Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 159637
Engine No. 730754
The ultimate iteration of the lightweight, rear-engined, rear-wheel
drive Porsche 356, the 356 C, appeared in 1964, coinciding with
Porsche's purchase of the Reutter coachbuilding firm, which would
handle all Coupe and Cabriolet construction in Stuttgart for the
remainder of production. New equipment on the 356 C included
four-wheel disc brakes, a ZF steering box, and a 12 volt electrical
system. It also featured further refinement of its 1600 cc engine,
allowing the powerful pushrod engine to produce 88 SAE horsepower
in "C" specification. Available in a range of open-top body styles
throughout the 15-year production run of the 356, the sporting
Cabriolet was always the most costly when new.
According to its Porsche issued Certificate of Authenticity, this
1964 356 C 1600 Cabriolet was ordered in refreshing Light Ivory
over Red leather and completed 18 November 1963. Ordered as a 1600,
its cost according to period pricelists was just over $4,500 before
options. When new it was optioned with leather headrests ($29/ea),
two loud speakers ($48.75), a lockable antenna ($13.75), a
Carrera-type wood-rimmed steering wheel ($67.50), chrome wheels
($91.50), aluminum side spear trim ($9.50), and Red Coco floor mats
($9.60) it likely crested $5,000 with delivery costs. This example
with its matching numbers engine features a full round of servicing
in 2020 conducted by Marque Motors of Portland, Oregon at a cost of
just over $10,000. Most recently, after the past few years in
storage and in preparation for Broad Arrow's Air|Water auction
additional work has been performed by Eckert's Rod & Custom of
Molalla, Oregon. The carburetors were rebuilt, the brake calipers
and master cylinder have been replaced, the soft top has been steam
cleaned, and an electric fuel pump has been added for ease during
cold starts. Additionally, a recent 100 mile road test reveals that
the efforts were clearly inspiring with a Broad Arrow Car
Specialist noting that it performed with gusto along mountain back
roads and the highways around Porland, Oregon.
