1965 Porsche 356C Cabriolet

The Porsche 356 'C' arrived in 1964, coinciding with Porsche's acquisition of the Reutter coachbuilding firm, which would handle all Coupe and Cabriolet construction in Stuttgart for the remainder of 356 production. The 356 C was given new four-wheel disc brakes, a 12-volt electrical system, and a ZF steering box. The 1600cc engine was refined, allowing the pushrod unit to deliver 75 horsepower in 'C' specification.

This particular 1965 Posche 356 C Cabriolet was produced on March 2nd, 1965, and given a Ruby Red exterior over a Black leather interior with a Black soft top. Destined for the U.S. market, it was brought into the country through P.C. Import of Northbrook, Illinois, and delivered to Bud Clark Volkswagen & Porsche in Dearborn, Michigan. By August 27th, it had been purchased by Dr. John C. Burchfield of Toledo, Ohio, who would keep it for nearly six decades. By the time his Service Book II was issued on August 1, 1969, the Cabriolet had accumulated nearly 29,150 miles. In 1980 the car was removed from the road for the next three years and sent to Jones' Autowerkes of San Antonio, Texas, for a complete strip and rebuild. Dr. Burchfield would use the Porsche sparingly over the next forty years. In 2020, Dr. Burchfield brought the Porsche to Mike Immarino's Aircooled Auto of Montville, Ohio, for a mechanical recommissioning and a new Black convertible top. Currently, this 356 C Cabriolet has 42,125 miles on the odometer.

The car was in long-term original family ownership from 1965 to 2023.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2024