Porsche 356

C

• Matching numbers and colors
• Restored to mechanical excellence, preserving originality
• The best driving 356 model

Before the world fell head over heels for the Porsche 911, there was the one that started it all: the 356. Born in a humble garage in Gmünd, Austria, this nimble little coupe was Porsche’s first spark - and what a glorious blaze it lit. Sleek, spirited, and oozing character, the 356 defined the sports car formula before it was even cool. And by 1964, Porsche had saved the best for last: the final, most polished version - the 356 C.


After 15 years of obsessive tinkering, the C wasn’t just another upgrade - it was the swan song of a legend. With four-wheel disc brakes, sharper handling, and a flat-four boxer engine that purred like a kitten and pulled like a terrier, the C bridged the gap between the charming old world and the soon-to-arrive 911. Driving it feels like finishing a beautiful novel - you’re sad it’s over, but so happy you were there for the ride.


Now, let’s talk about this 1964 Porsche 356 C we have here at RNR Classics. Chassis 217990, built by Karmann in July ’64, is one of just 8,567 coupes made that year. It began its story under the California sun before making its way to the Netherlands and eventually Belgium. And thanks to a bone-dry climate and some serious pampering, it looks like it just came off a movie set.


In 2019, the car received a full mechanical restoration - nearly €30,000 worth - by our team at RNR Classics. Every component was overhauled with respect for originality and patina. Engine, gearbox, brakes, suspension - refreshed, revised, and re-loved. The car now features an electric booster pump and a new ground cable, so cold starts are a breeze. The brakes? Completely overhauled. The carbs? Rebuilt. The driving experience? Absolutely sublime.


It still wears 90% of its original Light Ivory paint, glowing with character. The chrome? Shiny and straight. The optional 15” chrome wheels? Still gleaming. Inside, it’s a time capsule: black vinyl seats with patina that is full of adventurous stories, a freshly restored Blaupunkt radio, and a dashboard still rocking its factory paint. Matching numbers? You bet - confirmed by a Porsche Production Specifications certificate and even a letter from the former CEO of Porsche North America. Bonus points for documentation: Belgian registration, California title, and a fistful of service records.


Turn the key, and the twin Zenith carbs breathe life into that air-cooled flat-four. No drama - just instant throttle, addictive chatter, and a grin that sticks to your face. The steering is feather-light but talkative, the car feels impossibly light, and every input - brake, throttle, turn-in, is met with a response that feels tailor-made. Unlike its slightly more twitchy predecessors - the 356C feels confident. That's no accident. This was the first 356 with four-wheel disc brakes, giving it real stopping power and the kind of feedback that makes heel-toe downshifts and late braking not just possible - but addictive.


Thanks to independent rear suspension, the 356 C feels light, responsive, and agile, with just enough grip to make you want to throw it into every corner. It doesn’t fight you - it dances with you. The brakes are sharper. The suspension is smarter. The build quality, the handling, the everyday usability - it’s Porsche’s greatest hits album, all rolled into one sleek, elegant little coupé.


So if you’ve been dreaming of a classic Porsche with all the charm of the early days and none of the drama - this is it. Original, honest, beautifully sorted, and ready for open roads and Sunday smiles. Visit us at RNR Classics. Your next chapter starts here.