MarketPlace: 1965 Porsche 356C Karmann Coupe
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1965
- Make: Porsche
- Model: 356 C Coupe
- VIN: 222100
- Mileage Shown: 55,356mi (TMU)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Registration
- Color: Signal Red
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Staten Island, NY 10301
- Country: United States of America
- Lot #: V-0060873-MP
Initially delivered in Culver City, California, on February 23, 1965, this Karmann-built 1965 Porsche 356C Coupe is among the last iterations of the marque’s iconic 356 model. This example has been refinished in Signal Red over black leatherette and boasts a numbers-matching flat-four engine rebuilt in 2023, paired with its 4-speed manual transaxle, which was overhauled in 2018. Stored inside a climate-controlled garage since the seller’s acquisition in December 2021, this 356C is now being offered for auction by its seller out of New York.
This example’s Karmann bodywork has been refinished in its factory-specified shade of Signal Red (6407). Upgrades also include LED lighting, an LED third brake light, a passenger’s side mirror, and re-chromed 15” ventilated steel wheels with Porsche Crested hubcaps. A matching spare wheel is stored in the front compartment. Other details include chrome bumper overriders with integrated exhaust outlets, as well as a twin-grille decklid. Detailed images are provided in the gallery.
Inside, this Coupe features a black leatherette interior with grey square-weave carpeting and a body-colored dashboard. Modifications include a wood-rimmed steering wheel, a matching wooden shift knob adorned with a Porsche crest, a set of three-point seatbelts, and LED courtesy lighting. All gauges and accessories are confirmed to be in proper working order. The original steering wheel and shift knob are included in the sale, along with a set of leather driving gloves.
The air-cooled flat-four was rebuilt by Kelly-Moss Road & Race of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, in 2017 with a 74mm SCAT crankshaft, 86mm big-bore pistons, a replacement camshaft, rocker arms, connecting rods, bearings, intake and exhaust valves, and a new fuel tank. Subsequent service included an oil change, the installation of dual Solex carburetors, and the replacement of the fuel pump and distributor gear pinion. The seller notes the engine was rebuilt again in April 2023 to the same specifications. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transaxle rebuilt in 2018 by 356 Inc. of Bluffton, South Carolina, with work including a replacement “hockey stick” shift lever, shifter bushings, differential carrier bearings, and gaskets. Additional work between 2017 and 2021 included a brake fluid flush, suspension lubrication, and replacement of the steering joint, brake fluid reservoir, rear spring plate bushings, and wheel bearings. Since the seller’s acquisition, further service has included the installation of an electric fuel pump with a toggle on-off switch mounted under the dashboard ashtray, a new gas cap, a replacement battery, brake fluid flush and replacement, a new turn-signal switch, vent window seal replacements, and a new oil filter.
This sale will include a New York registration, a toolkit, a spare tire, an indoor car cover, a battery charger, and a collection of documentation. Accompanying items include a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, a Kardex, owner’s manuals, and partial service records from both the seller and a prior owner. Two toolkits are provided along with a trickle charger, leather driving gloves, and the original steering wheel and gear shift knob.
The seller would like you to know: “I bought this car in December 2021, and I have babied it ever since. It is stored covered in a heated garage with a dehumidifier. Although the electrical system is 6V, a USBC cellphone charger is included in the cigarette lighter outlet. Many repairs and improvements were made by the previous owners. My improvements and repairs have brought the car close to concours quality. The buyer of this car will own a beautiful, 60-year-old Porsche 356C Karmann coupe that looks brand new, runs fast, and handles and steers excellently, in a comfortable ride, with safe, 3-point seat belts.”
Comments (37)
Offer in the amount of $85,000
I’m a Metro NY PCA and 356 Registry member also. If I don’t get my price, I’m keeping the car, and I might see you in October. I’m very disappointed and not understanding the devaluation of these beautiful cars. Bye for now.
Your welcome Porschebuff1. My car is Signal Red also, almost looks like mine. I see your in Staten Island, I'm on Long island & a Metro NY PCA & 356 Registry member. Would be cool to get a photo shoot of them together. October 25 is Metro's Oktoberfest Concours at the Vanderbilt in Northport. If you still have the car then bring it out, I'll have mine there.
Anyone looking for a top notch 356, this is it. Getting more difficult to find a 356 with original floor boards & rockers.
Thank you for your positive comments Trendano3. The floor boards and rockers are original.
