The ultimate iteration of the lightweight, rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Porsche 356; the 356 C appeared in 1964, coinciding with Porsche’s purchase of the Reutter coach-building firm, which handled all Coupe and Cabriolet construction in the Stuttgart for the remainder of 356 production. New equipment on the 356 C included four-wheel disc brakes, a ZF steering rack, and a 12-volt electrical system. The most significant improvement over its predecessor was the availability of a 1600 cc ‘SC’ engine with a higher compression ratio and counterweighted crankshaft, allowing it to produce 95 horsepower – the most powerful pushrod engine produced by Porsche up to the time. While it was available in a range of open-top body styles throughout the 356’s 15-year production, the sporting Cabriolet was always the most expensive when new with its body-color windshield frame and heavily-padded top.

A left-hand drive example dating from the penultimate year of production, this 1964 356 SC Cabriolet was completed at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen factory on 28 November 1963 and finished in Rubinrot (Ruby Red-6402) paintwork with a Schwarz (Black) leather interior. According to its Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity, this range-topping SC Cabriolet was additionally optioned with dual ‘Talbot’ mirrors, fog lights, and Dunlop Tires.