Highlights

Restored and lightly modified in 2001
Lowered suspension
Sports exhaust
Museum-stored and enjoyed sparingly

The Appeal

The ‘C’ was the final and most advanced of Porsche’s 356, introduced for the 1964 model year just as the all-new 911 was taking off. The 356 C had disc brakes, radial tyres and several subtle modifications, distinguishing it from its forbears.

This 1964 example has undergone restoration and light modification, giving it the look and feel of a period competition car. Its bumpers have been removed, the suspension has been lowered and a sports exhaust has been fitted to amplify that distinctive air-cooled “thrum”.

The vendor stores the car at a museum and drives it sparingly, covering an estimated 50 kilometres per annum. The car is currently road registered in its native Germany and while not currently TÜV inspected, the vendor is confident that it would pass without issue.

For fans of Porsche’s legendary 356, there’s a lot to love about this example.

The History and Paperwork

Apt ‘356’ number plate
8,858 km indicated
Reportedly matching numbers engine
Modified and restored in 2001
Previously belonged to the vendor’s uncle
The restoration/modification work was carried out prior to the vendor’s family ownership
Stored at the Technik Museum Speyer
The vendor collects the car from the museum to use it occasionally
We’re informed that the Porsche only drives around 50 km each year
It has a licence plate but not TÜV at the moment; the vendor foresees no issues

The Condition

Originally blue, now refinished in a period-correct metallic silver to a good standard
De-bumpered front and rear
Headlamp mesh fitted
Light patina visible upon close inspection; otherwise the bodywork appears very straight and solid
Small dent to the nose and a few other minor blemishes around the lower bodywork
Chromed 356 wheels with Michelin tyres
Smart trim all-round with no notable pitting apparent; slight wear to the wheels upon closer inspection
New sheet steel let into the doors
Underside protected with underseal
Moto-Lita wood-rimmed sports steering wheel
Exceedingly smart vinyl upholstery with gentle wear only
Carpets protected with black rubber overmats
Modern fire extinguisher fitted and easily accessible from the cabin
The controls and instruments present well and we understand the cabin electrics to be in good working order

As the photographs attest, this is a very presentable example of one of Porsche’s best-looking cars. Did the 911 ever looks this good? We’re not so sure…

The various modifications make this 356 C a very usable car and we like how there are a few small imperfections; you won’t be afraid to drive it as Porsche originally intended. Silver really suits it, and we love the de-bumpered look. The cabin is particularly smart and we enjoy the subtle addition of the Moto-Lita steering wheel.

The Mechanics

1.6-litre air-cooled, twin-carb flat-four
Four-speed manual gearbox
We’re informed that the engine is original to the car
We’re assured that all modifications meet legal requirements for TÜV
For safety reasons the brake hoses are cromeflex with TÜV
The suspension has been subtly lowered
Major service performed in 2015 at a Porsche 356 Service Point

This 356 has a great stance thanks to the lowered suspension, ensuring the wheelsand tyres look perfectly proportioned within the arches. The vendor points out that besides the suspension and conversion of the brake hoses are chrome flex, the car’s modifications are purely aesthetic. Its engine and gearbox remains mechanically original, providing an authentic 356 C experience.

Reportedly running well, we’re informed that Porsche is ready to enjoy and the vendor is confident that it’ll readily pass TÜV if required.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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