1965 Porsche 356SC Cabriolet

OVERVIEW

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California car
Stunning Black on Black original colors
Extremely rare “SC” variant, 95 HP
Matching numbers
Porsche Certificate of Authenticity


Among Porsche enthusiasts, there is a never-ending debate about which model is the ultimate 356. The Speedster for its classic lines and purity of style, or the final Cabriolet which enjoyed functional and mechanical updates, creating a more pleasurable driving experience. Fortunately, we are not here to debate the merits of each but to highlight the attributes that have attracted drivers to the 356 for over half a century. The 356 “SC” model Cabriolet with its larger displacement engine and increased horsepower, refined transmission, and increased stopping power with disc brakes on all four corners, represents the ultimate evolution of the 356. Even as the bodywork evolved, the 356 SC retains the timeless silhouette that earned its initial acclaim.

Representing the last year of production for the 356SC, this 1965 Cabriolet was the subject of a complete restoration in 2016 by a noted restorer and recipient of the Weissach Award at the 2014 Monterey Porsche Parade. This 356 is presented in its original timeless color combination, "black on black.”

During the restoration in 2016, this Cabriolet was stripped down to bare metal and completely refinished in its factory-specified color of Black (6413). The restoration is noted to have been carried out to an exceptionally high standard. The Reutter bodywork is highlighted by a twin grille rear decklid, chrome brightwork, and exhaust outlets integrated into the rear bumperettes. This 356 rides on chrome ventilated 15" wheels dressed in period-style Vredestein Sprint Classic tires.

Inside, the cabin has been completely reupholstered in original factory-specified black leather seats and square weave carpeting. A wood-rimmed three-spoke steering compliments the black painted dashboard which houses three instrument dials as well as a central analog clock and an authentic radio-delete plate. The odometer currently shows just over 5k miles which is believed to reflect the distance traveled since the restoration.

Porsche updated their 356 into its final incarnation in 1964 with the introduction of the 356C. They replaced the drum brake found in A/B models and used disc brakes all around as well as an optional SC-specification engine that produced 95 bhp. Engine options for the 356C included the 74-bhp C engine and the 95-bhp SC engine.

The top of the line 1600 SC had the Type 616/16 designated engine, with 9.5:1 compression and Solex PII-4 carburetors. Whereas the 1600 C engine was little changed from its predecessor, the unit found in the SC featured a number of important developments. It came with high-lift camshafts, larger intake and exhaust valves, further re-worked exhaust ports, four integral counter-weights to ensure smoother operation and sodium-filled valves. Compression was also increased (from 9.0:1 to 9.5:1). Whereas the 1600 C engine came with cast-iron cylinder barrels, the SC used Ferral-coated alloy. Both variants used the familiar four-speed synchromesh transmission and the thicker diaphragm clutch previously reserved for the outgoing Super 90.

Upon arriving at Canepa, this 356 was test driven by Bruce Canepa and then completely inspected and serviced. After, it was fully detailed by our concours award-winning team. This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the best examples of a 356SC cabriolet, restored to show quality to be driven for many years in complete satisfaction.