Honolulu, Hawaii is experiencing a warm and pleasant day, as the sound of a vintage Porsche engine fills the air. This 1964 Porsche 356C is a remarkable example of automotive history finding new life in the tropical paradise of the Hawaiian islands, turning heads as it glides down the roads lined with palm trees.
This 356C isn’t a garage queen; its owner, John Tanaka, is a resident of the area and an avid Porsche fan. Tanaka enjoys the kind of driving that only a vintage Porsche can offer, and you can frequently find him cruising Honolulu’s streets with the wind in his hair and a big smile on his face.
“There’s just something special about driving a 356,” Tanaka claims. “The lightweight, nimble handling, and that iconic flat-four engine note – it’s an unparalleled driving experience, even today.”
Tanaka’s 356C is completed in a vivid Meissen Blue that seems to sparkle and shine in the intense Hawaiian sunlight. Tanaka’s choice of Fuchs alloy wheels and chrome trim set off the car’s original steel body to create the ideal mix of retro appeal and contemporary style.
The 1.6-liter flat-four engine, which generates a reasonable 95 horsepower, is located beneath the engine cover positioned at the back. Even though it isn’t the most powerful engine available today, this one is a pleasure to drive, especially on the winding roads that twist through Oahu’s lush, tropical terrain, thanks to its eager responsiveness and mechanical simplicity.
“I love taking this car out on the back roads, where I can really experience the purity of the 356 driving experience,” Tanaka says. “The balance is amazing, and the steering is really communicative. Man and machine are dancing together, as it were.”
Tanaka’s 356C is still a dependable and well-maintained friend despite its advanced age. Over the years, he has given the automobile meticulous maintenance to keep its mechanicals in excellent condition and its exterior immaculate.
“This car is a living, breathing piece of Porsche history,” explains Tanaka. “Instead of being hidden away in a museum, it should be driven and appreciated. I take care to bring it out whenever I can in order to share the experience and preserve the 356’s history.”
With a warm, golden glow illuminating the streets of Honolulu as the sun sets over the Pacific, the 356C stealthily returns home, primed to strike off on yet another journey in this paradise on wheels. Tanaka and his fellow Porsche aficionados view this vintage sports vehicle as more than just a means of mobility; to them, it’s a window into the past, a timeless example of automotive brilliance, and a reminder of the Porsche brand’s eternal spirit.