Porsche 356C: Porsche Engineers' Attention to Detail

Throwback Thursday: The Introduction of the Porsche 356C.

1964 Porsche 356C

The introduction of the Porsche 356C was the result of Porsche Engineers’ attention to detail as the changes were few, but were very specific to make a better Porsche 356.

Small details were incorporated such as the heater knob had been replaced by a lever and the light switch had been moved so the driver doesn’t have to reach through the steering wheel to operate it.

Other new features included deeper seats, slightly increased head room and standard equipment armrests, which also served as door-closing grips and the removal of the passenger assist grip to the right side of the glove box.

Porsche 356C Seating Position and Controls

Subtle changes were made to the suspension to improve the ride and to increase the understeer by increasing the diameter of the front anti-roll bar while the torsion bars suspending the rear wheels were reduced in diameter.

One of the biggest changes in the 356C was the adoption of four-wheel disc brakes that caused the change from the unique combined wheel and brake design that was a Porsche trademark.

This brake change caused the only exterior appearance difference besides badging as a new wheel and hubcap design was introduced for the Porsche 356C. The T-6 body was carried over from the 356B so the general exterior appearance of the 356 remained the same from the 356B to the 356C.

Porsche 356C as seen in Lake Lure, NC

Engine choices for the Porsche 356C were simplified by dropping the least potent 60-horsepower “Normal” engine. Engine refinements were provided to the two remaining engines, the 1600S and the Super 75 that became the 1600C while the Super 90 became the 1600SC. The purpose was to refine production and get the Super 90 to produce the 90 horsepower it new possessed.

Porsche continued to sell the 1600SC’s in the United States until the end of 1965. Officially production of the 356C ended in mid-September of 1965. The 356C had been refined so much that the cost of repairs under warranty averaged only $8.38 per car. This was incredibly low for Porsche and for any car at this point in history.

Porsche 356C at the Ulitmate Driving Tour 2019

Sources: Porsche Excellence was Expected By Karl Ludvigsen, 1977 First Edition

Tags: Porsche 356C, Porsche History, Porsche 356