Before I delve into my somewhat biased views on 356’s, can we all agree, at least on a superficial level, that Porsche do the whole ‘evolution’ thing, better than most. Yes, I understand that some modern Porsches’ raise the tricky debate that “better, isn’t always better”, so let’s just keep it nice and pre-OPEC-crisis simple for now and agree that each new model, was a little bit better than the last?

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 coupe we have here, I start marveling at how easily it could be a fun daily driver, especially in the milder months.

This particular 356C / SC, chassis #131466 was a Hamilton’s Australia delivered example, with a delivery date of 11/11/1964 supplied. The engine #813241, which denotes that is a factory SC, is its original, matching motor. The car was delivered in 6404, Light- Ivory (White) on black trim. In the early to mid 1980’s, Mr. Steve Youlden embarked on an ambitious mission, to create the ultimate 356. Something that is factory correct, but that exotic, that it was strictly unobtanium in 1980’s Australia. He purchased the best 356C he could find, then set about creating a 356 Carrera 2, in a dream specification. Using NOS Carrera 2 parts everywhere, the 356 was restored to a concours winning standard (1989 356 Register National outright winner trophy, comes with the sale.) and capped off with a genuine 904 typ 587/3 engine; arguably the pinnacle of the venerable Fuhrmann designed 4 Cam engines. Yes, #131466 was as good, likely better, than any road going 356 Porsche ever sold. Mr Youlden’s mission was complete. After many years of highly enjoyable motoring, the 356C was sold to the Bowden Collection circa 1996. The Collection at one point had a 356A Carrera coupe and Speedster, both factory RHD. But it was the 356C, with its incredible engine that got the most use, especially by your humble scribe. In early 2014 we became aware of the 904 that the 587/3 originally came from and did the right thing... having a matching #’s 904 is better for the Porsche community, than another replica. The added bonus to doing the right thing by the 904, is that 131466’s original motor, had never left the car, so two Porsche’s became matching #’s again, but for us, 131466 lost its wild 4 CAM spark and her days of frequent use were over.

Enter one of Australia’s greatest Porsche collectors; Dr Ian Henderson. Dr Ian had heard of the standard of 131466 and approached us about an inspection. A deal was struck and 131466 was on its way to Victoria. Spencer Harrison of RRR, who maintained all of Dr Ian’s Porsche’s, had nearly 10 years to work his magic on 131466 and it shows; Recent test drives have me wondering why we sold it at all; what a cracking car! Dr Ian passed away and in late 2023, Ecurie Bowden was chartered with purchasing Ian’s collection for a friend, who so happens to have Australia’s best collection of classic Porsche’s. You could comfortably state that 131466’s comes from "good stock".

Many years have passed since 131466’s concours winning days and both ourselves and Dr Ian use our cars as Dr Ferry intended, so 131466’s exterior, whilst looking nice at small distance, is showing its age, with small chips, marks and various repairs that are highlighted, in the way that only old, metallic painted cars can… Her interior is in surprisingly good condition (Shout out to Mr Youlden’s trimmers!) as is her mechanicals. An inspection on the hoist shows an excellent undercarriage, with period Carrera 2 upgrades. She drives beautifully, just as I remember and her new owner will get the opportunity to enjoy her as is, while deciding as to whether to make her totally factory correct, and respray her back to a 1960’s chic, Light Ivory white, or leave her in Silver and keep enjoying the drive, guilt free.

356C FAQ’s:

Q) Will I fit?

A) Big Germans are not small and build cars to suit. To quote YouTube car-scribe / legend Mr Matt Farah: “I’m 6’3” and I’m fat” circa 2017 regarding how easily he fits in a 356C. If you are 6'4"+ and fatter than Matt Farah, you might need a test sitting.

Q) Are they good on the highway?

A) Certainly are. The factory spec engine, brakes, suspension, lighting, etc are all up to the job. However, the condition of those parts, is what can make a highway drive either an enjoyable cruise, or an “adventure”.

Q) Are they good on B roads?

A) Yup, brilliant. Slight of stature, nimble and when combined with a good set of period profile tyres (Like the Vredesteins we have on this car.) they absorb bumps better than anything, with low profile tyres.

Q) Is the SC worth the premium?
A) Oh yes. The 20Hp might not sound like much, but in a light car like a 356, it makes a significant difference. The scarcity of the SC makes it a better investment too, but the better drive is the real investment IMHO.

Q) What will the family think?

A) Kids / Fur babies will dig it and the back seats will cater for little ones. Your better-half will still likely think you are a knob, but less of a knob than before 356C ownership.