Vehicle Description
In 1964, the 356 C replaced the 356 B and introduced a handful of
small changes. The 75 horsepower engine from the B 1600 Super
became the entry-level engine, and disc brakes became standard
along with redesigned wheels with flatter hubcaps. This US-spec
356C was finished by the factory in Zuffenhausen, Germany on July
8th, 1964. It immediately made the long trip to the port of Los
Angeles, and then up to Gardner Motors in Fresno, CA.
Its first owner, Paul Hendrickson of Fresno, CA, purchased the car
with his wife on October 20th, 1964. Both were 59 when they bought
the Porsche and owned it until 1980. By that time, the Hendricksons
were 75 years of age and were having a difficult time getting in
and out of the little car so they made the difficult decision to
sell their beloved 356. Fortunately, it found a home with noted 356
restorers, Tim Goodrich of Grants Pass, Oregon.
Goodrich owned the car for about four years before selling it to
Mike Moran, also of Oregon. During his ownership, the car received
an exterior repaint while the dashboard, door jambs, and undersides
of the front and rear lids retained the original paintwork. Later,
Tim Goodrich performed a complete engine rebuild. Moran owned the
356C until 2001, showing it often at numerous 356 events.
The next owner, Dave Hamann, an employee of Goodrich, purchased the
car in 2001. He and his wife Cokie participated in multiple PCA
events with the 356C both in Oregon and California. The time came
once again for the Porsche to find a new home, and it found one
with Porsche expert and collector, Sam Cabiglio of California in
2006. He had the front seats recovered in black leather by Autos
International, and Bosch 6 volt H-4 headlamps installed.
While in Sam's care, it was featured on the cover of the 356 Club
Southern California magazine for the Summer 2014 issue and the
subject of a four-page spread. The 356C's past was told in the
first person as if the cheerful little white coupe had been
reflecting on its life story through its different owners and
various drives in the scenic mountain roads throughout California.
In one section of the article, the author describes the 356's
400-mile voyage during its former owner's move from Big Bear Valley
to Monterey. "As we travel north on Interstate 5 at a steady 75
mph, people in other cars stare at me in amazement wondering how
can that old car keep up with us? Little do they know that I just
had my 47th birthday and I plan to go for 47 more."
Aside from the exterior repaint, seats, and headlights, this 356C
is completely original. It still retains its original engine and
transmission. All the glass is original, as is 95% of the trim, and
the carpet and the headliner. It has rarely seen inclement weather,
and therefore is free of rust and still has its original battery
tray, floor, and factory undercoating.
Throughout its life, this 356 C has been pampered and its wonderful
condition is a reflection of the care that has been bestowed upon
it. It is a fine example with a well-documented history and is
perfectly capable of being driven daily and displayed on the
Concours lawn, whichever its newest caretaker pleases.
