1964 Porsche 356 C 1600 Coupe

Description

The Porsche 356 was so beloved that when the 911 was introduced in 1965 as a replacement, the Porsche faithful were outraged. “A bloated GT” some said. Others claimed the new 911 was not a real Porsche. Porsche’s clientele in the 1960’s were a particular bunch — scientists, engineers, doctors, and workers in traditional professions where constant experimentation leads to progress. The car they all loved — the Porsche 356 — through all of its progressions, was engineered and constructed very much the same manner in which they themselves were used to operating.

Towards the end of 356 production, Porsche was building the most refined 356 since the company first put pen to paper in 1948. Gone were the cable brakes, unsynchronized transmissions, and smaller VW-based engines that typified early construction cars. In their place were proper, Porsche-engineered parts, which had the benefit of over a decade of gradual refinements and testing in the toughest laboratory in the world — hundreds of thousands of racing miles by professionals and amateurs alike across the globe. In 1964, all of that engineering refinement came to a zenith when Porsche released the 356 C series, the final version of the 356 offered by Porsche. It featured minute improvements inside and out over the B model, including updated seats, door panels with armrests, softened torsion bar spring rates, and a revised exterior color program with seven standard colors and four optional. The biggest improvements were to the braking system. For the first time Porsche offered ATE disc brakes as standard; a welcome upgrade over the previous drum brakes used on all previous standard 356 models.  

Highlights

• Offered from long-term enthusiast ownership of over 18 years  

• Powered by the original, numbers-matching 1,600 cc flat-four engine (serial number 712578) 

• Equipped with the original, numbers-matching four-speed manual transmission (serial number 76159)  

• Delivered new to Oakland, California, as confirmed by the included Kardex report 

• Finished in a striking red exterior

• Accompanied by a spare tire, jack, a partial toolkit, and owner’s manual 

Features

• 15 inch steel wheels with Ultra Metric steel-belted tires  

• Upgraded Kenwood speakers 

• Variable speed windshield wiper  

• Glare-proof rear-view mirror  

• Ventilated rear window  

• VDO dashboard clock  

• Back-up light  

• Glove compartment with lock  

• Gearshift lock  

• Ashtray  

• Courtesy grip for passenger  

• Map pocket in each door  

• Heater and fresh air vents  

• Dimensions: 

  • 13.2 gallon fuel tank capacity  

  • Wheelbase: 82.7 inches  

  • Front Track: 51.4 inches  

  • Rear Track: 50.1 inches  

  • Length: 158 inches  

  • Width: 65.8 inches  

  • Height: 51.8 inches  

  • Turning Circle: 33.5 feet  

  • Dry weight (DIN): 2,060 pounds  

Known Imperfections

• Minor rock chips are present on the front end of the vehicle

• A small paint imperfection is noted near the rear window on the passenger side

• Interior courtesy lights are non-functioning

  Included

• Owner’s manual  

• Partial tool kit 

• Spare tire  

• Jack 

• Digital Kardex warranty card  

• Digital history file with service invoices  

 Ownership History

According to the Kardex warranty card, this Porsche 356 was delivered new through Porsche Cars Pacific. Acquired by the current owner in 2006, this example has remained in the current collection for over 18 years where it has enjoyed periodic use and regular servicing.   

Additional Notes   

A Broad Arrow Auctions Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle.   

Contact: Blake Wingrove   Phone: 616.822.8589   email: bwingrove@hagerty.com