The Porsche 356C was the final Porsche model to debut before the completely new 911. It mainly featured mechanical rather than aesthetic improvements. This model the 356 C replaced the 356 B and served as development for Porsche into the widespread use of all-round disc brakes and much work was undertaken to improve the heavy rear bias of earlier cars with the addition of larger anti-roll bars and a steering damper. 

The C model received Zenith carburetors and the same 75 DIN horsepower as the previous 356B Super engine. Only coupes and cabriolets were offered. The range of available engines for the Porsche 356C was reduced to three, as the 60hp engine from the 356B was discontinued. The 75hp engine from the old 1600 Super therefore became the base engine, while the final and most powerful version of Porsche’s complex Carrera four-cam engine made a full 130hp in the 2000GS.

Known internally as the T6 and designed by Erwin Komenda, the Porsche 356C came out for the 1964 model year. Visually, there was very little difference between the C series and the B series. One striking change was the modified rims with flatter hub caps without Porsche Crest. The new hub cap design was the result of the fact that all 356 models were now equipped with disc brakes as standard. The company continued to sell the 356 C in North America through 1965 as demand for the model remained quite strong. 

The 356 is a lightweight and nimble-handling, rear-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-door that represents the final and most developed version of the model that made Porsche’s reputation on roads and racing throughout the 1950s. It was a far cry from the handful of basic sports cars made in a small village in postwar Austria. Porsche had grown exponentially and gained an enviable reputation all over the world for building these high quality, fun and quick sports cars known as the 356.