Lot 291 - 1964 Porsche 356C Coupé

Although few would have realised it at the time, the 1948 launch of the Porsche 356 was a significant milestone in automotive history. It marked the commercial birth of what has become one of the world's greatest car manufacturers; a company that has, many times, won Le Mans on Sunday and inspired the rich of the road on Monday. Its achievements are unique. The 356 was a collaboration between `Ferry' Porsche, the son of the company's founder, and its chief body engineer Erwin Komenda. The first examples of the 356 were handcrafted from aluminium in Gmund, Austria. And, with parts in short supply following the war, the model initially employed the engine, transmission and suspension from the Volkswagen Beetle (the car famously designed by Porsche Senior). However, within two years the car had been considerably re-engineered and was less reliant on stock Volkswagen parts, while production had moved to Züffenhausen in Germany with bodies now made of steel. Thanks to efficient aerodynamics, sporting handling and fine build quality, the 356 quickly established itself as a worthy competition car and it achieved success in such top events as Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio and Carrera Panamericana, as well as countless other races and rallies around the world. The development of the 356 was charted by the suffixes A, B and C. Produced from 1959 to 1963, the B Series cars are largely distinguished by a higher nose, larger bumpers and twin-choke carburettors. They were made in two generations of body style - T5 and T6. The latter, introduced in mid 1962, featured larger windows and twin engine bonnet grills with the 356C arriving in 1964 and featuring disc brakes all round.

This 356 was purchased by the vendor from the Netherlands after a nine month search involving numerous flights across the UK, Netherlands, Germany, France and Belgium. This search spanned visits to scores of dealers and private collectors and the inspection of over 40 cars. His extensive search lead him to this example. Built in 1964, however first registered in 1965 in Germany, between 2008 and 2012 the car went through a thorough quality focused restoration in Germany. The engine was replaced by a stronger 1720cc, 90bhp engine (GS Spec with rolling road report available) whilst the body was restored and repainted. This 356 is complemented with twin Weber carburettors, a stainless steel sports exhaust, new Koni shock absorbers and the six volt electrical system which has been retained. The interior features speedster black seats and new carpeting in overall great condition with a touch of patina. The chromework is correct and vivid on the bumpers, headlights etc. with some patina on the window surrounds.

The car is UK registered and taxed, it comes with a German CoA (Certificate of Approval and English CoA), an extensive history file and records of ownership from a couple of meticulous and fastidious doctors. The vendor states that the car is a dream to drive, the engine is spotless and the colour really shines in the sun. The car has recently been given a full service and work-through with PR Services, a 356 specialist to the tune of £3,000 coupled with an independent valuation of £80,000.
This can all be found within the history file for this very handsome example.