1965 Porsche 356 C 1600 Coupe

Description

The Porsche 356 was so beloved that when the 911 was introduced in 1965 as a replacement, the Porsche faithful were outraged. “A bloated GT” some said. Others claimed the new 911 was not a real Porsche. Porsche’s clientele in the 1960’s were a particular bunch — scientists, engineers, doctors, and workers in traditional professions where constant experimentation leads to progress. The car they all loved — the Porsche 356 — through all of its progressions, was engineered and constructed very much the same manner in which they themselves were used to operating.

Towards the end of 356 production, Porsche was building the most refined 356 since the company first put pen to paper in 1948. Gone were the cable brakes, unsynchronized transmissions, and smaller VW-based engines that typified early construction cars. In their place were proper, Porsche-engineered parts, which had the benefit of over a decade of gradual refinements and testing in the toughest laboratory in the world — hundreds of thousands of racing miles by professionals and amateurs alike across the globe. In 1964, all of that engineering refinement came to a zenith when Porsche released the 356 C series, the final version of the 356 offered by Porsche. It featured minute improvements inside and out over the B model including updated seats, door panels with armrests, softened torsion bar spring rates and a revised exterior color program with seven standard colors and four optional. The biggest improvements were to the braking system. For the first time Porsche offered ATE disc brakes as standard; a welcome upgrade over the previous drum brakes used on all previous standard 356 models.

Highlights 

• A matching numbers unmolested final model year 356 C Coupe with ATE disc brakes 

• Matching numbers original air-cooled 1,600 cc engine (716518)

• Matching numbers original four-speed manual transmission (84568) with all four forward speeds synchronized

• Believed to be a three-owner example with current family ownership since 2000 

• Retains its original front trunk lid and rear engine lid   

• Finished in optional (additional cost) Dolphin Grey over a Tan upholstered interior 

• The dashboard remains in excellent condition 

• Wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel    

• Fitted with a Blaupunkt AM/FM/SW radio 

• Adjustable, fully reclining seats 

• The 1965 Porsche 356 C 1600 Coupe is offered with a five-digit odometer currently showing 38,927 miles at the time of listing; however, the true mileage is unknown 

Features 

• Repainted in the original color of Dolphin Grey circa 2001 

• Offered with five matching 15 inch Lemmerz wheels date coded 6/64 with the four road wheels shod with 155/80 15 BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires 

• Variable speed windshield wiper 

• Glare-proof rear view mirror 

• Ventilated rear window 

• Back-up light 

• Two-tone horn 

• Glove compartment with lock 

• Gearshift lock 

• Ash tray 

• Cigarette lighter combined with electrical outlet 

• Courtesy grip for passenger 

• Fasteners for luggage straps 

• Map pocket in each door 

• Heater and fresh air vents 

• 13.2 gallon fuel tank capacity 

• Wheelbase: 82.7 inches 

• Front Track: 51.4 inches 

• Rear Track: 50.1 inches 

• Length: 158 inches 

• Width: 65.8 inches 

• Height: 51.8 inches 

• Turning Circle: 33.5 feet 

• Dry weight (DIN) 2,060 pounds 

Known Imperfections 

• Missing radio speakers and grills   

• Radio needs to be wired   

• Driver’s-side front turn signal cover securing hook damaged, taped to prevent loss   

• Small rust spot on driver’s-side front fender as shown in photos   

• Small paint chip on above driver’s door   

• Hood release needs adjustment    

• Surface rust present on fuel tank    

• Driver seat upholstery is torn   

• Rear seat backing is torn   

• Small tear on rear parcel tray   

• Passenger’s seat locking mechanism intermittently operational 

• Headliner discoloration 

• Window chrome is peeling 

• Clock is inoperative 

Included 

• Two keys 

• Trunk mounted Lemmerz spare dated 6/64 shod with a Michelin XZX tire 

• Partial Tool kit 

• Jack

• A digital copy of the Kardex warranty card

Ownership History

Originally sold to Porsche Cars Pacific, the Kardex notes the first owner as Dale Uppinghouse of Salt Lake City, Utah. Most recently, this 1965 Porsche 356 C 1600 Coupe has been under current ownership within the same family since 2000. Under their care the car has moved between California and Florida, residing in the Sunshine State since 2020. It is believed to be a three-owner example.

Additional Notes

Sales Tax Notice to Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia Bidders: Because this car is located in Florida, Hagerty Marketplace may be required to collect and remit Florida sales tax on your purchase, even if you plan to register it outside of Florida.  Unlike most other states, the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia may not provide a full credit against sales taxes paid to Florida.  For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Florida that are sold to residents of another state.

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle.

Contact: Rebecca Wolanin Phone: 813.389.2162 email: rwolanin@hagerty.com