Black Gold from the California Coast:
Having been owned for the last two decades by a retired Santa Barbara securities broker, it has led a pampered life. The car was regularly exercised and all its mechanical and cosmetic needs were immediately attended to by only the best Porsche technicians.
The Porsche 356 C model of 1964 and ’65 incorporated many significant improvements over its predecessors, such as:
In its C-incarnation, the Porsche 356 remained in production until April of 1965. The car for auction here is one of
1097 KARMANN coupés made during the last year of 356 production. Interestingly enough, VIN# 221666 is one of the very last SC coupés shipped to the United States.
Dirk-Michael Conrad, in his book "Porsche 356-Driving in its purest form," writes:
Indeed it is the last of its kind, the 356C, in its function a decidedly modern sports car, which in no way diminishes its appeal but instead greatly increases its utility. Without a doubt, of all early Porsches, the C-series of the 356 is the one best suited for everyday use; a C might even take the place of a modern car, thanks to this model’s reliability (after correct restoration), modern performance, pronounced driving comfort, and a secure supply of spare parts . . . It is pure pleasure to enjoy its unmatched seating position . . . road characteristics and drive quality . . . the C is a remarkably manageable automobile.
(p.209)
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This particular car has been entered in Concours d’ Elegance events and has fared well in the "Show and Shine" division. However, this Porsche’s purpose is definitely not that of a static display at car shows. Rather than having to trailer it from event to event, the new owner of this SC will receive something far more pleasurable: a fully sorted high-performance sports car that begs to be driven regularly, just the way its enthusiastic creator intended, half a century ago, when the 356 was conceived.
The most recent service record from Autohaus Schneider in Santa Barbara, dated February 9, 2000 totals $478.87 for a major service that included the changing of engine and transaxle lubricants, and an engine tune including valve adjustment. All the lights and electrical functions were checked. The compression was found to read an excellent 140psi on all cylinders. The car has been driven only 27 miles since. 99,170 miles are shown on the odometer. Service records included with the car go all the way back to the mid-1970s and include an invoice from the legendary mechanic ‘Klaus’ of Denzel fame for a complete engine rebuild, using only O.E.M. parts.
The holy grail of Porschisti are Zuffenhausen’s archives, containing the all-important build sheets for virtually every Porsche assembled since 1950. Named Kardex, these files list the exact equipment, color combination and engine numbers of the cars. The factory will not reveal this information upon inquiry, but only confirm whether data supplied by the owner matches the Kardex file. I am happy to report that this fine 356 SC is Kardex-matching. Vin# 221666 still is propelled by its original engine, #813616. The correct color, code # sw (Sonderwunsch = special order) 6413 for this car is black for the exterior and Rehbraun (caramel) for the interior. Also original equipment: tinted windshield and safety belts.
Speaking of the interior, it surely is spectacular.
Autos International
, the foremost Porsche upholstery specialist on the West Coast, has spent untold hours duplicating the splendor of the original interieur. Select hides, specially dyed to the rare Rehbraun color were used throughout.
The fragrant, Italian
ROSER
leather is prized among Mercedes and Porsche enthusiasts and correct for these cars. The seats have been completely restored, including the horsehair pads and the chrome fittings. Front and rear seats as well as the door panels are finished in leather, even the dash pad! The German wool square weave carpet set (23 individual pieces!) is of the correct oatmeal color. Floors are covered by excellent original rubber mats, plus black wool protective overlays incorporating the Porsche crest. Of course, the perfect headliner is also of the correct, perforated material.
This interior is correct in every respect and would cost upward of $5,000 to duplicate.
Note the wonderful leather grain and detail; I wish you could savor the priceless aroma that words cannot describe, photos cannot show! Twin Nackenrollen (Headrests) are fitted, another desirable option on this fantastic 356. Passenger seat is fully reclining.
The Porsche 356 is equipped with 4 vent windows! Window surround chrome has been re-plated. Virtually all the chrome on this car has either been re-finished or replaced with O.E.M. parts. All glass is of German SIGLA and SEKURIT manufacture.
Instruments have been restored by renowned specialists North Hollywood Speedometer and are 100% functional. The tulip-shaped steering wheel is of the VDM-style wood rimmed variety, with absolutely unmarked spokes and an immaculate center horn button.
The restored VDO clock keeps excellent time and adds to the cozy ambiente of this Porsche’s stunning interior.
Another Kardex tidbit: car was originally ordered solely with antenna and loudspeakers. The original owner elected to have this gorgeous BECKER Europa TG AM/FM radio installed after delivery! In its place you will find a modern BLAUPUNKT Stereo with Cassette. The original equipment is still in good working order and is included.
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Headlamps, turn signals and taillights have recently been replaced with brand-new factory units, at a cost of well over $1,500.00.
Rear photo shows gold SC-script, correct chrome exhaust tips, and beautiful LIETZ accessory luggage rack.
The numbers matching engine delivers
95
healthy horsepower and, with its
SOLEX
40 mm two-barrel carburetors, is the most highly developed pushrod motor in 356 history. Attention to detail includes powder-coated sheetmetal and fan housing, cadminum-plated hardware as well as correct placement of engine decals. The entire engine and engine compartment is sparklingly clean and there are absolutely no oil leaks emanating from engine or transmission.
At the very top of the picture, you are able to discern the stamped-in number ‘66’, representing the last two digits of the car’s serial number.
So how does this SC drive, you may ask?
Wonderfully, thank you very much. No squeaks, no shimmies, no rattling anywhere, just the addictive sound of the powerful boxer engine. One really has to experience such a car firsthand to fully appreciate its sophistication and smoothness. Very few cars have been said to possess engines that make music: Ferrari’s V-12 and Porsche’s 356 and 911. And true it is, literally!
The clutch is easy to operate, the shift lever located right where your hand instinctively expects it to be, and boy snick those gears into place! No scratching here. This must be the most balanced 356 I ever had the pleasure to pilot. The responsive, tight steering of the Porsche 356SC and the winding mountain road of Mulholland Drive, overlooking the breathtakingly beautiful San Fernando Valley on a crisp February afternoon: life is good . . .
Top quality Italian PIRELLI P6 195/60 VR15 tires are mounted on near-new 15x6-inch chromed steel wheels with the correct crested hubcaps.
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About the paint:
Let the pictures speak for themselves. Always garaged and protected by hand-applied
ZYMÖL
Carnauba wax and a blue cotton custom cover from Beverly Hills Motoring, this black beauty has always received loving care and attention.
A black front bra is also included for extended rally activities.
One of the best! Concours condition trunk is as correct as they come.
Leather strap holds original SEMPERIT spare tire in place. Rust-free, just like the remainder of this SC, the battery/ spare tire compartment looks as clean as the rest of the car—top and bottom!
A Porsche of this caliber has to carry the correct tool kit, tools, MESSKO tire pressure gauge and owner’s manual.
You will be hard-pressed to find another Porsche 356 like this one:
Thank you for your interest, and have a nice day!
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