Vehicle Description
1965 Porsche 356SC Cabriolet
VIN:161471
As the last 356 model built before the introduction of the 911, the
356C had benefitted from 17 years of continuous improvements to the
same platform. This final year version of the 356 has the highest
output 95 hp SC specification engine and the amazing ATE disc
brakes all round.
By the time most cars have hit 52 years of age they have either
been fully restored or forgotten about in a scrap yard. This car
has taken a third route. By walking a very fine line its whole life
this car remains in very good and extremely presentable order, and
yet at the same time retains its originality.
The Kardex and COA confirm that 161471 was supplied new through
Highland Motors Inc. of Spartanburg, South Carolina. It was sold to
Arthur Tilley of Rural Hall, North Carolina. Tilley obviously
cherished the car during his 25 years and 44,000 miles of
ownership. Starting in 1990, all the subsequent owners would
continue this tradition and treated this car as the time capsule
collectable it is. In fact, one of those owners owned it twice over
the years. Only another gentle 12,700 miles would be added over the
past 27 years.
Here you have the opportunity to purchase a car that defies the
years that have passed, not only in terms of its remarkable
condition, but also in terms of the supporting documentation the
car still retains: original owners manual, holder, service
booklets, body car book, radio manual and cover. Completing the
package is the complete original tool kit and bag.
Cosmetically, it is quite clear that the paint is at least 80%
original. The prior owner chose to have the front lid repainted as
well as some light blending above the rear license plate holder up
to the lower engine compartment edge.
The interior, which is particularly unusual in Pearl Grey leather
has been beautifully preserved. The driving compartment details,
from steering wheel to Becker Europa radio, single headrest for the
driver and mountings for the passenger rest are also correct
original features. A new set of carpets made by Autos International
were fitted.
The engine bay and motor were attended to in the 1990s, which
included refinishing of the sheet metal, and cad plating of the
brightwork and linkages. At the same time the car was converted to
12-volt electrics to aid starting and European Bosch lights were
installed, this work being carried out by Dave Hammers of Sea
Cliff, NY. While the engine was rebuilt and balanced, including new
SC cam, pistons and cylinders, valves, tappets etc. the carburetors
were rebuilt and new brake discs were fitted all round, this work
being completed by John Howe of Goleta, CA. At just over 52,000
miles a new flywheel and starter were fitted and the fuel pump
rebuilt by Autosport of Mineola, NY. A new canvas convertible top
has been fitted - thought the headliner is thought to be
original.
Finding an example in such original and straight order is every
collector's dream, and it is all the better when a car happens also
to be the desirable and definitive model. The rarity of a car in
this condition cannot be overstated, and as they say "a car is only
original once."
