Lot 12. 1964 PORSCHE 356C 1600 Coupe. Coachwork by Karmann. Chassis no. 216729. Engine no. 712046. Estimate US$ 70,000 - 90,000 (€63,000 - 81,000). Photo: Bonhams.

 Lot 12. 1964 PORSCHE 356C 1600 Coupe. Coachwork by Karmann. Chassis no. 216729. Engine no. 712046. Estimate US$ 70,000 - 90,000 (€63,000 - 81,000). Photo: Bonhams.

THE PORSCHE 356C 

Porsche's Type 356, introduced in 1948, 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 aluminum-bodied coupe powered by a VW-derived, 46hp 1100cc air-cooled flat four to a powerful autobahnburner carrying a complex, two-liter four-cam boxer Carrera engine of 130 horsepower. Its steady development brought not only coupes, but luxurious cabriolets and more spartan Speedsters and Roadsters; more than 76,000 examples in all by the time production ceased in 1965.  

Lot 12. 1964 PORSCHE 356C 1600 Coupe. Coachwork by Karmann. Chassis no. 216729. Engine no. 712046. Estimate US$ 70,000 - 90,000 (€63,000 - 81,000). Photo: Bonhams.

The Motorcar Offered

This potent 356 Coupe first emerged on January 17th, 1964, clad in the stunning combination of black paint over a bright red leatherette interior. Shortly thereafter, this sinister-looking 356 made its way to to its first owner, a Biomedical engineer in California. After 51 years in the US, this 356 was purchased in Maryland and promptly shipped to Canada to embark on a sixteen-month project to transform this 356 into its current beautiful condition. 

The well-documented restoration included refurbishment of the numbers-matching engine and carburetors and the rebuilding of the chassis to restore the legendary performance of this lithe German Coupe. Cosmetically, the body was stripped to be sorted and repainted in its original handsome Black (6413), leading to this particular 356's powerful presence. Inside, the interior received similar attention, with the existing upholstery replaced with new Red Leatherette to match the original specification.  

The brightwork accenting the deep black paintwork was tended to as well, with many parts receiving re-plating and careful polishing to restore their original lustrous shine. By the time of its completion in May 2016, over $100,000 was invested into returning this iconic Porsche to its original specification and condition. With negligible mileage since its restoration, this fresh 356 presents itself beautifully, with incredible presence for a small car thanks to its intense black paintwork and red interior.  

Various accessories are included in the sale of this striking Porsche, including its tool roll, jack, owner's manual, a detailed restoration file, and a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. 

Bonham's. QUAIL LODGE AUCTION, 11:00 PDT - CARMEL, QUAIL LODGE & GOLF CLUB