VIDEO: 1964 Porsche 356 SC 1600 Cabriolet Driven

Driving a factory-built hot rod of its time

Photo courtesy of Porsche Club of America

By 1964, the 356 was nearing the end of its production run, overlapping briefly with the car that would replace it—the model originally known as the 901, later renamed the 911. As the last and most refined version of the 356, the SC retained the familiar four-speed manual gearbox but gained key upgrades, most notably disc brakes and a more powerful engine.

Compared with the standard 356 C, the SC offered roughly 20 additional horsepower, producing 95 hp from its 1.6-liter flat-four. In a car weighing just over 2,000 pounds, that made it something of a factory hot rod for its era.

This example featured in a video from Porsche Club of America on YouTube has a story to match its pedigree. The current owner purchased the car in 1971 in Nice, France, while studying abroad in Florence. Decades later, he still owns and enjoys it—an increasingly rare scenario in the collector-car world.  At some point, the car underwent a bare-metal restoration, returning it to its original Slate Grey exterior. The interior, originally brown leather, was refreshed in red leather, a bold and tasteful change that adds warmth and a sense of occasion to the cabin.

The video also highlights the car’s compliant ride quality, user-friendly gearbox, and the unmistakable feel that defines classic Porsche driving—an experience that feels engaging, mechanical, and rewarding even decades later.

Source: Porsche Club of America