Description
1965 Porsche 356 C Coupé, originally from California and imported to France in 2018. It benefits from an original Porsche electric sunroof, confirmed by its Certificate of Authenticity (COA), and an extensive documented history.
The car is currently equipped with a completely rebuilt 1, 720 cc engine developing approximately 120 bhp. The original engine is no longer present; the gearbox is matching numbers.
Its current configuration draws inspiration from competition and sports touring 356s of the era: Group 4 aluminium wheels shod with Avon CR6ZZ tyres, custom-made leather bucket seats, GT-style aluminium trim strips, stainless steel exhaust, electronic ignition and competition-inspired headlight grilles.
The suspension and undercarriage underwent major work in 2019/ 2020 and the braking system was rebuilt.
Approximately 7, 000 km have been covered since the main work was completed.
The car is sound and regularly driven.
Its black paint dates from 1979 and is documented by invoice. It has been deliberately preserved and now displays a marked patina, with various scratches and visible cosmetic imperfections. It is therefore not presented as a recent restoration or a concours example.
This 356 was conceived above all as a Driver's Car: a living machine, more capable than in its original mechanical configuration and intended to be driven. Several original parts are also available with the car.
An inspection was carried out in September 2023 by a recognised Porsche specialist.
This 356 C spent much of its existence in California before being imported to France in 2018. Its history is accompanied by an extensive file of documents and old invoices, some dating back to 1979.
What particularly interested me about this car is its original factory-fitted electric sunroof, a feature confirmed by the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. Combined with the 1965 model year, its American history and matching numbers gearbox, it gives this example a particularly interesting specification.
I have always prioritised driving pleasure and reliability on this car rather than pursuing a restoration aimed exclusively at aesthetic conformity. The 1, 720 cc engine and competition-inspired equipment were chosen with this philosophy in mind, whilst remaining consistent with the world of period Porsche 356s.
I also chose to preserve its original paint, applied in 1979 and for which the invoice remains in the file. It today bears the marks of its history and is deliberately not concealed behind a recent cosmetic restoration.
The file accompanying the car includes notably the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, documents relating to its history, old invoices, the 1979 paint invoice, documentation of the major mechanical work and an inspection carried out in September 2023 by a recognised Porsche specialist.
The car is now being offered to a new enthusiast because I simply wish to pursue other automotive projects. It is ready to be used and represents in my view what a 356 should be: a classic that you can genuinely drive and enjoy, with its history and character.
