*Inspection report attached at the bottom of the listing*
Highlights
Customised in ‘road rally’ style
1.6-litre boxer engine
Manual transmission
57,552Km indicated
Good history file
Professionally inspected by an independent company
The Appeal
The final iteration of the 356 – the progenitor of the all-conquering 911 – the 356C is a very collectible and highly desirable classic sports car. What would go on to be the iconic Porsche shape is very much in evidence here, with smooth styling and neat details.
This particular example has been restored and refinished in smart ‘road rally’ specification, with hints of motorsport heritage and eye-catching facets to its styling. With a good history as well as that charismatic and dependable boxer engine, it makes for a super little classic – one that would happily take pride of place in any garage.IMG_8179.jpeg5.32 MB
The History and Paperwork
First registered in France in February 1965
Imported to Italy in November 2000
Current registered owner since November 2015
A.S.I. certificate
Period driver’s manual
Complete with a collection of previous Revisioni documents
Current Revisione (Italian MOT equivalent) to 31st March 2023
There is a lovely, warm and natural patina to the red leather seats in this 356. There’s some wear and creasing, particularly to the driver’s seat, but it suits the car perfectly and hints at the narrative of a car that is now almost 60 years old. We think that the dash, door cards and rear parcel shelf have been retrimmed at some point, and they appear to be in excellent overall condition.
The red carpets are hard-wearing and edge-bound, very much in keeping with the period the car springs from. They show a little wear from use, but are generally in good condition. Contrasting nicely with the red upholstery, the headlining is a cream-coloured, perforated vinyl. It shows very well, with no staining, damage or sagging we could see.
Before the driver, there is the classic 356 steering wheel. That thin rim is finished in gloss black and neatly complements the period VDO gauges and switchgear. Again, there’s a handsome level of patination to all the driving controls, but no damage or significant wear we could identify.
At the front, there is a little extra luggage space underneath the bonnet, where the fuel tank and battery can also be found.
Pale green paintwork with motorsport inspired decals
A number of ‘road rally’ styling touches
Gloss black steel wheel with quality, matched tyres
Refinished in a lovely pale green, which really shows off the lines of the 356, we think this is a very cool looking machine. The owner has complemented the attractive paintwork with a series of period-style livery details, including smart dark grey over-stripes and ‘38’ roundels to the doors, driver’s side wing and engine cover.
Generally, the paint looks to be in very nice condition, with a few minor marks and blemishes. The only mark worthy of note is a small chip and crack to the paint below the corner of the rear driver’s side window.
Smooth and clean, the bodywork presents very well, with no corrosion apparent, and no obvious damage we could see. All the panels look to be well gapped and the lines are consistent and even throughout.
Looking at the trim, it’s here that the owner has added some more period motorsport flourishes. From the yellow lenses of the front driving lights to the polished mesh headlamp covers and rear-mounted rack and spare wheel, there’s much here to admire. We note that the bumpers have also been removed for that traditional ‘road rally’ look. As far as we can tell, all the glass and external trim looks to be in fine fettle. There are some blemishes and patina showing on the brightwork, but everything still appears to be very useable and appropriate to the car’s age.
Wheels are 15-inch steel items, finished in gloss black and dressed in a matched set of Continental ‘Contact’ tyres which we are told have 4mm of tread.
Peering underneath the car, we observe that the underside looks to be in good order, with no obvious damage or notable corrosion we could see. The exhaust system and some drivetrain elements show some surface corrosion, as you’d expect, but nothing that would overly concern us.
One of the most attractive elements of sports cars from this era is their simplicity. Utilising a sturdy 1.6-litre boxer engine, the 356 produces just enough power to make for a fun and engaging experience. Combined with the manual transmission and beguiling, burbling soundtrack, it’s little wonder these pretty little coupés remain desirable.
It’s reported to us that the car starts and runs very well, with no leaks evident and no smoke on start-up or under load. We’re also informed that, when driving, the gearbox shifts well and that there are no knocks or unusual noises from the suspension.
Handsome, uniquely styled and well presented, this fetching little sports car would be most welcome in any collection, at any show or, indeed, at any event you care to mention. Rare and desirable, we think it would make a wonderful addition to anyone’s fleet.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
