1964 Porsche 356 SC

Porsche introduced the final series 356C in July of 1963 and although it was visually similar to the prior 356B, it had actually been carefully improved and refined throughout. Mechanical advancements included 15" wheels with smaller ventilation holes and flat hubcaps, standard four-wheel disc brakes and improvements to the suspension. There were deeper bucket-type reclining seats from Reutter, which owned a seating subsidiary that became famous as 'Recaro', short for Reutter Carosserie. Additionally, the body suppliers were now streamlined with Porsche (which had just purchased Reutter) building the cabriolets in Stuttgart while the coupés were built by Karmann in Osnabrück.

Hans Mezger improved upon Porsche’s pushrod-type engine with the 1600 'normal' 60bhp version being replaced by the uprated 1600C unit, which offered 75bhp. The 1600SC unit with 95bhp replaced the 'Super 90' as the most powerful pushrod engine in Porsche’s road cars. It delivered peak power at 5,800rpm and had a 9.5:1 compression ratio, Solex twin-choke carburettors and light-alloy cylinder barrels with iron liners. Both exhaust and intake valves were enlarged and sodium-filled to dissipate heat. The engine was mated to an all-synchromesh 4-speed gearbox which sent the power to the rear wheels. Coupé production ended on January 21, 1965 and the last Cabriolet left Porsche’s Zuffenhausen works on 28th April 1965.

The 356SC holds a special place in Porsche history, not only as a sales success, but also as the best iteration of the 356 to drive a classic automotive design.

On offer here is a stunning example of the rare SC that, according to the accompanying Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, was first registered in Belgium on 6th March 1964 in left-hand drive and finished in Slate Grey with a Fawn Leatherette interior. The current private owner acquired this 356 in 2021 and it's formed part of his significant private Collection ever since.

Prior to his purchase, the car was treated to a complete restoration by RodaClassica in Portugal between 2015 - 2017. RodaClassica was set up by Carlos Tavares, a leading figure in the automotive world and the recent CEO of Stellantis. There is an accompanying hardback book that details the extensive restoration and there is an extract in there written by Carlos detailing the story of the restoration and signed by him. Interested parties are encouraged to come have a look at this book and the other documents with the car as they will offer a better insight into the impressive restoration as there is simply too much to list here.

Since the restoration, there has been further expenditure in maintenance and servicing in recent years (details on file) as the current owner likes his cars to be 'on the button' and to ensure the car remains in great condition following the restoration. The 356 boasts a current MOT, even without needing one and unusually the car is supplied with two sets of keys. It's also accompanied by the aforementioned restoration book and documents along with a rare reprint of the drivers manual, reference books and a workshop manual.

356 aficionados report that the SC is the most enjoyable to drive, partly because of the extra power, but also because the post-1963 upgraded ZF steering and suspension and four-wheel disc brakes offered a more sporting feel. This fabulous Slate Grey example is offered at a fraction of what it would cost to replicate given just how much work has been invested into it. We welcome and encourage your inspection at Sywell Aerodrome along with studying the accompanying history in order to appreciate the quality on offer.