1963 Porsche 356C Coupe

• Fully restored in Tennessee during 2014-17. Refinished in its original Sky Blue
• Superbly re-trimmed in Light Tan. Great attention to detail
• Not the original engine but period and model correct. Restoration-related invoices for $31,000 with the car. Only lightly used since
• With its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, NOVA Certificate and MOT valid until September 2019

Widely acknowledged as Porsche's first venture into motor manufacturing, the 356 was a lightweight and nimble rear engined, rear-wheel-drive, two-door sporting car available in hardtop coupÚ and open configurations. Over a 15-year production period, the 356 evolved from an aluminium bodied coupÚ with an 1100cc air-cooled flat-four engine, to a proper sports car with a 2,000cc four-cam Carrera engine producing 130 bhp.

At first glance, the 356C, introduced in mid-1963, differed little from the prior 356B since it continued to use the T-6 body type which had arrived in 1962. Porsche, however, brought the 356 concept to its zenith with the 356C, which was available in coupe and cabriolet form. The new 356 also benefited from the addition of Dunlop four-wheel disc brakes as standard, a higher-lift camshaft for the 1600cc engine, new flat-face hubcaps, and deeper bucket seats. These seats came courtesy of Porsche's acquisition of Reutter, which included the future Recaro subsidiary. 356 production peaked at 14,151 cars in 1964 which was the first year the new 911 model went on the market. Porsche did, however, continue to sell the 356C in North America through to the end of 1965. In 2004 the US magazine 'Sports Car International' named the 356C number ten on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s. Today the Porsche 356 is a well-regarded collector's car that has stood the test of time and worldwide, thousands of 356 owners maintain the tradition, preserving their cars and driving them regularly.

According to its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this very smart 356C/1600SC Reutter coupe, Chassis number 126301, was built on 16/8/63, fitted with Engine number 820059, finished in Sky Blue, and trimmed with grey leatherette with pearl grey corduroy inserts. From the history with the car, we can see that it was fully restored in Tennessee during 2014-17 and refinished in its original Sky Blue although the trim is now Light Tan. The engine has obviously been changed at some point although the replacement (821818) is period and model correct. There are restoration-related invoices for $31,000 with the car and, judging by its wonderful condition, it has only been lightly used since.

The car sits on disc wheels but there is also a set of as new Fuchs-style alloys and tyres included. It's accompanied by the Certificate of Authenticity, a NOVA Certificate and an MOT valid until September 2019.

Unfortunately, the weather dictated that the car was photographed indoors, but our photographer was really impressed with this little Porsche's sparkling condition and recommends a close inspection at the sale.