1964 PORSCHE 356 C 1600 SC - LHD

This Porsche 356 SC is a beautiful 1960s sports coupe, presented in very smart condition following an older restoration, and accompanied by a large history file. Under the engine lid is the numbers-matching 95hp 1.6-litre air-cooled flat-four, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 72,880 miles.

At the time, the 1600 SC engine was the most powerful pushrod motor that Porsche had ever built, and the 356C model also featured disc brakes all round. The factory Kardex document for this particular car confirms it is a genuine SC model, and furthermore that it is still finished in the factory colour scheme of Dolphin Grey with blue upholstery.

The car left the factory in July 1964, destined for the US via the legendary Porsche importer, Max Hoffman. By 1988, the car was being treated to what was most likely its first major restoration, while in the ownership of a USAF Major from Ohio. A letter from Porsche headquarters in Germany dated August 1988 confirms the factory specification, which enabled the Major to complete the refurbishment to its original colour scheme.

More recently, the car has resided in California, where it was kept in pristine condition. Approximately 10,000 miles ago, a comprehensive engine rebuild was also undertaken. Imported to the UK in 2013, it has been with one owner for the last seven years, forming part of a collection and therefore driven sparingly. Prior to coming to the UK the car was fitted with new floor pans.

Its bodywork is in superb condition, with impressive shut lines and panel gaps all around the car. Likewise, the finish of the Dolphin Grey paint is excellent, with no cracks or lacquer damage, and only minor stone chips present in the common areas, as well as larger chips in the door shuts caused by the window frames.

All of the bright work remains in very good order, presenting with a polished shine and with no signs of corrosion. The gaskets around the mirrors and light lenses look sound, and all the glass is in good condition. The car rides on 15-inch chrome wheels, which are one inch wider than the stock specification, but deliver keener handling as a result.

In the cabin, the combination of dark blue vinyl and grey corduroy cloth complements the exterior perfectly. The front and rear seats have evidently been re-trimmed earlier in the car’s life, and have no rips or tears, and only minimal wear. The grey carpeting is also relatively fresh, and presents very well. The headlining is in good order, and the sun visors are wholly original, so their appearance is commensurate with that of a 56-year-old car. This 356 has been upgraded to 12-volt electrics, and there are no faults with any of switchgear or main instrument gauges, with the seller noting only that the clock only works intermittently.

The last scheduled maintenance was in December 2012 at 72,000 miles, when the oil was changed and the valve settings were adjusted. Shortly after arriving in the UK, it was put through an MOT test in October 2013 at 72,831 miles, when minor defects were recorded that were largely regarding brake pipes and lighting faults. These were evidently rectified, and the car passed in November 2013 with no advisories. Based on age, the Porsche is now exempt from annual MOT testing.

The wheels are shod in Michelin MXV4 tyres in size 185/65 R15 all round, which the seller states have around 4mm of tread at the rear and 6mm at the front. Accompanying the car is a large file of maintenance paperwork - as shown in the photo gallery - as well as a jack and some tools.

This Porsche 356 C 1600 SC is a numbers-matching classic in a highly desirable specification, and which remains in its period-perfect original colour scheme. It is described by the seller as driving superbly, performing as strongly as you would hope for from the ultimate non-Carrera incarnation of the marque’s first production car.

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