1965 Porsche 356C Coupe

1965 Porsche 356C Sunroof Coupe Chassis No. 222323 Engine No. 731072 (original engine 717656) Exterior Color Bali Blue Interior Color Black Leather Engine 1600 Air cooled 4 cylinder Transmission 4-speed manual Current Miles 34,385 TMU Current Owner purchased in 2013 with 29,665 miles at purchase Miles driven under current ownership approximately 4,800 Highlights for this car 4-wheel disc brake final year 356 Attractive driver cosmetics ready for enjoyable use Modifications from Original Twin Weber carburetors Repainted Bali Blue (originally Irish Green) Correct type engine but not the original engine Aftermarket electric Sunroof (currently not operable) General Overview The legendary Porsche 356 remains today one of the icons of sports car design. With its unique profile and race-inspired lineage, the 356 became the first Porsche to proudly bear the family name of Ferdinand Porsche. Introduced in 1948, the 356 continually evolved with design and mechanical refinements until 1965, when production yielded to the 911. Throughout the years of development, the most impressive advancements came in the form of the 356 C. Offered with standard Dunlop four-wheel disc brakes, higher lift camshaft in the 1600 C engine, and deeper bucket seats, the newest 356 set the high bar for the exiting legend of Porsche performance. General Overview and History This example is believed to have been a long-term California car, dating back to the mid 1980s. According to the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, the car was painted Irish Green when it left the factory, outfitted with black leatherette interior, chrome wheels, a wooden steering wheel, and a chrome signal ring. The current owner purchased this car from Fantasy Junction in 2013, having been under previous ownership since 1999, the car was fitted with a replacement engine, rebuilt by Lukes & Shoreman, and updated with Weber carburetors. The rebuilt engine and matching numbers gearbox are in proper operating condition today. The current owner used the car moderately during his eight years of ownership, enjoying local shows and car events with general service and maintenance performed on a regular basis. The car is outfitted with European front and rear turn signal lenses and desirable Cibie headlamps. Although not factory installed, this car is outfitted with an aftermarket Golde electric sunroof which appears to have been professionally installed. An aftermarket toggle switch activates the sunroof from the left side of the dashboard. The sunroof has been parked in the closed position and is currently not operable. In preparation for sale, the car was given a general tune up and valve adjustment. General Condition Today with 34,385 miles showing, this 356 Coupe offers driver level cosmetics including older paint which shows rock chips at the front of the car, light surface scratches in various areas, minor variation in paint color between panels, and general evidence of road use. The trim is in very good overall with generally good chrome with typical light pitting showing on the door handles and window frames. The lenses, lighting, and various trim and script are all in very good condition contributing to the overall cohesive visual presentation. The panel gaps are consistent with very nice closures and tight fit, even for both doors which have good part lines even at the bottom edges. Outfitted with chrome wheels and chrome plated wheel covers, the stance and driving appeal is particularly nice, especially with the electric sunroof opened. The black leather interior presents as a nice driver with a comfortably worn-in feeling to the seats. The door panels, carpeting, and side panels all have a generally good quality feel to the finishes. The dashboard is quite nice, featuring clean and nicely detailed instrumentation contrasted by matching blue paint, black dash padding, capped off with a steering wheel wrapped in black leather, chrome horn ring, and a glossy Porsche center emblem. The headliner is in very good condition, showing no sagging and clean finishes, while the black carpeting remains in good condition. Under the twin grille hood, the engine bay delivers a thoughtful and correct presentation reflective of the period with Weber carburetors and aftermarket air cleaners installed. The engine and engine compartment are clean and use mostly correct finishes reflective of Porsches from this period. The front storage compartment is clean and well-maintained with a spare tire, leather hold down strap, and proper finishes. The undercarriage is representative of an unrestored example with sound floor pans, evidence that the battery box has been replaced, sound longitudinals, and correct suspension components. The underside reveals the original gearbox stampings indicating the same number listed on the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. For someone seeking a very pleasant sunroof equipped 356 with disc brakes, Weber carburetors, and in delightfully drivable cosmetic condition, this Porsche is a welcome sports car for any enthusiast who wishes to drive and enjoy as or improve over time. Items Included with the Car An original Porsche 356 owners manual, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, two sets of keys, tool roll with tools, and tire jack.