As the new Porsche 901 was being prepared for the 1963 International Auto Show, Porsche began production of the final year of the 356 model. The 356C replaced the 356B; externally the newly-designed wheels with flat hubcaps were a key recognition feature. The two pushrod-engined versions where named 356C and 356SC; these models were available as a coupe or cabriolet. The heart of the 356SC was a traditional sports car engine with a throaty intake note; it demanded high revolutions for brisk performance and the driver was trusted by the manufacturer to keep it within the proper speed range to maximize the built-in performance edge. The powerplant was heralded in period ads to be a “giant-killer” that had been refined over the years as a compact, air-cooled, easy on fuel and remarkably durable. Made from aluminum and built by hand; with Porsche’s 1964 building plan of producing 50 cars a day, engines could be checked, tested and re-tested for some of the most stringent inspection methods of this timeframe.

Finished in black with a red interior, this restored 1964 Porsche 356SC is driven by a 1,582-cc, 75-hp horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine with a four-speed manual transmission. Along with a clean engine compartment and interior in excellent shape, this 356SC has chromed Porsche wheels, wood-rimmed steering wheel, Blaupunkt AM/FM radio and four-wheel disc brakes. The exhaust is routed through the bumper guards at the rear; a nice visual detail that is in keeping with the rest of this outstanding platform.