Vehicle Description
The 356 was a lightweight and nimble-handling rear-engine rear-wheel-drive 2-door sports car available in hardtop coupé and open configurations. Engineering innovations continued during the years of manufacture, contributing to its motorsports success and popularity. Production started in 1948 at Gmund, Austria, where approximately 50 cars were built. In 1950 the factory relocated to Zuffenhausen, Germany, and general production of the 356 continued until April 1965, well after the replacement model 911 made its autumn 1963 debut. Of the 76,000 originally produced, approximately half survive.
In September of 1961 Porsche introduced the 1962 356 B model which was changed to the T6 body type with twin rear deck lid engine grilles, an external fuel filler in the right front wing/fender and a larger rear window in the coupé. It is interesting to note that the Porsche factory didn't call attention to these quite visible changes with a different model designation from the T5 body. However, when the T6 got disc brakes in 1964, with no other visible alterations, they called it the model C, or the SC when it had the optional extra powerful engine.
The last revision of the 356 was the 356C introduced for the 1964 model year. It featured disc brakes all round, as well as an option for the most powerful pushrod engine Porsche had ever produced, the 95 horse power (71 kW) "SC". 356 production peaked at 14,151 cars in 1964, the year that its successor, the new 911, was introduced to the US market (it was introduced slightly earlier in Europe). The company continued to sell the 356C in North America through 1965 as demand for the model remained quite strong in the early days of the heavier and more "civilized" 911. The last ten 356's (cabriolets) were assembled for the Dutch police force in March 1966 as 1965 models.
This 356C Coupe is all matching numbers per Certificate of Authenticity from Porsche, finished in correct color combination. Original 1600cc engine (75HP), 4-speed manual (741) transmission & four wheel disc brakes. Excellent mechanical condition that is an honest rust free example. Complete with tools & owners manual.
