The final iteration of Porsche's first production car was proof positive of how perfectly acclimated Stuttgart was to the brave new market. While it was, in essence, a lightly evolved Volkswagen Beetle, it was of sound judgement. Ferry Porsche was quoted in PCA magazine back in '72 as saying: "I saw that if you had enough power in a small car, it is nicer to drive than if you have a big car which is also overpowered." 

The result was that the 356 was lightweight and torquey, with a familiar-sounding flat-four mounted in the rear and an all-new chassis design that was built specifically to get the most possible performance out of the specification. It was an impeccably smart step into the company's future shoes - sixty years later, it's undeniable that Porsche are still labelled 'the thinking man's sports car'.

As production continued, the car refined steadily, and it's the final iteration, the 'C', that takes the rosette. Still immediately recognisable thanks to the timeless Erwin Komenda-designed bodywork, the latest iteration of the 356 featured disc brakes all around, radial Pirelli Cinturato tyres, as well as further revisions to its trusty powerplant. 

Shortly after the 356's replacement was announced: the 911. As a result, this later iteration is amongst the rarest of the first production Porsche, and are particularly desirable amongst enthusiasts. As a result, this one is likely to garner plenty of attention. It's a matching numbers example, confirmed by its accompanying Porsche certificate, and presents a rare opportunity to acquire one of just 1,101 produced with the desirable Karmann bodywork. 

With its original 1.6-litre Type 616/15 boxer engine, 4-speed manual transmission, and documented history spanning two continents, this is a smasher of a classic, and an essential addition to any Porsche collector's fleet. 

While it's a comparatively small car, there's no doubt that the 356 is full of character. This example comes to us in what the vendor describes as excellent order. We'd advise inspecting this for yourself in the photographs. It's certainly very handsome; we can't discern any dents or dings, and the paintwork carries a lovely bright shine.

Glancing back at the factory specification, it ticks all of the boxes - signal red on black, with chrome wheels - and it's a stunning combo for such a neat little design. Everything is sleek and curvy, true to the tradition created by Erwin Komenda's charismatic penmanship. 

The underside is remarkably clean ansd well presented from what we can discern, and the black cabin is suitably stylish-yet-Spartan, as you'd expect from the early days of Stuttgart specialty. All instruments are clean and legible, the dash is clean, and a Clarion Magi-Tune III, itself of considerable rarity, is pleasantly perched within.

The mechanical specs of the 356 may not seem like any great shakes, but in a car so expertly designed around it, it's capable of miracles. The little engine and light weight provide a torquey, revvy experience similar to a modern-day hot-hatch, and we're told that this particular example is running as well as ever it has.

It's been regularly maintained - proven by a stock of invoices - and it all looks in very good order. By every right, this diminutive and scarce classic looks ready and waiting to be driven away. 

 

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