For those who were not born in the 60s', we may never experience what was then the truest meaning of 20th Century self expression. Scooby Doo and the Mystery Machine, Flower Power, Cat Eye glasses and Bell Bottoms, those were truly cult; which today, we could only view in black and white and hear through mono-scratchy gramophones.

Then suddenly! A Porsche 356C appeared in the garage. (wasn't really by sudden, the sale was pre-planned weeks before). I became skeptical as I started relating the 40 year old classic to present day machines. 420bhp Porsches, 3.5 seconds Lotuses, 9000rpm Ferraris, Variable Valve Timing, Traction Control... suddenly, I wasn't quite optimistic about driving the car. There was plenty to think about, yes, but i was in a hurry to get in; curiosity got the best of me in the end.

The journey into the past begins as soon as you unlock the door handle to get in. A simple key similar to that of a padlock's, only to be set apart by the original leather pouch it was attached to. Inside, you can see the heritage and similarity to today's Porsche fascias. The dash, layout, counter display and gear stick positions reassure me that it was indeed a Porsche and I quickly grow accustomed to the interior. Of course, there is the hint of classic leather scent that comes with every car older than me but it is soon forgotten.

Flick the ignition and the 1.6L Webber draught engine lazily recuperates. The car runs the original 6-Volts battery and it feels like its flat during crank as there are not enough amps to provide a consistent crank. One revolution, two revolution, three, nothing is coming to life yet and i decide to blip the throttle. Then.......VRoom" the engine suddenly comes to life as the wide open throttle completed the puzzle. The car doesn't feel sixty-ish anymore I tell myself (not that i have been there), from the note of the engine and idle, it feels like a car which I am more acquainted with i.e. 911SCs or 930s.

Still skeptical, I blipped the throttle and the engine revs to the end of the counter faster than R500's 30ft times. The engine feels so light, as if it had a lightened flywheel and balanced engine with no back pressure at all. It was a disturbing fact coming from a 40 year old car. Into first gear, a careful balance of the clutch with throttle and I'm off.

The car takes off with much immediacy and I am astonished. Into second, the car is still pulling and i decide to floor the throttle. The nose lifts by the inch and the car pulls harder now. I am more astonished. I grow wary and start to realize, that indeed in the 60's these cars were already going this quick and by no means is that slow by today's standards. On the highways in third, there is enough torque to over take and all-round brakes to stop. Turn-in is precise followed by a controlled mid turn. On the exit, there are signs of tail happiness and if situations allow, sliding the car feels to be the fastest presumable way around. Weighing in at only 894kilos and coupled with an 88bhp flat-4 engine, the car is as responsive and torquey as it needs to be for urban or highway travel. 0-100khp in 13.5 and a top speed of 160kph are respectable figures for a 40 year old. Unlike some other classics the 356C does not stress the driver. Pedal play, steering weight and seating position all remain neutral which shows you the amount of thought being put into the car back then.

Driving the Porsche 356C, takes you away from the 21st Century and to the core of driving pleasure. There is nothing but you and the car. Speed is not the matter nor is the destination. The journey is truly remarkable and nostalgic as the 356C encapsulates you in the past. As you leave and close the door, you look back and remind yourself. As for me, the past was truly enlightening. //

Published November 2006

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