Vehicle Description
The 356 was a lightweight and nimble-handling rear-engine
rear-wheel-drive 2-door sports car available in hardtop coup� 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 coup�. 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 356 was special ordered with an optional SC engine producing
95 horse power, smooth shifting 4-speed manual (741) transmission
and very desirable four wheel disc braking system. Option include:
wooden steering wheel, chrome wheels, AM/FM Blaupunkt radio with
speakers, luggage rack, fog lights and Certificate of Authenticity
from Porsche. Matching 1600cc engine, complete with tools, books
and records. Excellent turnkey driver, if you have been looking for
a SC Coupe that is ready to enjoy look no further!
