When Dr Ferdinand and Dr Ferry Porsche decided on making a fun, accessible sports car, the world received a much-needed post-WW2 blessing, from Germany of all places (OK, Austria). To further that notion: I have always considered the 356 and the 300SL “Gullwing”, as a two-tiered blessing; one as a love-letter to the car loving world, that good things are happening again and two, as a timely reminder to a broken Germany, that they are brilliant and worthy of accolades, just quit invading stuff.

The 356 certainly wasn’t an overnight success, but as production exceeded Gmund’s tiny factory and production moved to Stuttgart, things were looking up for the Porsche family and the ‘evolution’ had begun; The circa 1948 to 54' 356 (AKA pre-A) certainly wins the prettiest award and to die-hard Porsche collectors, they are very nice to have as a static display. The circa 1955 356A is the first of the Porsche line that I can recommend to new enthusiasts, without being too worried about them feeling like they are Fred Flintstone as they hit the highway. The 356B is the middle child and whilst I rate them highly, the model sits between the very pretty and groundbreaking 356A and the visually similar, mechanically superior 356C, so are priced accordingly as 2nd tier, in the general 356 market. Then we get to the 356C and FINALLY back to my opening statement, about Porsche and the whole evolution thing. With Dr Ferry, Ernst Fuhrmann, Erwin Komenda and co. all taking key roles in evolving the beautiful 356 for about 15 years, you can see why the 356C is held in such high regard in Porsche folklore. Being the 356 technical high watermark, before the iconic 911 began its 70 year and counting career, doesn’t harm the 356C reputation either…

Long story short; if you want the best all-round 356, buy a 356C.

Yes, there’s a price premium, but in that premium is disc brakes, superior ergonomics, suspension, electricals and engine power, etc, etc. When I drive our Meissen Blue 356A coupe, I am very aware of being in a delightful old car from the 1950’s and pick my days, times and routes judiciously. When I drive this lovely 356C Cabriolet we have here, I start marveling at how easily a sorted 356C could be a fun daily driver, especially in the more pleasant months.

About this particual car: Hamilton’s Melbourne delivered, it is believed that this very pretty, light Ivory 356C Cabriolet stayed in its delivered town of Melbourne until 2018, when it went to one of Australia’s best car collections in Adelaide. From Adelaide, the Cab came back to Melbourne, now in what was at the time, Australia’s best Porsche collection. It now is loving life on the Sunshine Coast, also in another very special car collection of European classics.

The car was a bare shell, full restoration in the early 1990’s, with an objective of making the chassis safe and perfect for long distance, high speed travels. The original motor was lost to time, so an idea was formed to make this pretty Cabriolet, the very best 356 it could possibly be, while still looking factory correct. A global cohort of 356 legends was employed, using upgrades from the factory 356 Carrera 2 and ideas from the California 356 hot-rod community, the car has been tastefully upgraded in practically every single way that matters.

Key points are:

356C Carrera 2 oil coolers.

356C Carrera 2 gearset.

1972 911S Alloy calipers on front disc brakes.

356 legend, the late Harry Pellow, AKA “The Maestro” built the motor to an exacting specification that matched the owners request of a high speed, country road runner (Google “HCP Research 356”). This includes a new crank, rods and forged pistons, custom HCP camshaft and webers tuned to suit.

Heads reconditioned and improved to HCP’s requirements by 356 expert Ray Litz of Competition Engineering, USA.

All gauges, including SC type, were rebuilt in California.

The cars roof was sent to California to be rebuilt by 356 guru Roy Neilsen on a jig (they get out of alignment over the decades.) He also put a new luxury spec’ lining cover on.

Custom built, with no expense spared by names that are 356 legends, most of whom are no longer with us. People that have spent most of their adult lives, living the 356 life, say this is one of the best driving cars they have ever experienced, including the legendary 4 CAM Carrera’s. If you want an ultimate driving, big budget, no compromises type 356 Cab’, this is very worthy of consideration.

Chassis # 161373

Engine # V133504R

Order type 356 C Cabriolet (Typ: 356410)

Model year: 1964

Hamilton’s (Melbourne and Australian distributor) delivered.

Light Ivory with Blue Leather (Now red.)

Green tinted windscreen.

Chrome hub caps.

Coco mats black.

Expander (I’m going to assume that is an “extended” steering wheel hub?