1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Solex Carburetors
95bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Rare, matching-numbers SC Cabriolet
*Exquisite presentation inside and out
*Award Winner at PCA Concours events
*Offered with Porsche Certificate of Authenticity

THE PORSCHE 356

Porsche's Type 356, introduced in 1948, is acknowledged to be one of the world's great sports cars. Over a 15-year production run, the handsome and durable 356 evolved from a streamlined little aluminum-bodied coupe powered by a VW-derived, 46bhp 1100cc air-cooled flat four to a powerful autobahn burner carrying a complex, two-liter four-cam boxer Carrera engine, producing 130bhp. The cars steady development brought not only coupes, but introduced luxurious cabriolets, speedsters, and roadsters. In all there were more than 76,000 examples built by the time production ceased in 1965.

The 356B, produced from 1960 through 1963, represents the mid-point in this design's progression. In what is known as "T5" form, the B introduced new front and rear sheet-metal, while retaining the curved front trunk lid and rounded fenders of the 356A series. The B also added some features demanded by American customers, such as raised front and rear bumpers with over-riders to better protect the body from parking mishaps. The headlamps were raised, a larger hood handle added, and front vent windows appeared in the doors. Mechanically, the gearbox and drum brakes were upgraded. A new steering wheel and column refreshed the interior, along with redesigned rear seats. A "Super" model with raised compression added an extra 15bhp over the standard version, while the even hotter Super 90 added 30bhp – a full 50% more power than the base car.

The 356 made its final transformation with the Type 6 body in 1963. Designated 356C, it had a new ZF steering gear and added compensating springs at the rear, the latter calming the swing axle suspension. Four-wheel disc brakes were also part of the revision, and a 12-volt electrical system became available. Two 1,600 cc engines were offered, the "C" version with 75DIN (European horsepower, rated 88 by SAE), and the "SC" with higher compression and counterweighted crankshaft making 95DIN (107 SAE).

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This fine example of the 356 SC was completed on September 19, 1963, in Signal Red paint with classic Black leather upholstery and optional tinted windows – exactly as you see it presented today. Previously owned by Harvey Wilson of Ventura, California, the car was meticulously restored over a period of time in the 1990s. Although we do not have the receipts or restoration documentation, we do know from the current owner that works included an engine rebuild receiving a mild street cam. As is evidenced upon close inspection and confirmed by the accompanying Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, the car was restored using correct materials and colors from factory - Signal Red paint, black top and black leather interior.

In May 2006, Wilson sold the car to the current owner, a Porsche enthusiast and purist, with 71,719 miles on the odometer. He immediately took his new acquisition to the Porsche 356 Club meet at Dana Point, California, where it received a score of 288.1 out of 300. The car finished third in its class having driven to the event, and then home – a total of almost 300 miles. Subsequently, the cosmetics and engine compartment were addressed by Larry Markham of Markham Motor Works of Burbank, California, and Vredestein tires were installed on the original painted wheels. The car returned to Dana Point the following year and finished first in its class. The current owner describes his car as having been 'very reliable' over the period of his 11 years of ownership, during which he has participated in numerous rallies, including the 356 North Meets South, plus he has shown the car at several events.

The car comes with 8,000 post-restoration miles on the clock, a set of tools and manuals. With its beautiful aesthetics and good mechanical condition, this Porsche can be enjoyed both on the show green – and on the road.