Lot 354: 1964 Porsche 356C 1600 Coupé

Introduced in 1949, Porsche’s landmark Type 356 sportscar would remain in production - regularly revised and updated - well into the 911 era, the final examples being built in 1965. Outwardly very similar to the final 356Bs, the ultimate 356C model arrived in 1963 sporting four-wheel disc brakes - first seen on the 2-litre Carrera 2 - among numerous detail improvements.
This left-hand drive Porsche 356C was sold new via Porsche Cars Pacific in Burlingame, California to police officer Charlie Cornell, of El Cerrito, California, passing from Mr Cornell in December 1971 to its second owner, fellow police officer John T Grant, who bought it as a ‘reward’ for promotion to sergeant. Mr Grant’s accompanying letter states that at time of purchase the car had covered 75,000 miles and was ‘totally original’. The aforementioned letter details various body repairs and a repaint; an engine rebuild (including a 1,700cc cylinder barrel/piston set) by Messrs Lukes & Shorman in 1977 at 112,000 miles; and a transmission overhaul in 1978 at 114,000 miles when new 2nd gear synchros and new mainshaft bearings were fitted. When Mr Grant sold the car to the current owner in June 1996 it had covered 132,000 miles from new. In July 1996 the vendor shipped ‘221132’ back to the UK where it was registered ‘ECD 401C’. Since arriving on these shores the car has been treated to a bare-metal re-spray in its original Light Ivory livery by R W Masters, of Sussex and is presented in good condition throughout. An original, well-preserved and thoroughly documented 356C, the car is offered with Porsche Certificate of Authenticity recording its original build details; 356 Register (USA) record; original US number plate; importation/customs documents; and a photographic record of the 1998 repaint and related invoices. The vehicle possesses a Swansea V5 registration document and valid road fund licence (expires May 2009) and has a 12 month MOT.