1965 PORSCHE 356 C 1600

This 1965 Porsche 356 C is a gorgeous classic sports coupe, presented in excellent overall condition following an older restoration and in beautiful driving order. Under the rear engine lid is the car’s original 75bhp 1.6-litre air-cooled flat-four, driving the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently indicates 55,729 miles.

Introduced in 1964, the Porsche 356 C was the final iteration of the model, and featured a number of slight styling tweaks, while also being fitted with disc brakes at both the front and rear. As stated on its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this left-hand drive Dutch-market car was first sold by dealer Pon’s of Holland, and was manufactured in October 1964.

The first owner was a US Citizen who took delivery in Europe and then, following a tour in Europe, shipped the car home. The car spent the next portion of its life until the 1980s on the West Coast.

It was later exported to the UK, where it was then extensively yet sympathetically restored in 1989. Details of the restoration and contemporaneous photographs are included in the extensive history file, with work carried out by a number of well-known specialists including Roger Bray in Devon. The current keeper has enjoyed the car for the last seven years, and is now offering it for sale to another enthusiast owner.

Today, this 356 C’s rounded bodywork remains in outstanding condition, with no dents to any of its panels, and is not believed to have suffered from any prior accident damage. While the car left the factory finished with dark Slate Grey paintwork, it was resprayed in a bright silver hue during its previous restoration. The seller describes the finish as being in excellent order, and while there are some minor blemishes including stone chips on the bonnet and a paint run below the rear tail light, the paintwork is in great shape overall, with a smooth and glossy appearance around the entire car.

All of the brightwork, including the front and rear bumpers, bonnet trim-strip and light bezels presents very well, with a charming light patina. The light lenses are also in great shape, with no substantial chips, cracks or other damage, and the window glass is also in good order. The car rides on the correct 15-inch steel wheels with chromed hubcaps, and while there are some minor blemishes on their silver paintwork there are no signs of kerb scratches or dents to their rims.

Having been fully retrimmed, the car’s interior is in impressive condition, with the correct black leatherette applied to the seats, door cards and the upper section of the dashboard. Although there are some minor use-related creases on the front seats and a small blemish on the rear driver’s-side seat base, the upholstery is free of any rips, tears or other damage, and the car’s grey carpets present equally well. Ahead, the face of the dashboard is painted in the same silver hue as the car’s bodywork, and the charming green-on-black VDO gauges are in great shape. The steering wheel is also in very good order, with highly polished spokes and no signs of wear, cracking or other deterioration on its Ebonite rim.

The rest of the interior trim is in good order, and the only damage to speak of is a cracked fastener that holds a vinyl-covered trim panel in place behind the driver. The period-correct Blaunpunkt radio is still fitted, and the vendor notes that all of the interior buttons, switches and electrical items function as they should.

Routinely maintained, this classic Porsche is in fine mechanical order, with its fluids being changed regularly by Moonfleet Cars, Swanage. A full safety inspection was also carried out in 2016 at around 54,000 miles by Porsche specialist No. 5 Garage, and Hexagon Classics changed the engine oil, filters and brake fluid prior to its sale to the current owner in 2013. Other than general servicing, the car has required little in the way of additional maintenance, save for the replacement of its starter motor by No. 5 Garage. Its electrics were converted to a 12-volt system during its restoration in 1989.

Exempt due to its age, this 356 C’s latest MOT test was conducted on 14 June 2017 at 55,644 miles, resulting in a first-time pass with no advisories. All four wheels are fitted with Roadhog R810 tyres, which date to before 2014 and are described by the vendor as being in fair condition.

This desirable classic sports car will be accompanied by its original handbook and accompanying literature, as well as the correct tool kit. The seller is also supplying photographs and bills documenting its restoration in 1989, and a report detailing the findings of the car’s inspection prior to its sale to the current owner in 2013.

This Porsche 356 C is a charming example of the marque’s much-celebrated coupe, which was the precursor to the 911. It has been maintained to a high standard and benefits from an extensive yet sympathetic previous restoration. Described by the seller as a thoroughly sorted and usable classic, its impressive ride quality, characterful engine and beautiful styling are sure to bring a smile to its next owner’s face at every opportunity, and it will make a fine addition to any collection.

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