating disc brakes all-round


THE PORSCHE 356C

Cabriolets had been manufactured right from the start of 356 production, but the first open Porsche to make a significant impact was the Speedster, introduced in 1954 following the successful reception in the USA of a batch of 15 special roadsters. The Reutter-bodied Speedster was dropped in 1958 and replaced by the more civilized Convertible D, which differed principally by virtue of its larger windscreen and winding side windows. Porsche sub-contracted cabriolet body construction to a number of different coachbuilders, Reutter undertaking the bulk of production with significant contributions from Karmann of Osnabruck, Drauz of Heilbronn and d'Ieteren of Brussels.

By the time the 356B arrived in September 1959, Porsche's first sports car had gained a one-piece rounded windscreen and 15"-diameter wheels, the newcomer's introduction bringing with it further styling revisions and an engine now standardized at 1,600cc. Outwardly very similar to the final 356Bs, the ultimate 356C model arrived in 1963 sporting four wheel disc brakes - first seen on the 2-liter Carrera 2 - among numerous detail improvements, notably a new ZF steering gear and a compensating spring at the rear to calm the swing axle rear suspension. Engines available - both of 1.6 liters - were the 75bhp 'C' and 95bhp 'SC', the latter replacing the Super 90.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This lovely Reutter-bodied Cabriolet is a later example of the 356C, completed on March 17, 1964 in Irish Green over Fawn leather, it was delivered new to its first American owner on a set of optional Conti tires.. Featuring the improved four-wheel disc brakes and the good-looking twin grille engine cover, the 356C is often touted as the best driving, most refined version of the celebrated 356 model.

Retained for about a decade by its original keeper, it would pass into the hands of its second owner in the early 1970s and remain in his family's care for the next two score of years. Enjoyed in largely original but well maintained condition, at some point during his ownership the original engine was swapped out for a later, 1600C type 616/15 unit. The Cabriolet was subject to a thorough restoration from 2000-2001 during which time new floor pans, a new top, new lenses and lamps, fresh silver paint, and all-new chrome were added, among other things, with receipts totaling over $37,000.

Acquired by the current owner more recently, the Cabriolet has received an extensive refreshing to its 15 year old restoration over the course of the past year. Professionally stripped and repainted with triple coats of Glasurit base and clearcoat, gaskets and seals were replaced, the underside was stripped and resealed, plus an exhaustive list parts were removed and refitted with correct replacements including the exhaust, lenses, and emblems. A set of correct, adjustable Koni shocks were fitted while a new battery box floor pan was welded in and fresh shift bushings were added. The engine received a similar level of close attention. Completely gone through and sorted, both carburetors were rebuilt, new push rods were installed, the valves were adjusted and new valve gaskets were installed. A complete tune up was performed it was all topped off by a fresh tank of oil and a new oil filter.

Described as a lovely driver with only a handful of caretakers and with service history dating back to 1991, it would no doubt be a perfect car for both local drives and enjoyable tours such as the New England 1000 or Copperstate 1000. Benefiting from all the 356C technical improvements and improved brakes, this Cabriolet represents one of the final and most civilized versions of the long-running 356 model.