Lot 127: 1963 Porsche 356C Coupe

1963 Porsche 356CRegistration Number: ALC 656A Chassis Number: 215266Porsche'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 The 356B followed in 1959 with revised bumpers, more interior space and improved brakes and four years later this was superceded by the 356C, the final incarnation of this venerable Porsche.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. Manufactured in August 1963 with delivery to its original owner on the 4th September, this delightful Coupe resided in America for the first forty years of its life where it had just two careful custodians. The car was first registered in Britain in November 2004 and is with still only its third owner from new. Throughout its life the vendor informs us that the car has always been garaged. As a result it is in good un-restored condition while the 1,600cc engine is described as excellent. Finished in Champagne Yellow with a black interior, the Porsche is supplied with a MoT test certificate valid until November, V5 registration document, assorted American paperwork and the original driver's manual A great opportunity to purchase an original unmolested example of this enduring classic.Estimate£14,000-£16,000