1963 Porsche 356C 1600 Coupe

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

*Matching numbers example of the fully-evolved, end-of-the-run 356C
*Delivered new to Burlingame, California and retained in the Golden State ever since
*Presented in the original color combination of Ivory over red
*Offered with a copy of the original factory Porsche Kardex build sheet


THE PORSCHE 356

One of the all-time great sports cars, the 356 was the work of Ferry Porsche, who had been inspired by the FIAT-based Cisitalias of Piero Dusio. Ferry's 356 was based on the Volkswagen designed by his father, and like the immortal 'Beetle' employed a platform-type chassis with rear-mounted air-cooled engine and all-independent torsion bar suspension. Introduced in 1948, the Porsche 356 set a new standard for small sports cars and proved adaptable to all forms of motor sport including circuit racing and rallying. In 1951 a works car finished first in the 1,100cc class at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race, thus beginning the marque's long and illustrious association with La Sarthe.

The first phase of development saw the 356's engine grow to 1.3 and then to 1.5 liters; the original split windscreen replaced by a one-piece; and a Porsche synchromesh gearbox adopted. 1955 marked the arrival of the restyled 356A, the newcomer being readily distinguished by its curved windscreen and 15" - down from 16" - wheels. Numerous further styling revisions differentiated the 356B of 1959 from its immediate predecessor while the engine - now standardized at 1,600cc - was available in three different stages of tune, the most powerful - apart from the four-cam Carrera - being the 90bhp unit of the Super 90.

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 356C represented advances in drivability and comfort over earlier 356 models and is a pleasingly quick way to enjoy the traditional Porsche values of quality, reliability and mechanical robustness.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This stunning Porsche 356 Coupe from the fully evolved 'C' model production run, benefits from having been kept in the mild California climate since new, and retaining its original, matching numbers engine. According to a copy of the original Porsche factory build sheet (Kardex) on file, 356C chassis no. 215303 was produced at the Zuffenhausen-based Porsche works during the Summer of 1963 and would exit the production line on August 23rd, 1963. The Porsche was one of the 2,229 Coupe examples coachbuild by Karmann for Porsche. The 356C was fitted with engine number 710348 - as fitted in the car today - and finished in 'Hell-Elfenbein' Ivory over a red 'Kunstleder' vinyl interior. The new Porsche had chrome wheels, was equipped for the US market, and was destined for the West Coast where P.C. Pacific Porsche of Burlingame, California would deliver the car to the first owner, a gentleman by the name of Richard B. Gage of California. The 356 would return to P. C. Pacific Porsche again in 1965 for service work.

By 1968, the Porsche came into the ownership of the previous owner, another California-based Porsche enthusiast, and the Ivory-colored 356C Coupe would remain in that ownership for the following 54 years. A recent service has been performed on the well-kept and very original Porsche, during which time a new exhaust was fitted as well. Today the Porsche presents in lovely condition inside and out, still sporting the original livery of Ivory over red. A wood rimmed steering wheel is fitted alongside the period Blaupunkt radio situated in the dash. Original factory finishes and hardware is present in many places, and all-in-all the car has a very authentic look and feel. This matching numbers 356C 1600 Coupe is ready for its next owner to drive and enjoy, offering the timeless styling and the reliability for which Porsche is known.