Fantasy Junction

Description

1965 Porsche 356 SC Cabriolet by Reutter
s/n 160939, Engine no. 821631
Champagne Yellow with Black Leather

There are icons of performance, icons of design, and icons of automotive history. Rare is the car that embodies all three of these vaulted positions. The 356 Porsche is certainly one car deserving of such an honor. Introduced in 1948, the 356 underwent continuous development throughout its 17 years of production. By 1965, the 356 had come a long way. Engine power output increased from the introductory 40hp to nearly 100hp in the final examples. The ultimate development came in the form of the 356 C, which included several technical advances including 4 wheel disc brakes. The 356C was available in both coupe and cabriolet body styles, each with a range of motors, including the top of the performance range, the SC. Other than the less practical race-bred four-cam engines, in 1965, the 356 SC was one of the finest Porsches available for the performance minded enthusiast.

This particular 365C has been professionally finished and documented with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity stating it was completed on July 28, 1964, designated as a 1965. Ordered with the optional ventilated chrome wheels and Dunlop tires, it was painted Champagne Yellow and trimmed with a black leather interior. The original engine (821266) was replaced, reportedly under warranty, with engine no. 821631 (a correct 1965 SC engine), a few hundred numbers from the original sequence. In 2005 the car was treated to a comprehensive engine rebuild from Beck’s Porsche Shop, Phoenix, AZ totaling roughly $10,000.00 (receipts on file with the car). The detailed engine work included the installation of 1750cc pistons and cylinders and machining to the heads for maximum air flow. Engine work was completed when the car had 19,769 miles showing on the odometer. With only 22,958 on the car now, the engine has traveled just over 3,000 miles since the engine rebuild. Prior to the engine rebuild, the transmission synchros were replaced by Auto Strasse, Costa Mesa, CA. In 2012 the car was treated to $13,000.00 worth of cosmetic and mechanical work at European Collectibles in Costa Mesa, CA including paint work, undercarriage paint and undercoating, new door rubber, door adjustments, and various other component replacements as needed. A new leather interior and canvas top was installed at this time as well.

Today the car displays a handsome and cohesive presence. The paint has a very nice gloss with even coverage throughout the surface, showing no significant flaws. Body gaps are extremely good throughout with both doors opening and shutting with ease, offering that distinctive and satisfying, solid sound on closure. The hood fits and closes properly, though displays slight gap variation along the forward edge. The hood stamp number suggests it has been sourced from another car. There is some evidence of welding repair on the inner seam of the driver’s front fender. The exterior panel bodywork in this area is quite satisfactory with no evidence of structural damage. All chrome and trim pieces are in good to very good condition with some pieces in excellent condition. Headlight surrounds are in particularly nice condition as is the side view mirror. Door handles and tail light bezels are in very good condition, appearing original, with light aging, though still very nice. The vent glass and side glass are from the original supplier (Sekurit), and the windshield has been replaced with contemporary laminated safety glass. All glass and rubber gaskets appear in excellent condition including the headlight lenses, which appear nearly new. The proper Porsche script and SC lettering create a nice gold accent to the Champagne Yellow paint. The chrome plated wheels are in very good condition as are the chrome wheel covers. A set of four Vredestein Sprint Classic 165HR15 tires were installed in 2015 and appear to have excellent tread remaining. A nice touch is the beautifully chrome plated rear luggage rack, which comes in handy for long distance travel.

The interior of the car is beautifully presented with excellent black leather seats, properly upholstered using the correct internal foam support. The interior uses matching materials throughout, to a very high standard of finish. A Blaupunkt AM/FM radio is installed along with a very nice modern Nardi wood rimmed steering wheel, adding to the visual delight of the stock interior. A sporty set of foot pedals dress up the office a bit, accenting against the correct square weave black carpeting, which appears in very nice condition overall. The correctly restored instruments are very clear and the numeric colors very nicely presented. Even the clock is in excellent condition and functions properly. The convertible top, headliner, and tonneau cover appear essentially new with minimal wear, clear rear plastic window, and excellent finish throughout. The front storage area has been nicely restored with a correct and clean appearance, properly finished spare tire, and accurate style gas tank cover. For added security, the owner had a professionally installed Viper alarm system installed.

Under the hood, the restored and rebuilt engine is well kept and shows attention to detail and accuracy. Proper finishes were applied to factory specifications with only minor exceptions allowing for modern updates to improve longevity. The Weber carburetors particularly make a nice impression under chrome plated air cleaners. The engine compartment is very tidy in presentation, in keeping with the very good finish achieved throughout the car. In 2012, the undercarriage and suspension components were stripped to bare metal and refinished using factory specifications and correct replacement parts as needed. The appearance is quite nice with mechanical components for the suspension and bushings replaced or restored to ensure both performance and cosmetic goals were achieved for this SC Cabriolet. Certainly some miles have accumulated since the finish, however the underside of the car remains nicely maintained and thoughtfully preserved, showing no evidence of significant damage to the floor or structure.

The car starts quickly and immediately runs smoothly at idle. Once inside, the controls are easily at hand and everything feels tight and ready for action. Once underway the exhaust is quiet but still offers a throaty roar when the right foot is motivated. The motor is crisp throughout the rev range, offering excellent power due in part to the Weber carburetors and the big bore kit. The transmission shifts smoothly warm or cold without bearing noise, working in harmony with the smoothly revving engine. In corners, the front end feels tight and confident, not loose or light even at highway speeds. The shocks deliver a comfortable ride with the new bushings adding to the excellent handling. The brakes pull down straight without rotor runout and with good high pedal. In all, this 356 combines great driving pleasure and wonderful cosmetics in a well-prepared Cabriolet SC.

Included with the sale is a 356 driver’s manual, the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, records of service over the past twelve years, and all records covering the comprehensive engine rebuild, undercarriage and suspension restoration. Also included is a set of tools, tool roll, and correct tire jack. This handsome Porsche SC exhibits all the best traits of the iconic 356 series – the car that literally put Porsche on the map. This beautifully prepared Cabriolet is ready to deliver an exhilarating and rewarding driving experience for the next fortunate owner.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608