1965 Porsche 356C Coupe
Details
We are privileged to have the opportunity to offer one of the best 356’s ever in our inventory. This is a last year of production (rare 1965) black plate California car with all matching numbers, in original factory colors of Slate Gray with Red leatherette, with a razor straight body and rock solid original floors. Additionally, it still retains all of its original factory manuals and tools as well as the original Blaupunkt AM/FM radio. And it’s a multiple concours winner.
Essentially, this car has had two very long term owners for the majority of its life. The first owner, Mr. Donald Johnson, bought it in 1966 in Santa Barbara, California and kept it for 35 years before selling it to a Connecticut collector who, inexplicably, only kept it for a year before selling it to a Rhode Island Porsche enthusiast, Mr. Michael Silverman, who kept it in his collection for over 20 years.
It is now ready for a new home as the current owner is moving out of the country and has chosen not to take the car with him.
The car was restored for Mr. Johnson in 1991 by renowned Porsche master restorer John Howe. Mr. Howe did all of the disassembly and reassembly work as well as a full mechanical rebuild. Body and paint were done by another Porsche expert, Michael Shapiro of Shapiro Autocraft in Santa Barbara. The interior was done by none other than Autos International in Escondido, CA. (By the way check out the May/June issue of the Porsche 356 Registry Magazine for a great article on John Howe and his Porsche association with Jerry Seinfeld)
It’s no secret that Porsche 356’s have the reputation of being a bit underpowered. The current owner solved that problem by taking out the original numbers matching motor (which runs perfectly and comes with the car), and having a new motor built by Porsche gurus Automobile Associates of Canton in Connecticut (Jim Newton & Scott McPherson). The motor is built on a 912 case giving it superior strength, and it puts out approximately 115 horsepower, compared 75 horsepower from the factory motor. There are less than 1000 miles on the new motor and it is a true joy to drive with its impressive power.
There is copious documentation with the car. The original California black plate (MOP774) comes with the car, as do service receipts for some of John Howe’s work for Mr. Johnson, and service receipts from Mr. Silverman’s ownership as well. And of course there is detailed documentation of the 912 engine build by Auto Associates. There are also photos of the car, before and during the restoration process.
Don’t miss this ultra rare opportunity to grab hold of a great 356 that checks all of the boxes.
Asking $145,000