Lot 461: 1965 Porsche 356C 1600 Cabriolet

Cabriolets had been manufactured right from the start of 356 production, but the first open Porsche to make a significant impact was the Speedster, introduced in 1954 following the successful reception in the USA of a batch of 15 special roadsters. The Reutter-bodied Speedster was dropped in 1958 and replaced by the more civilised Convertible D, which differed principally by virtue of its larger windscreen and winding side windows. Porsche sub-contracted cabriolet body construction to a number of different coachbuilders, Reutter undertaking the bulk of production with significant contributions from Karmann of Osnabruck, Drauz of Heilbronn and d�Ieteren of Brussels.

By the time the 356B arrived in September 1959, Porsche�s first sports car had gained a one-piece rounded windscreen and 15�-diameter wheels, the newcomer�s introduction bringing with it further styling revisions and an engine now standardised at 1,600cc. Outwardly very similar to the final 356Bs, the ultimate 356C model arrived in 1963 sporting four-wheel disc brakes - first seen on the 2-liter Carrera 2 - among numerous detail improvements. Engines available - both of 1.6 liters - were the 75bhp �C� and 95bhp �SC�, the latter replacing the Super 90.

This �black plate� car was originally purchased from Felton Porsche by Mr. & Mrs. Widmyer in July 1965 and acquired by the current (second) owner in October 1999. Receipts contained within the full history folder include one of an engine rebuild in 1988 (at 97,536 miles), plus others for a repaint (1990) and new top. Finished in Signal Red with black leather interior, the car displays a total of 120,308 miles on the odometer and is offered with owner�s handbook, tool kit and Certificate of Title.