Body, Trim and Paint

A California car through 1997, the upper body of this 356C shows no serious rust.   The hood and rear deck lid are original and stamped with the last three digits of the chassis number (378). Chassis number (127378) matches on plate in trunk, stamp in trunk floor and plate on door hinge cover. The undercarriage is solid overall with some minor rust in the front driver side floor pan seen from below. The outer longitudinals appear to have been replaced in the past and are separating at the rear seams.   The critical suspension points are solid. Rear floor pans are solid with only some surface rust visible on their inside surfaces.

Majority of the trim parts are present and appear to be originals. Most of the chrome parts show light pitting, but still shine up nicely. All glass is clear with a visible chip on the left rear quarter window.  All light lenses are present.

The original paint color  is Ruby Red (color code 6402). The current paint is a seven year old documented repaint. Acceptable quality for an entry level driver. There are a few minor chips, a minor scrape just behind the right end of the front bumper and a  crack near the right front turn signal light.

Interior

The leatherette interior is in fair condition overall with some seam separation in the driver side seatback. Seats have good support. Carpet is worn and rubber floor mat is missing. The color of original interior appears to have been a light brown, but was dyed to black many years ago. The gauges, switches and knobs on the face of the dash are all present.  Original steering wheel  is also present. Retractable shoulder seat belts are installed for added safety.

Electricals

Headlights (low and high beams), tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, license plate lights, wipers and radio function. The horn and clock are not functional. Speedometer and tachometer are functional. All guages are functional. Generator and oil pressure warning lights are functional. The odometer is functional and currently reads   43,447 miles.  A strong Optima 6 volt battery is installed. Starter was replaced in 2004.

Engine and Transmission

A correct 1964 1600 C engine (number 710986) is installed. The right side engine case is stamped with the type number 616/15, which correctly decodes as a 1600 C Normal, factory rated at 75HP.  The engine starts easily, holds a steady idle and accelerates smoothly with  good power. No engine oil leaks have been observed.

A recent engine compression test  resulted in the following readings:

CYL 1 = 110psi, CYL 2 = 120psi, CYL 3 = 110psi, CYL 4 = 110psi

The following engine related servicing was   completed with supporting documentation:

@43,303 miles - Oil and filter change, transmission fluid replaced

@~43,000 miles - New sparke plugs, adjust valves, replaced valve cover gaskets

A four speed 741 transmission (dated October, 1963) is installed. The transmission was fully rebuilt in 2004 with documentation of the rebuild. During our test drives, the transmission shifted smoothly into every gear with no grinding or unusual noises. Clutch cable was adjusted and lubed at 43,000 miles.

 

 

Suspension, Wheels, Tires and Brakes

Steering response is good. Front end is tight with no vibration. Shocks are in fair condition.  Wheel alignment is correct and there is no wheel vibration at high speed.

Current wheels installed are 15" x 6" Fuchs alloys. While not original, they have higher value than the original steel wheels.

Four  radial 165R15 tires are in good condition with no cracks or unevenly worn tread.

The brakes are functioning very well with a recent record for the rebuilding of the front calipers and brake fluid replacement. The emergency brake is correctly adjusted and holds tight. 

 

   

Extra Parts and Documentation

The following extra parts are included: Spare wheel, jack, pair of lower fog light grilles and washer fluid bottle.

Documentation includes service records back to 1982 and copy 356 Registry newsletter with this car on the cover.