1964 Porsche 356 C Coupe

The 356 is the car that put Porsche on the map in the USA when it was first brought to our shores by the famed importer Max Hoffman. The 356C model was introduced in 1963 and was distinguished from the outgoing B model with a round mirror, flat disk hubcaps, disk brakes, and the 1600cc engine from the Super putting out 75hp was now the base engine. The C was produced up until 1966 when it was eventually replaced by the all new 912.

This particular 356C Coupe is a European example and was finished in August of 1964 which was delivered new by a Munich dealer and shipped to Birmingham, Alabama in October of 1964. The car is titled as a 1965 model year. According to the copy of the original Kardex card we have with the car it shows the car vin # 130921 was originally ordered in its current color of Ruby Red 6402 with Black vinyl interior and corduroy inserts (now just all vinyl) The motor number #732505 corresponds to the one on the Kardex as well as the gearbox# 81421, type 741 with 0C gear code. This 356 is fitted with the European fan shroud, and pre-heaters for the carburetors. The complete European heater system is present and functioning. The amber turn loses up front and rear reflectors mounted below the rear bumper are also correct for a European model. The correct Zenith carburetors are fitted as well as original air cleaners. Ownership on this 356 can be traced back to before 1976 and the last 6 owners are documented with records, the last 2 being a Mr. Riser whom purchased the car in 1997 and then his daughter (current owner) in 2008. The car has been registered in the following States; Alabama, Georgia, and then Washington.

Overall this is a nice sound #3 driver quality car on the Hagerty scale which is retains much of its originality and has a lovely patina. The car was repainted in its original color many years ago and the paint job is showing its age in places. The interior shows nicely and the original Blaupunkt radio operates (speakers are later type mounted below dash on both front footwells) as do all gauges, lights, signals, horn, wipers, heater etc. Headlamps are upgraded Hella H4 units behind original Hella glass covers. In 1988 the engine received a top end rebuild by Jack Lewis Porsche of Chamblee, GA at 11,986 miles (displayed). The seats were redone at some point in all black vinyl with perforated center sections, and there is a receipt for the carpets being replaced in 1996 with correct grey square weave. In 2007 Jack Lewis Enterprises LTD in Norcross, GA replaced the front floorpan section. The car has been repaired and maintained as needed over the years and is highly documented with invoices in a 3-ring binder. In 2021 the engine was given a complete tune-up, distributor rebuild, carbs were overhauled, as was the generator and a new Optima battery was fitted. The 185/70/15 Vredestein Sprint Classic tires currently on the car were fitted in 2019 at 48,500 miles. In 2024 new Koni Classic shock absorbers were installed. We have just given the car a fresh oil change and performed a safety inspection which the car checked out very well. The earliest invoice shows the ODO reading to be 7034 in 1987 but it is not known if this was the original mileage or if the ODO had turned over. Currently the ODO reads 50,478 miles. In June of 2025 the car was given a thorough evaluation by a knowledgable 356 Group Northwest ambassador, Rick Danielson who wrote a 5 page assessment and copies of this are in the photo gallery below.

Included with this 356 are its original spare wheel date coded 09/64, correct jack, jack plug extension, copy of an owner's manual, copy of Kardex, coco floor mats, car cover, box of misc spare parts, driver side sheepskin seat cover, and the binder of ownership history/service documentation. The engine fires up and idels well, pulls strong, transmission shifts well up/down in all gears, brakes feel great, and suspension is solid. This a great driver's 356C that has been enjoyed as it is for the last 30 years and can continue to entertain its next owner with charm in its patina or can be restored to a higher show level with a new paint job and some minor cosmetic refreshing.