1964 Porsche 356

356C Coupe

4 - Cyl.

Manual

216734

Clear

Gasoline

Exquisitely Maintained California Native: 1964 Porsche 356C Coupe "Dolph" Professor Porsche's Modell 356 is one of the most desirable classic sports cars in the whole wide world, combining genius of design with driving pleasure unequalled by any other car on the road. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Steadily refined during 16 years of manufacture, the 356's final incarnation--the fabulous "C" model of 1964/65 with four-wheel disc brakes--provides contemporary motoring for the most discriminating vintage car nut. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) This particular 356C was sold new at VASEK POLAK in Hermosa Beach, Calif. and had only three adult caretakers in 47 years. The car resided in Palos Verdes Estates for most of its life and was passed from father to son, and, finally, to a family friend. It was affectionately nicknamed "Dolph" and sparingly driven, around 3,000 miles annually, on average. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Porsche 356 bodies were manufactured by different coachbuilders: Drauz, Karmann, D'Ieteren, Beutler, and Reutter. VIN *216734* is one of 6,482 Karmann Coupés made during the 1964 model year. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Of great importance to the serious aficionado, this vintage 356 is accompanied by a plethora of documentation. Apart from the original owner's manual in its factory-issued, clear vinyl pouch, Dolph comes with its PORSCHE Certificate of Authenticity, as well as 33 service records, going back 26 years and totalling exactly $22,078.76. To claim this Porsche to be well-maintained would be a crass understatement! The CoA ostensibly is a copy of the factory Kardex that recorded the serial numbers of major components as well as optional equipment of every Porsche built. We learn that our car was originally delivered in Dolphin Grey over black leatherette, and counted lap belts, antenna, and the expensive BECKER Europa TS radio among its factory options. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Here's a summary of close to $18,000.00 in refurbishing and maintenance work performed during the past 5 years/2,500 miles. Impressive, to say the least! Click on the image to the right for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Let's now inspect this rare Porsche in more detail, starting with the trunk. Everything looks proper, from the plastic trunk liner to the rubber bands holding the fuse box cover and washer bottle in place. We were very fortunate to find the factory tool roll, still containing a few original tools, and the Messko tire pressure gauge. BILSTEIN tire jack is not shown, but also included. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Details confirm the most favorable first impression. The sensitive "box" where battery and spare are located looks immaculate. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Dolph's coachwork has survived admorably for almost five decades, no doubt helped by its permanent residence in one of the mildest climate zones on Earth, southern California. Though there's a little filler on the lower door skins and the hood was kinked, the gaps are still very nice, and there are no dents, scratches, or rust bubbles to note anywhere. The car is equipped with a set of beautiful chrome 5x4.5J road wheels, shod with like-new radial tires of the dimension 165-15 all around. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Painted once, back in 1989, in its factory-correct color of Dolphin Grey(code 6410), the car still looks very impressive. Almost impossible to photograph correctly, the mellow light gray can take on a lavender or green hue, depending on time of day and light conditions. It is--without a doubt--one of the most attractive colors ever offered on a 356 and a wonderful period choice. Glass, brightwork, and weatherstripping is in very good to excellent condition throughout. Let's look inside now! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Interior has been kept original wherever possible, just the headliner, sun visors, dash top and front seats were re-upholstered recently. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Cockpit features all original gauges, factory steering wheel and shift knob--and even the exclusive BECKER Europa TS radio is still in place! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Comfortable front seats sporting immaculate black leatherette. Note factory lap belts and finely preserved, ribbed rubber floor mats. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Original, perfectly preserved rear seat area. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Ready for a test drive? So are we, but before we go, let's have a good look at engine compartment and undercarriage. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Originality abounds; the surprisingly clean engine bay still features the old-style tar paper sound deadener. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Kardex-matching 1600 motor (called "Super" in earlier 356 iterations) produces 88 strong SAE ponies (75 DIN) and runs beautifully, its original ZENITH 32NDIX carburetors generating a wonderfully smooth idle. The engine doesn't leak at all, giving testimony to the care Dolph has always received and the way he has been treated: with respect! Thankfully, nobody ever attempted to convert Dolph to a 12 Volt system. Most Porsches of this vintage are sold with the disclaimer "some prior rust repair" or "fresh floor pans." Every connoisseur of the marque will know that it is best to avoid such cars, for obvious reasons. Especially on unit-bodied sports cars like the 356, the structural integrity can be irreparably jeopardized by the onset of the rust cancer. Being always garaged and pampered, Dolph has avoided exposure and any kind of damage, presenting himself with a rust free underbelly! Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Not only are pans and longitudinals original and immaculate, all four inner fenders look unharmed. Engine and trans are very clean, exhaust and heater boxes are stock; brake calipers, lines, shocks, sway bars, king pins, and other suspension parts shine like new. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Sunday, May 1st, was a great day to celebrate all that's good about America, and we decided to take Dolph out for our first annual "Hooray to Navy SEALs" freedom cruise. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Dolph always starts easily, without huffing and puffing. Throttle response is crisp, the engine sounding great as it revs up. Driving this exhilarating Porsche will really elevate your heartbeat! Of course, the four-speed manual transmission is easy to shift and the four-wheel disc brakes deliver the ultimate in stopping power, on par with an early 911. No wonder the "C" is King of the Hill among the early Porsches. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) On a 200-mile trip, from its former home near the desert oasis of Palm Springs to our showroom in Ventura, on the Pacific Coast, we put the 47 year-old car through its paces: all lights and gauges work, it's quick, handles great, and sounds even better. Certainly not a trailer queen, this extraordinarily well-sorted "C" drives every bit as good as it looks, without any rattles or shimmies. 'Nuff said! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Dirk-Michael Conrad, in his excellent book "Porsche 356 - Driving in its purest form," writes on page 218: 356s with matching numbers are definite rarities . . . the greatest possible originality is becoming increasingly important. Only in California could you ever hope to find such a wonderfully intact survivor. An adult-owned car that has never been apart for restoration, never needed floor pan work, has never been abused or exposed to inclement weather. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) It's a veritable conundrum: Here is one of the most desirable sports cars on the planet, boasting of superior return-on-investment rates, exotic-looking, with present-day performance, and yet, it's utterly reliable and simple to maintain; definitely not a prima donna. Many 356 owners routinely perform all service work themselves. "Classic car ownership in its purest form" -- if you are ready to participate, here's a prime opportunity. Don't let Dolph get away! You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at (805) 653-5551. TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! We require a $1,000 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is smog exempt and sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading. License plates shown for photographic purposes only. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies. We ship worldwide. For more information about Californiaclassix, please click on the link below: About Auction Presentation, Image Hosting, & Copyright © 1999-2011 by Californiaclassix.com™. All Rights Reserved. Californiaclassix.com™ is a Registered Trademark. In compliance with eBay's Rules and Regulations, no part of this presentation may be reproduced without written permission of the author. E-mail inquiries to the webmaster@californiaclassix.com.