Lot 206: Porsche 356 C Coupe

75bhp, 1,582 cc air-cooled horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual gearbox in rear-mounted transaxle, independent front suspension with parallel trailing arms, transverse laminated torsion bars and anti-roll bar, independent rear suspension with swing axles and transverse torsion bars, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 82.7" The 356 was the first mass-produced car to bear the Porsche moniker and enjoy the worldwide success that would make way for the introduction of the company's 911 model in the mid-1960s. Under the leadership of Ferry Porsche, son of the company founder and patriarch, development initially relied on Volkswagen components. Unibody construction was paired with a four-cylinder, horizontally-opposed engine to produce a light, relatively quick, and tremendously enjoyable sports car. Evolution and sales success came quite quickly. Max Hoffman, importer extraordinaire, exposed the entire American market to the virtues of Porsche performance and engineering, establishing a devoted following for the various 356 iterations, particularly the Speedster, for which he is largely credited. The cars were continually refined, with displacement increasing from 1,086 cc all the way to 1.6 liters and even beyond. After the end of 356B production in July 1963, the 356C was introduced  the final version before the introduction of the 911, which finally arrived on the U.S. market for the 1965 model year. Besides the revised hubcaps and Dunlop four-wheel disc brakes, however, changes were rather minor. After spending its entire life on the West Coast, entirely devoid of rust and never suffering an accident, the Porsche 356C presented here was subjected to a full restoration in the 1990s. As presented, it remains in excellent condition throughout and, while the engine is not numbered, it is of the correct type. In fact, the Kardex Certificate of Authenticity further confirms that the car was delivered new in Signal Red with a black leatherette interior, complete with headrests, two loud speakers, safety belts, disc brakes and chrome wheels, all of which the car retains to this day. Continually garaged and well cared for, it remains a very fit running and driving example and is highly presentable throughout. What's more, this dashing and properly restored 1964 Porsche 356C is offered complete with its owner's books, tool kit and even a luggage rack. Along with the SC variant, it remains among the most desirable iterations of the series. Fully restored and beautifully presented, this 356C represents the epitome of Porsche's performance engineering.