This car is a must-buy because the photographer shooting pictures of the car, who’s taken photos of many cars, was raving about the condition of the car. He kept repeating, “This car is beautiful. It’s a museum piece.” And I and the photos agree with him.
This car is an excellent example of the last of the 356 run. if the floor boards & rockers are original to the car which I presume from the zero rust comments then I believe its worthy of the asking price. I have the same car but 1964 vintage. Bought from the original owner in 1979. Only difference is mechanical tach vs. electric. Also had the electric fuel pump installed & it works exactly as the owner stated. Had my engine rebuilt to SC specs too. These cars are a joy to drive. Mine came from Culver City, CA also. The Kardex mentioned head rests but didn't see them on the car. Chrome rims set the car off beautifully & tool kit is a plus. Hope this info is helpful to a future owner.
GLWA to the owner.
Personally - the high bid represents the driving experience to me. 356s are way overpriced for what you get in my opinion.
$65,000 offer from unknown location
Bid in the amount of $55,000
Bid in the amount of $52,000
Bid in the amount of $46,000
Bid in the amount of $45,000
Bid in the amount of $41,000
Bid in the amount of $40,000
Bid in the amount of $39,000
Bid in the amount of $38,750
The 5 re-chromed wheels work was done by a California company named Perfect Custom Made Wheels. They do excellent work. When I had the work done in 2023, the price was $205 per wheel. A VERY fair price, I thought. Shipping costs to and from California increased it of course, but it was well-worth it.l. Remember the 3-hour time difference. I worked with a great lady named Carol. I had typed in their contact information, but when I hit send, I rcvd a message that sharing contact information is strictly forbidden, so I had to delete it.
The Porsche crest is on the glove compartment doors of Speedsters and I liked the way it looked, so I bought one and put it on mine, and I think it looks great and adds a touch of class. It’s only attached with double-sided tape and is easily removed with a hair dryer.
The previous owner brought the engine up to SC specs and he installed the Solex carburetors.
I believe this answers all questions. Now start increasing the bidding please? Ha ha.
Also, those are Solex carbs which belong on an SC. Zeniths are correct for a C engine
Why is there a crest on the glovebox?
Bid in the amount of $38,500
Where did re-chromed wheels come from? Desperate to seek refinished. These look great
Bid in the amount of $38,000
@Porschebuff1 Thank you.
Zero rust. Zero oil leakage. Unable to get more undercarriage photos before close of auction tomorrow. Sorry.
Very nice. Previous body and or rust repairs? Any way to get some more under carriage photos? Any oil leakage?
Thank You
The engine was rebuilt because of oil leaks at the suggestion of a very reputable and trustworthy Porsche restorer. The car is #’s matching. The electric fuel pump wasn’t “required.” The prior owner had installed it and it comes in very handy to cold start the car when it’s been sitting in a garage for two weeks. You turn on the pump for maybe 10 seconds, pump the accelerator 5 pumps and the car starts right up. It’s a very handy option. There is no title because NY State doesn’t issue titles to cars older than 1973, I believe is the age.
Why was the engine rebuilt in 2017 and again in 2021? Is it the original numbers matching engine and transmission? Why was an electric fuel pump required? You mention a New York registration, does the car have a title?
Thank you.
Bid in the amount of $37,000
Bid in the amount of $35,600
Bid in the amount of $27,250
Bid in the amount of $27,000
I’m not sure I understand your question. If you’re asking if it’s actual or estimated mileage, 55,356 is the current mileage with only a few hundred miles, if that, on the rebuilt motor. There are partial repair bills from me and the previous owner in a folder going with the car.
Mileage?
Estimate
Repair bills?
The poor cold start video is the reason I just installed a new 6V battery from Sierra Madre, as shown in the successful separate cold start video. Thank you for your comments.
Bid in the amount of $20,000
The weak cranking engine is from a weak battery, dirty electric connections or bad starter or all of the above.
I have a 6V 356 with a newer 6V optima battery and it turns over just like a modern car and starts every time.
Lovely 356C. I am curious about the cold crank. In the walk around video , you are turning over the engine and no crank. Then in the starting video same thing , until the second half when it does crank. Am I missing something here? Or are you just honestly showing us how it suffers to crank. (6 volts can sometimes do that. ) Thanks. Nice presentation. I am tempted..
Bid in the amount of $10,000