Lot 340: 1963 Porsche 356C 'SC'

The 356 was created by Ferdinand 'Ferry' Porsche (son of Dr. Ing. Ferdinand Porsche, founder of the company). Like its ancestor, the Volkswagen Beetle (which Ferdinand Porsche senior had designed), the 356 was a four-cylinder, air-cooled, rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive car. While the 356's body was an original design by Porsche employee Erwin Komenda, its mechanicals (including engine, suspension and chassis) were all derived from the Volkswagen. Early 356 prototypes were bodied in aluminium, but this proved impractical for production and all subsequent 356s were steel-bodied. The first 356 debuted on June 8 1948 and used many Volkswagen parts for manufacturing economy. However, Porsche quickly re-engineered and refined the car with the focus on performance so that by the late '50s, few parts were shared in common between the two marques. Little noticed at its inception in 1948, by the early 1950s the 356 had gained some renown among enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic for its exceptional aerodynamics and handling, as well as excellent build quality. The last revision of the 356 was the C which was introduced for the 1963 model year. It featured disc brakes as well as an option for the most powerful pushrod engine Porsche had ever produced, the 95bhp SC. 356 production peaked at 14,151 cars in 1964, the year that its successor, the new 911, was introduced to the American market (it was introduced slightly earlier in Europe). The company continued to sell the 356C in North America through 1965 as demand for the model remained quite strong in the early days of the 911. This very original car, finished in black with matching interior and repainted approximately two years ago to a very high standard, has had its original Recaro seats professionally re-trimmed in leather. It also benefits from an engine upgrade to SC specification and the motor is understood to have been re-built by a reputable Porsche specialist garage in San Francisco. Good quality examples of these final phase 356s are becoming difficult to source with prices continuing to appreciate, particularly in California. This classic Porsche is registered in Great Britain and comes with a full one year's MoT test certificate.