LOT 53
1964 Porsche 356C 1600 Cabriolet Coachwork by Reutter Chassis no. 160607 Engine no. 813499
Sold for US$157,920 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 53
'From the Maine Classic Car Museum Collection'
1964 Porsche 356C 1600 Cabriolet
1964 Porsche 356C 1600 Cabriolet
1964 Porsche 356C 1600 Cabriolet
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 160607
Engine no. 813499
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 160607
Engine no. 813499
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
* In the present ownership since 2006
* Desirable Bali Blue paintwork scheme
* Believed to retain its original engine
* An iconic Porsche convertible model
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 CAR OFFERED
This handsome Porsche 356 Convertible has resided in the collection for nearly 20 years. It was acquired in the summer of 2006 through Peter Markowski of the famed RPM Garage in Vergennes, Vermont. Paperwork on file records that the car was facilitated by RPM as an acquisition from Vision Auto Inc. the Porsche/Audi/Volkswagen Garage of Leesport, Pennsylvania. The 356 Registry notes ownership by Tim Phillips of Pennsylvania in 2004, and a previous owner Dennis Moore of Ohio.
At its time of purchase from Craig Rosenfeld of Vision Auto, the car was running a 912 motor, and was sold together with the present unit, number 813499 which was noted as its original powerplant. The agreement was that the 356 engine would be returned to the car by RPM to complete its sale. It is understood that this work was carried out early in this ownership and has remained in its correct specification ever since. When purchased its odometer reading was in the 46,000s, and despite its long tenure in this collection less than 1,000 miles have been added.
According to its door tag, the car was born with code 6412 paintwork, being the highly desirable hue of Bali Blue which it remains in to this day. Viewed carefully, the Porsche has the appearance of being refurbished at some point, clearly with newer paint and a dark grey interior but doesn't seem to have ever undergone a comprehensive restoration. Now a little aged in its presentation it is best described as being of driver quality today, but it is nonetheless by definition a very desirable commodity and would be a worthwhile venture for any level of improvements that its next owner may elect to carry out.
Saleroom notices
The accompanying Kardex confirms this is a US-market car delivered in Bali Blue. Please note the installed engine is a replacement, and the serial number (813499) corresponds to a 1964-spec 95bhp SC unit.
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