Porsche connoisseurs recognize that the 356 C 1600 SC is one of the finest 356s to enjoy on the open road, and this wonderfully restored Cabriolet has been specified seemingly with thrilling driving in mind.

Ordered in rare Slate Grey (Code 6401), this T6 Cabriolet was delivered new on 25 March 1964 to its original owner, Mr. Mortimer Shapiro, via Ben Pon’s Automobielhandel distributorship in Holland. According to its factory Kardex, a letter from Porsche Classic, and Certificate of Authenticity, it was fitted with a Type 616/16 air-cooled 1,582-cubic-centimeter four-cylinder engine with dual carburetors rated at 95 horsepower. The SC Cabriolet was Porsche’s almost top-of-the-line product, overshadowed only by the exotic Carrera 2; from a usability standpoint, the SC provided nearly all the thrills, with far less mechanical complexity. The transmission was a fully synchronized four-speed-plus-reverse manual unit, Type 741/2C. Disc brakes were fitted all around. Top speed of the SC was well in excess of 110 mph. In total, 1,745 Cabriolets were built in 1964; only a fraction of these were factory-equipped with the uprated SC engine, making them eagerly sought-after today.

Slate Grey is arguably among the most elegant, yet subtle colors Porsche has ever offered, yet it was relatively uncommon in period and is rarely seen today. This example left the factory with a black leather interior, a black canvas folding top with a large clear plastic rear window, and a black canvas boot. The first owner requested a handful of optional items, which included a left-hand exterior mirror, Continental tires, a pair of fitted suitcases trimmed in a Tartan pattern, and an attachment bracket for a cross-body shoulder safety belt. Also supplied were a standard factory tool roll, jack, and spare tire and wheel. This 356 SC was then shipped to Max Hoffman’s important Porsche agency in New York City.

In 2014, the car’s previous owner sent it to marque specialist European Collectibles in Costa Mesa, California, where a comprehensive two-year restoration was begun. EC stated that all the mechanical systems were overhauled, including its numbers-matching engine and gearbox, and the car stripped for a fresh respray in its original color. A new red leather interior was installed, providing an exceptional complement to the subtle exterior shade. The floors and kick panels were trimmed in red square-weave German carpeting. Behind the three-spoke VDM steering wheel, classic Porsche instrumentation gleams. Many other highly desirable options were added to this car along the way, including a set of chromed steel wheels with Porsche-crested hubcaps, a luggage rack with leather straps, similar strapping to secure the suitcases upon the folded rear seatbacks, a pair of round headrests, and a set of woven Coco-mats.

After the car was returned to its owner, it was displayed at several Pacific Northwest Region PCA Concours and shows, where it not only garnered a first in class award, but was also selected as both the People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice winner.

This stunning Cabriolet is now supplied with copies of its original factory Kardex, the aforementioned COA and letter from Porsche Classic, manual in pouch, correct spare, jack, and tools. Still in excellent cosmetic condition, and importantly retaining its numbers-matching engine and gearbox, this 356 SC Cabriolet would be a great candidate for continued show—or a perfect companion on tours and rallies.