The 1965 Porsche 356 C is an iconic sports car from this era, renowned for its timeless design and thrilling period driving experience. Powered by a rear-mounted 1.6-litre flat-four engine, it produced between 75-95 horsepower. Its agile handling and distinctive body style have solidified its status as a classic automotive masterpiece.
Julien's Perspective
SOME THOUGHTS ON THIS MODEL
The 'C' was the final incarnation of Porsches' 356 Coupe prior to the arrival of the 911. There were a number of small visible changes externally from the 356B T6, namely the model designation on the rear and slightly revised wheel and hubcaps, necessitated by the new upgraded disc brakes.
It featured a slightly redesigned dashboard, including a long awaited proper functioning heater plus a much improved and practical outside fuel filler, but most significantly the inclusion disc brakes, which made it not only safer but a more enjoyable machine to drive.
This lovely example was originally supplied as a LHD US specification 356C, in fact, it was delivered via Brumos Porsche of Jacksonville, in November 1964.
It arrived in the UK way back in 1991 and has had just 3 former keepers since. The history file clearly demonstrates that the likes of both Roger Bray & Peter Nardelli were involved in much of its early upkeep, with the latter undertaking significant work between 1991-92.
Given that's more than 30 years ago now, it's really more about todays condition, and that's where this 356 sets itself apart from many.
The current gentleman who acquired it in 2012 via a well known specialist, has been a long term Porsche owner and dedicated one at that. His attention to detail and fervent enthusiasm to keep all of his machines in perfect order is hugely commendable, given often some give scant regard to proper upkeep!
I'll list below just some of the improvements he's made to this 356 in more recent years.
Firstly, it was treated to a complete bare metal respray in Ivory (5404), pleasingly there's complete photographic record to evidence this.
To compliment this work, all window surrounds were re-chromed along with its bumpers & new stainless steel exhaust tips. Even the wheels were replaced with correct sized versions, again re-chromed plus new hub caps/coloured crests fitted. To lift the exterior further, new speedster aluminium strips both sides were fitted, this took hours of painstaking work I'm told!
Interior-wise, all seats were retrimmed in contrasting black leather with the correct seat squab stitching, along with re-covered front head rests, a new headlining and carpets. Often frustratingly, 356 seat adjustments don't function correctly; well not the case here, as all ratchets/mechanisms overhauled. A correct working radio with a new Hirschmann aerial. Finally all seal rubbers throughout the entire car were renewed.
On the mechanical front, again the list is comprehensively long.
Frequently serviced with yearly oil changes, along with new fuel lines renewed, carbs stripped and sonically cleaned and new carb kit (chambers floats), new re-wound dynamo, new HT leads, distributor, coil & condenser, all help the car to perform exceptionally well and start easily; often a bug-bare on 6v cars!
It's worthy of note that prior to 2013, both the engine and gearbox were rebuilt by famed racer and 356 specialist, Bob Garretson.
On the stopping front, all new disc brakes fitted together with callipers replaced. Just to cap it off, a new exhaust was fitted and more recently the tappets set and serviced in readiness for sale.
A really super usable Porsche that copes admirably well with modern day traffic and certainly drives as good as it looks, plus is sensibly priced given the spectacular spend.
It would be a pleasure to answer any questions you might have. However, to really appreciate this Porsche it needs to be seen “in the flesh”, so do please call me directly on 07788 865700 to arrange a viewing at our new Redhill showroom.