1963 Porsche 356 cabriolet SC

We are just finishing the restoration of this very early SC cabriolet. This significant collector car that Porsche built in 1963 was manufactured with unique experimental design changes that were incorporated into the earlier B design to make a distinguishable car for the new C models arrival. This is a one off production car; with the exception of the special ordered silver metallic paint and bright red leather interior that would no longer be produced, and was built to reveal what Porsche was going to offer for 1963 with its new models. The car shows the evolution to the C model through designs incorporated into the production of this car, some never used again. Equipped with most factory options that were going to be offered for the year the car has all original 5 dated chrome wheels, chrome luggage rack, fog lamps, fresh air blower, balance spring, radio, speakers and antenna as shown on the Porsche certificate of authenticity.

For 1963 C models Porsche offered 2 different engine designs with new designated case numbers and a new heater system for the European cars along with disk brakes on all four wheels. This car has the 616/16 case designation showing an SC example along with the other mechanical updates mentioned. In addition to the mechanical improvements made to the car the dash configuration was being altered to accept the new wiper switch and glove box lock location, glove box handle and rubber stops. This car shows the evolution with the old B model wiper switch whole location being filled with a switch to operate the factory installed fog lamps. The center position glove box lock has been moved to the side like in future C model production and the rubber bumpers behind the door remain like the B produced cars and only show 2 rather than the 4 used on later C cars. The dash evolution continues on this example of production as new radio and ash tray development locations were being tried by Porsche engineering. This car was built with an interim waterfall design under the center of the dash and the factory has incorporated the ash tray into a built in compartment below that with the radio still below the ashtray. Possibly the only car with these designs they are fixed to the dash not removable and not configured in future C models this way.

This car is all matching numbers with the hood, doors, deck lid, jamb plates, instruments, seats, wheels, fuel sending unit, soft top, motor and transmission either matching the chassis number or being date coded correct from the factory. With no clips or accidents this car was given a bare metal 100% completely disassembled restoration of the entire car and all components. The motor received a complete rebuild with proper Sc parts and show detail finish see the original distributor cap and PORSCHE fan belt with all bolts on the vertical and flat screw heads on the horizontal metal as delivered when new. See the rare one off used design fan shroud the factory tried, where the wire looms for the generator, coil and oil temperature pass through the shroud rather than over the top of the shroud where they would normally be held in place by the folded over metal tab. Note the early style braided hose and factory clamp for the oil breather connection from the oil filler to the single whole top of air cleaner. See the original new old stock German material style heater hose. The European heater system is introduced for this car and shown in the pictures with the heater actuating valves connected with barrel clamps to the control lever wires. Transaxle is rebuilt detailed and has one piece axle boots installed as when new with proper twist clamps. The optional balance spring restored with all new old stock factory rubber is in place. The engine compartment also has an optional power supply receptacle similar to the ones located under the dash on many cars; like this one also has, but in addition located off to the side of the regulator in the center of an optional bracket and wired into the factory loom from original 1963 assembly to provide power for an optional metal flexible service lamp. Notice the first of the louvered deck lids for more ventilation. This car is a true nut and bolt restoration with factory hardware for the car being restored rather than replaced and all bolts having the proper size and manufacturer on the head installed in the original locations. Half head bolts in the top of door jamb holding the frame in place so as not to scratch the doors. Seat belt connecting eye bolts with sleeves. We had the cars metal lines and linkage; in addition to the hardware, all stripped and plated see the detailed picture of the gas over flow lines under the fender. Four calipers were rebuilt and plated gold as when delivered new for Porsche mechanics to install with the primed disks, so as not to have rusted on the shelf. All new brakes with backing plates and axle shafts detailed and powder coated with a 70% vintage lacquered appearance finish. All new Koni shocks installed. Link and king pin redone and front steering dampener replaced. Gas tank and fuel valve overhauled and detailed as new. The 5 chrome wheels all dated were split in two individually chromed and welded together again to a precision factory quality. All these parts were installed on a bare metal finished no accident damage car that had a beautiful flat silver paint job done with minimal metallic so as to appear as the original finish was applied to the car again. The underside of the car was given a precise washable spray undercoating that still shows the factory spot weld and seems of the body’s configuration but allows for some protection of the underside as the factory did. Notice the inside of the windshield frame painted to match the interior color as originally done. The color sanded and buffed paint job over the factory original body panels and seems that needed no repairs; are the type you would judge other cars by, having an exceptional fit and alignment as well as feel behind the seems were metal folds over metal to form rigidity. New old stock fog lamps with the rare small fog lamp switch, euro headlamps with park lamp illumination inside of them rather than in the front new old stock turn signal units. Horns restored with new old stock horn grilles from Porsche (see the small rivets holding them together) and operated by the deluxe horn ring. All instruments restored with new bezels and bulbs for proper operation and new cosmetic appearance. European tail lights and reflectors below the rear bumper along with the Kilometer per hour instrumentation complete the European delivery specification. As delivered from new the rare production early cars with factory installed disk brakes for the new model year had flat chrome hub caps with no insignia in the center. Details are in the assembly with sound deadener in place behind doors, in the cab of body, complete engine compartment with original fasteners and under the hood including the insulation under the gas tank. Interior is all new complete full leather with proper German carpeting leather bindings and properly assembled with correct screw heads, bolts, seams and stitching. The seats were completely restored with the chrome brackets having the rivets removed and individually re-chromed before replacing them for a nice even finish. The seat pans were stripped painted and the bottoms covered with new burlap as original holding the new seat foams formed to an original look for a proper fit. The top frame was restored with new old stock wood bows, repainted the proper beige and installed with correct detailed bolts, latches and brackets. The top is finished with its original metal trim profile strip along the top of the rear window and two side strips at the door windows. Original windshield is Sigla and doors and vent windows are Durvit, all factory glass. Chrome is all done with no imperfections on the entire car and all manufacturer markings, numbers or insignias are perfectly legible as new. Note the spacers between the nuts and hood metal where the hood pull is attached to the hood as it was done at the factory. See the red felt washers between the vent window frame hinges pivots installed when assembled. Note the center top latch on the windshield frame holds the mirror so no center rod is required, like on previous models. See the fresh air vent control in the dash has the additional lever and fan insignia for fresh air blower control. Note the four knurled nylon plugs that are used for the inner wholes of the engine deck lid beneath the grilles so water doesn’t pass to the motor. Under the hood is completed with the factory original water bottle, labeled fuse cover, gas tank cover and restored fresh air blower with factory German new old stock connecting hose attached to the restored fresh air regulators, original dated owners manual with red vinyl cover and spectacular pristine tool kit for the shows judges.

This is an extremely detailed correct nut and bolt hardware proper restoration with 38 years of acquired Porsche knowledge and access to the best technicians and accumulation of parts available. We have restored this car to compete with the best of the best in full concours Porsche competition with no excuses. Possibly first shown by Porsche for the September 12th 1963 Frankfurt Auto show as the car was completed on September 6th 1963.

Click on any of the lower photos for a more detailed picture.

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