Porsche 356C
Porsche 356C – Model Timeline (1964–1965)
The Porsche 356C was the final development of the original Porsche 356 series and was introduced for the 1964 model year. It replaced the 356B and introduced several important technical upgrades. The most significant change was the adoption of four-wheel disc brakes on all models, greatly improving braking performance and safety. Production of the 356C ran from 1964 until 1965, alongside the early production of the Porsche 911.
In total, approximately 16,684 Porsche 356C cars were produced.
1964 – Porsche 356C 1600
Production: approximately 8,000–9,000 units within the total 356C production (exact distribution between models varies depending on records).
Description
The 356C 1600 was the entry-level model in the final generation of the 356. While the body shape remained largely unchanged from the late 356B models, Porsche implemented several mechanical improvements that made the car more refined and reliable.
Engine
- 1.6-litre air-cooled flat-four engine (Type 616)
- Approximately 75 horsepower
Major changes
- Introduction of four-wheel disc brakes, replacing earlier drum brakes
- New ATE braking system providing improved braking performance
- Updated suspension settings for better road handling
- Minor updates to wheels, dashboard details, and interior fittings
- Increasing use of radial tires
Body styles
- Coupe
- Cabriolet
The 356C 1600 retained the classic styling of earlier 356 models while benefiting from the most advanced engineering of the entire series.
1964 – Porsche 356C 1600 SC
Production: included within the total 16,684 cars produced for the 356C generation.
Description
The 356C 1600 SC was the high-performance pushrod version of the 356C. It was aimed at customers who wanted stronger performance than the base model but without the complexity and high price of the Carrera models.
Engine
- 1.6-litre flat-four engine (Type 616/16)
- Approximately 95 horsepower
Major changes
- Higher compression engine with improved carburetors
- Stronger clutch and drivetrain components to handle the extra power
- Standard four-wheel disc brakes
- Same suspension improvements introduced with the 356C series
Body styles
- Coupe
- Cabriolet
The SC offered noticeably stronger acceleration and higher top speed than the standard 1600 model and became one of the most popular performance versions of the late 356.
1964 – Porsche 356C Carrera 2 (2000 GS)
Production: approximately 101–126 cars
Description
The Carrera 2 represented the ultimate high-performance version of the Porsche 356 road cars. It used an advanced racing-derived engine originally developed for Porsche competition models.
Engine
- 2.0-litre four-cam flat-four engine (Type 587)
- Approximately 130 horsepower
Major changes
- Dual overhead camshaft racing engine designed by Ernst Fuhrmann
- Significantly higher performance compared with pushrod models
- Standard four-wheel disc brakes like the other 356C models
- Strengthened drivetrain components and improved engine cooling
Body styles
- Primarily Coupe, with only a very small number produced
Due to its advanced engine and high cost, the Carrera 2 was produced in very limited numbers and is today one of the rarest and most collectible road-going 356 models.
1965 – Final Production Year
Although introduced for the 1964 model year, the 356C continued into 1965, even after the launch of the Porsche 911. Demand for the established model remained strong while the new model was still gaining popularity.
Notable details
- Coupe production ended in January 1965
- Cabriolet production ended in April 1965
- A small number of final cars were completed shortly afterward
Summary of Porsche 356C Models
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Production |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 356C 1600 | 1964–1965 | 1.6 L flat-4 | ~75 hp | Part of 16,684 |
| 356C 1600 SC | 1964–1965 | 1.6 L flat-4 | ~95 hp | Part of 16,684 |
| 356C Carrera 2 (2000 GS) | 1964–1965 | 2.0 L DOHC flat-4 | ~130 hp | ~101–126 |
Significance of the Porsche 356C
The 356C represented the most technically refined version of the original Porsche sports car. With disc brakes, improved suspension, and stronger engines, it combined the classic design of the early 356 with modern engineering improvements. It also marked the end of the 356 era, closing the chapter on Porsche’s first production sports car before the company moved fully into the next generation with the Porsche 911.