1965 PORSCHE 356SC 1600 CABRIOLET

1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Twin-choke Carburetors
95bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Desirable, fully-evolved, end-of-the-run 356SC Cabriolet
*Cherished in current ownership for more than 48 years
*Beautifully presented in the factory-delivered livery of Irish Green over Light Brown
*Offered with an abundance of parts, spares and restoration records

Previewing at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.


THE PORSCHE 356

Porsche's Type 356, introduced in 1948, is acknowledged to be one of the world's great sports cars. Over a 15-year production run, the handsome and durable 356 evolved from a streamlined little aluminum-bodied coupe powered by a VW-derived, 46bhp 1100cc air-cooled flat four to a powerful autobahn burner carrying a complex, two-liter four-cam boxer Carrera engine, producing 130bhp. The cars steady development brought not only coupes, but introduced luxurious cabriolets, speedsters, and roadsters. In all there were more than 76,000 examples built by the time production ceased in 1965.

The 356B, produced from 1960 through 1963, represents the mid-point in this design's progression. In what is known as "T5" form, the B introduced new front and rear sheet-metal, while retaining the curved front trunk lid and rounded fenders of the 356A series. The B also added some features demanded by American customers, such as raised front and rear bumpers with over-riders to better protect the body from parking mishaps. The headlamps were raised, a larger hood handle added, and front vent windows appeared in the doors. Mechanically, the gearbox and drum brakes were upgraded. A new steering wheel and column refreshed the interior, along with redesigned rear seats. A "Super" model with raised compression added an extra 15bhp over the standard version, while the even hotter Super 90 added 30bhp – a full 50% more power than the base car.

The 356 made its final transformation with the Type 6 body in 1963. Designated 356C, it had a new ZF steering gear and added compensating springs at the rear, the latter calming the swing axle suspension. Four-wheel disc brakes were also part of the revision, and a 12-volt electrical system became available. Two 1,600cc engines were offered, the "C" version with 75DIN (European horsepower, rated 88 by SAE), and the "SC" with higher compression and counterweighted crankshaft making 95DIN (107 SAE).


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This fine example of the 356SC was completed at Porsche's Zuffenhausen Works as a 1965 model-year SC Cabriolet. This very car, chassis no. 162151, was the 14th to last 356 to roll off the production line and was essentially manufactured alongside the all-new 911 at the time. Indeed, you can say that this very car benefitted from the many upgrades and improvements which Porsche implemented during the long and successful 356 production run. The new 356SC Cabriolet was finished as it appears today, with the Cabriolet bodywork painted Irish Green, and the cockpit trimmed in Light Brown Leatherette, and is believed to have been delivered to the European market from new. The Porsche would later migrate to the US, where it was purchased by the consignor in 1972, and has since remained in his devoted care, receiving both mechanical and cosmetic attention as needed. In the early 1990s, the original engine was removed, and a period-correct 356SC unit (number 821844) was rebuilt at fitted, by noted engine builder 'Maestro'. The car was later professionally repainted, in the original Irish Green color.

Today this lovely 356SC Cabriolet - from the very end of the celebrated model's production run - presents beautifully throughout, with great shine to the exterior paint, good fit and finish, and a nice patina to the light brown interior. Fog lights are fitted in the front, and a newer black convertible top is fitted with a matching top boot available to cover it when down. The car runs on slightly wider wheels, giving it better road holding, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel is fitted to handle the hairpin turns. An abundance of spare parts and maintenance items accompany the sale of the car, including wheels, Solex carburetors, cylinder heads, heat exchangers, the original steering wheel, old original upholstery pieces, gasket sets and weather stripping, along with a large box of restoration and service records, 356 books, the Porsche issued Certificate of authenticity and original owner's manuals. A newly purchased original Porsche tool kit is offered with the car as well, along with what appears to be the original jack. Now offered from 48 year of cherished ownership, this desirable, 14th from the end 356SC Cabriolet is ready for its next custodianship.