Lot 232: 1964 Porsche 356 Coupe

It is difficult to imagine a professional life more packed with productivity, achievement and drama than that of Herr Doktor Ingenieur (engineer) Ferdinand Porsche. In 1899, the young Porsche was developing a front-wheel-drive, gasoline/electric hybrid prototype. Six years later, he was technical director at Austro-Daimler, where he would design both automotive and aero engines. By 1923, Porsche was at Daimler-Benz and during his tenure there would contribute to the design of legendary sports racers such as the SSK and SSKL.

In 1930, Porsche founded his own design firm in Stuttgart. Former Austro-Daimler associate Karl Rabe and Porche�s 21-year old son, Ferry partnered with him. Initially, there were few takers for their many proposals. However, the Porsche 60, a 1933 design for a small rear-engine car, would find a customer. His name was Adolph Hitler and his Porsche-engineered �People�s Car� would re-emerge after WWII as the Volkswagen.

The Nazi involvement resulted in both Porsches being imprisoned by the victorious allies for a time after WWII. While in captivity, they began to work out the details of a new, small rear-engined sports-type car. In 1948, their Project 356 became the first car to carry the already world-famous Porsche name. It was also the final car that Ferdinand Porsche would have a hand in, as he died in 1951, felled by a stroke.

The original 356 was produced, in numerous sub-series, through 1959. In 1960, the new 356 B appeared. While there were many subtle detail changes, the new car fully retained the unique character of the original.

The 356 C, offered from late 1963 through 1965, was the final Porsche directly descended from the 1948 original. Its most significant technical change was the inclusion of a Dunlop four-wheel disc brake system as standard. Outwardly, it took a sharp eye to tell a �C� from a �B�, the new flat face hubcaps were the most apparent difference. At the rear, a �Porsche C� script was applied.

A horizontally opposed 1.6L (96-cid) Porsche four, producing 88 horsepower powered the standard 356 C. Equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission, the 356 C could achieve a top speed of nearly 110 mph, while delivering up to 30 mpg in normal driving.

This two-owner 356 C, serial number 128819, is a 1964 model and was first registered in Europe and then imported to California where it has remained ever since. The coupe is equipped with the rare optional power steel-panel sunroof. The vendor states that a complete restoration was completed in 2005 and this Porsche coupe is offered with the original factory �Kardex�.