A Journey Through Time with the 1965 Porsche 356C Cabriolet
This piece of automotive history, a 1965 Porsche 356C cabriolet, first rolled out of Brumos Porsche in sunny Florida back in the day and has since embarked on quite the journey. Picture this: in 1969, it was spirited away to Europe by its second owner, who was clearly a fan of crossing borders. It didn’t take long before the engine received an overhaul with a replacement 1.6-liter flat-four. Fast forward a few more years, and by 1972, this jet-setter made its way back stateside.
The Facelift and Renovations
Between 1980 and 1990, it got a new coat of paint and some much-needed rust removal done by the Paterek Brothers in New Jersey. It was in North Carolina by the mid-’90s, which is where the current owner took the baton in 2018. From there, it underwent a transformation: seats reupholstered, steering gear and fuel pump rebuilt, and quite the list of replacements—from the soft top to the carburetors, brake master cylinder, clutch, and distributor.
It’s a classic example of how old cars, much like fine wine, only get better with age—if you’re willing to invest a bit of elbow grease.
Now, this beauty is back on the market, courtesy of a dealer consignment, complete with a clean North Carolina title and service records, a testament to its upkeep and history.
From Reutter’s Hands to Yours
Originally, this Reutter-built body left the factory in black, only to be treated to a new paint job during the ’80s. Under the stewardship of its current owner, a new black soft top was also installed, although it seems the fresh paintwork has accrued some character marks over the years.
Riding on Classics
And what about its wheels, you ask? Sporting 15-inch steel wheels wrapped with 185/65 Michelin Defender tires, it’s ready for both show and go. It shouldn’t surprise you that this bad boy was factory-equipped with disc brakes all around—Porsche knew how to keep things safe while zooming around.
Interior Charm
The cabin got a revamp too, with bucket seats and rear jump seats now covered in plush black leatherette. The dashboard? Painted to match the body color, adding to the seamless design.
- A cozy cabin heater
- Lap belts to keep you safe
- A Blaupunkt AM/FM radio for those vintage vibes
- An analog clock to remind you of time’s ceaseless march forward
The interior is where classic style meets comfort—a move that should placate traditionalists while charming modernists.
Dashboard Delight
The three-spoke steering wheel is your pilot’s helm, framed by VDO instruments including a tachometer with a redline at 5,200 rpm, paired gracefully with a 120-mph speedometer. Of course, it also tracks oil temperature and fuel levels with precision, even though the mileage ticker tells a story of its own—its life adventures are more storied than accurate in numbers.
You Can Feel the Power
Under the hood, the 1.6-liter 616/15 flat-four was fitted by Ruchti & Kempf in Germany way back in 1969. In 2022, it received a replacement distributor and Zenith carburetors.
- In 2020, a rebuilt fuel pump was added to the mix.
- A matching engine number on the Kardex preserves its lineage.
An old engine with new upgrades is like a classic suit redesigned—timeless yet fresh.
Driving Experience
Gearheads and purists will appreciate that power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transaxle—crucial for those who savor a hands-on driving feel. Don’t worry; the clutch was replaced in 2022, ensuring a smoother ride than a loaf of freshly kneaded bread.
Final Thoughts
According to the Kardex, this car’s dressed in its original colors and the build date—that magical moment when it first saw the light of day—is listed as July 16, 1964. Such details are what make each classic Porsche distinct, offering a breathtaking drive and preserving a chunk of automotive history in one swift move.
If you’re in the matchmaking business for cars, this Porsche could be the charming alternative you’ve been looking for compared to more modern offerings, like a Mercedes GLC or a Tesla Model X. It’s a testament to fine engineering and endurance—fit for roads and showrooms, both present and future.