Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 42
1965 Porsche 356C Cabriolet Coachwork by Reutter Chassis no. 161416 Engine no. 716135
Sold for US$168,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 42
1965 Porsche 356C Cabriolet
1965 Porsche 356C Cabriolet
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 161416
Engine no. 716135
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 161416
Engine no. 716135
1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin Zenith Carburetors
75bhp at 5,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Matching numbers
*Delivered new to Brumos in Jacksonville, Florida
*First 356 model with disc brakes
*Porsche Certificate of Authenticity
THE PORSCHE 356C
Cabriolets had been manufactured right from the start of 356 production, but the first open Porsche to make a significant impact was the Speedster, introduced in 1954 following the successful reception in the USA of a batch of 15 special roadsters. The Reutter-bodied Speedster was dropped in 1958 and replaced by the more civilized Convertible D, which differed principally by virtue of its larger windscreen and winding side windows. Porsche sub-contracted cabriolet body construction to a number of different coachbuilders, Reutter undertaking the bulk of production with significant contributions from Karmann of Osnabruck, Drauz of Heilbronn and d'Ieteren of Brussels.
By the time the 356B arrived in September 1959, Porsche's first sports car had gained a one-piece rounded windscreen and 15"-diameter wheels, the newcomer's introduction bringing with it further styling revisions and an engine now standardized at 1,600cc. Outwardly very similar to the final 356Bs, the ultimate 356C model arrived in 1963 sporting four wheel disc brakes - first seen on the 2-liter Carrera 2 - among numerous detail improvements, notably a new ZF steering gear and a compensating spring at the rear to calm the swing axle rear suspension. Engines available - both of 1.6 liters - were the 75bhp 'C' and 95bhp 'SC', the latter replacing the Super 90.
When the final "C" version of this iconic sports car was introduced for 1964, cabriolet sales had begun to decline. Only 2575 were produced that model year and a mere 587 more for 1965, making these last-of-the-line convertibles even more collectible today. Cabriolets were luxurious and comfortable touring cars, capable of cruising at 90 mph for hours on end. The 1964 "C" also brought the introduction of four-wheel disc brakes, which added to the C's driving prowess. The "Normal" C engine produced a reasonable 75 horsepower, while the highly-tuned "Super" C developed 95 horses.
THE CAR OFFERED
This sporting Signal Red over black leather 356C Cabriolet was completed November 17, 1964, according to the copy of its Certificate of Authenticity on file, and bound for the US market with options including chrome vented wheel caps and Koni shock absorbers. Delivered new to Brumos in Jacksonville, Florida, it is understood that the Cabriolet remained in the United States for the next 43 years before it found its way back to Europe. In the continent of its birth until 2021, it spent most of its time there first in the Netherlands and later in Germany. It is reported that, during its time in the Netherlands, it was comprehensively restored prior to 2018.
Acquired by the current owner in the fall of 2021 and shipped back to the United States, it has since been serviced by the experts at Automotive Restorations in Stratford, Connecticut. Finished in its original colors and complete with its numbers matching engine, it is a well equipped and nicely presented example of the most developed iteration of the legendary Porsche 356. A popular machine for shows and tours, it would make an attractive and enjoyable tour car for events such as the Copperstate 1000.
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