Porsche 356 C

The vehicle in detail

The Porsche 356 is considered the origin of all series-production sports cars from Zuffenhausen. With the Porsche 356 1600 C Coupé, which was launched in 1963, this first Porsche series reached its highest level of technical and qualitative development. At the same time, this model marked the dignified end of an era before the Porsche 911 ushered in a new generation.

The history of the Porsche 356 began in 1948 with the hand-built prototype "No. 1" in Gmünd, Austria. In the early 1950s, the 356 quickly developed into a serious sports car with growing international recognition – not least due to numerous racing successes. Over the years, the model underwent continuous development: from the so-called "Pre-A" series to the A and B versions and finally to the last stage of evolution, the C series.

The 356 C, introduced in the fall of 1963, was the most technically advanced 356. A key feature was the first-ever installation of disc brakes on the front and rear axles of all models, which gave the vehicle significantly improved and contemporary braking performance. This finally put Porsche on a par with the most powerful sports cars of the era.

The 356 1600 C Coupé was equipped with an air-cooled four-cylinder boxer engine that delivered 75 hp (DIN) from a displacement of 1,582 cm³. Combined with the low vehicle weight of around 950 kilograms, this enabled a top speed of around 175 kph – remarkable figures for a sports car of the early 1960s. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a fully synchronized four-speed manual transmission, giving the car its characteristic rear-engine driving style.

The interior of the 356 C was also more mature than its predecessors. Improved seats, higher-quality materials, and more precise ergonomics underscored its claim to be not only an uncompromising sports car, but also a comfortable Gran Turismo for long distances. Externally, the typical, timelessly elegant lines of the 356 were retained – with clear curves, a flat silhouette, and a classic coupé shape.

Production of the Porsche 356 continued until 1965, with a total of around 76,000 units of all variants being manufactured. The 1600 C occupies a special position: it combines Porsche's decades of development experience with the original, purist philosophy of the 356 – shortly before the technically much more modern Porsche 911 entered the scene.

Today, the Porsche 356 1600 C Coupé is one of the most sought-after classic sports cars in the world. It symbolizes the transition from handcrafted post-war sports cars to industrially perfected sports car production. Its historical significance, sophisticated technology, and timeless design make it one of the most important classics in automotive history.

The vehicle is located in our showroom in Stuttgart-Plieningen, near the airport/exhibition center. A test drive including a viewing on the stage is possible by arrangement.
Upon request, the sale includes a new inspection, customer service, and TÜV certification. We also offer a wide range of accessories for your new dream car. If required, we can also deliver the vehicle to you in a closed trailer.

Opening hours: Mon–Sat by appointment

Carola Daimler Cars is a company owned by the great-granddaughter of inventor and visionary Gottlieb Daimler. We collect, trade, and broker classic cars, modern classics, and collectibles with potential and history. We place particular emphasis on quality, history, and preserved charm.

Subject to prior sale and errors for this offer. The vehicle description on the Internet is for general identification purposes only and does not constitute a warranty in the legal sense. The agreements in the purchase contract are decisive.