This ClassicCars.com Marketplace featured listing is a 1965 Porsche 356C for sale in Scottsdale, Arizona. Porsche launched its first production car, the 356, in 1948. The company had already established itself as a builder for other brands. The 356 evolved over time until it concluded production in the spring of 1965. The 356C overlapped the release of the brand’s newest sports car, the 911. The 356 ceased in April of 1965, while the 911 went on sale in autumn of ’64.
The 356 is not only the first production car from the brand, but it established a pattern of ongoing refinement. This was done not as a marketing ploy, as American OEMs did with annual design updates. Porsche began life in Gmünd, Austria with Porsche Konstruktionen Gesmbh, but by 1950 it had moved production to Zuffenhausen, Germany. Initially, the 356 sold for $3,750 and the convertibles fetched $4,250. The total number of original cars sold during the run are pegged at 76,313. Roughly half still survive today.
This model represents all of what Porsche had to offer at the time in terms of refinement, as only slightly more than one hundred units came along afterwards. 16,678 356C cars were built during the model run. Disc brakes at all four corners is one of the more notable features that sets the C apart from the prior generation 356B.
The Signal Red exterior contrasts nicely against the black leather interior once the top is dropped. This is a low-mileage example showing just 43,700 on the odometer. The owner has maintained this restored 356C and made slight updates primarily for functionality. This is a matching number example, and care has been taken by the current owner to preserve it.
The 356 gained a following during its day, as it was lightweight, offered a relatively powerful engine and better than average handling, in spite of being a rear engine sports car.
A short list of improvements includes, a rebuilt generator and starter with new bushing and starter relay, new bearings on virgin crank, new valves and aluminum oil cooler, new big bore pistons and cylinders, along with a Solex split shaft carburetors installed by original owner. Far more is listed on the ad.
Some of the modifications include a 3-point roller safety belt, new dual chamber brake cylinder with dual fuel reservoir, and a hidden fuel super filter and electric pump under passenger floor board. As a result, this should both start and stop with less issues. The owner does note this has Bondo repair on passenger side rear fender. However, for a 55-year old Porsche, this is far from a deal breaker. The owner does disclose a lengthy list of improvements, as evidence of the care bestowed upon this sample of Porsche’s heritage.
To view the listing on ClassicCars.com, click here.
