Lot 253: Porsche 356 C Coupe

Porsche's first production car, the 356 brought the marque enduring fame around the world and its reliability, performance and wonderfully entertaining handling have guaranteed it a keen following. Inspired by the Fiat-based Cisitalias of Piero Dusio, Dr Ferdinand Porsche had decided to follow the same path with a car using Volkswagen components. The first 356 was sold in July 1948 and production continued right through to 1965 in various guises and with numerous engines. As the company's first production model, the Porsche 356 set a new standard for small sports cars and gained its laurels in all manner of motor sport disciplines including racing and rallying. In October 1955 the 356A model was introduced with numerous improvements and three body styles were now offered, the coupe, the Speedster and the cabriolet, all built by Reutter in Stuttgart. Five engine options were also available, the 1.3 litre 1300 and 1300S, the 1.6 litre 1600 and 1600S and the 1.5 litre 1500 GS. The 356B followed in 1959 with revised bumpers, more interior space and improved brakes and four years later this was superseded by the 356C, the final incarnation of this venerable Porsche. There were numerous minor alterations to the fittings, the major changes being mechanical, including the fitment of all round Ate disc brakes which sat within new 15 inch wheels and improved suspension. The engine was revised with changes to the cylinder heads and its construction and was offered in 1600C, 1600SC and 2000GS guises, the latter for the potent Carrera 2. The type C, the definitive version of the 356, was replaced by types 911 and 912 when production finally ceased in 1965. Having been produced in 1964, the penultimate year of production for this popular model, chassis 221383 was sold new to a customer in Missouri/America where it resided until recently. This charming Porsche has obviously been looked after over the years and it is described by the owner as being in good, original and un-restored condition throughout. The dark green interior still has the original leather and contrasts nicely to the white paintwork. Offered with American title, documentation confirming European taxes have been paid, Italian ASI technical sheet as well as the built sheet from Porsche confirming the specification and matching numbers, this is a very honest example of the ever popular Porsche 356.