Description
Introduced in 1948, the Porsche Type 356 is acknowledged to be one of the world’s greatest sports cars. Over a 15-year production run, the handsome and durable 356 evolved from a streamlined little aluminium-bodied coupe powered by a VW-derived, 46bhp 1,100cc air-cooled flat four to a powerful autobahn burner with a 130bhp 2-litre 4-cam boxer Carrera engine. Over time came coupes, luxurious cabriolets and more spartan Speedsters and Roadsters, and more than 76,000 were built by the time production ceased in 1965.
By the time the 356B arrived in September 1959, Porsche’s first sports car had gained a one-piece rounded windscreen and 15-inch wheels, along with further styling revisions and a 1,600cc engine. Outwardly very similar to the final 356B, the ultimate 356C model arrived in 1963 sporting disc brakes all round (first seen on the 2-litre Carrera 2), a new ZF steering gear and a compensating spring at the rear to calm the swing axle rear suspension. Engines options were the 75bhp ‘C’ and the 95bhp ‘SC’, both 1,600cc, the latter replacing the Super 90 model.
This delightful later “C” series model was delivered new to Belgium in 1964, and has recently enjoyed a thorough four-year restoration, supported by a number of invoices totalling €9,000 alone for parts purchased between 2012 and 2014. The Reutter-bodied coupe looks extremely nice in Glacier White with a well detailed black interior, and performs well with the larger 1,600cc (75hp) motor and disc brakes on all corners.
Showing only 300 kilometres since restoration, these early Porsches are hugely enjoyable classic sports cars to own and drive, with none more so than this excellent example.
