1965 Porsche 356C SC

• A rare UK-supplied, right-hand drive example of the legendary 356C
• Built on the 20th of January 1965 and UK-registered on the 1st of April 1965
• Originally finished in Bali Blue with black leather and registered to AFN Ltd. as a demonstrator
• Optioned from new with an OAT gauge, oil pressure gauge, St Christopher medallion, radio and speakers, lap seat-belts, Hella fog lights and headrests
• The second owner was a Mr H J Garland who owned the car right through until 2019, using it frequently up until 1980 when it was dry stored
• Engine sent to Germany for a rebuild at this time. Only around 400 miles since
• Repainted Orange and then latterly treated to a coat of Ford Anchor Blue
• Purchased by our vendor in 2019 and gently recommissioned; fuel system, brakes, electrics, ignition and all fluids
• Supplied with a Porsche CoA and the original number plate will remain on the vehicle

Widely acknowledged as Porsche's first venture into motor manufacturing, the 356 was a lightweight and nimble rear engined, rear-wheel-drive, two-door sporting car available in hardtop coupé and open configurations. Over a 15-year production period, the 356 evolved from an aluminium bodied coupé with an 1100cc air-cooled flat-four engine, to a proper sports car with a 2,000cc four-cam Carrera engine producing 130 bhp.

At first glance, the 356C, introduced in mid-1963, differed little from the prior 356B since it continued to use the T-6 body type which had arrived in 1962. Porsche, however, brought the 356 concept to its zenith with the 356C, which was available in coupe and cabriolet form. The new 356 also benefited from the addition of Dunlop four-wheel disc brakes as standard, a higher-lift camshaft for the 1600cc engine, new flat-face hubcaps, and deeper bucket seats. These seats came courtesy of Porsche's acquisition of Reutter, which included the future Recaro subsidiary. 356 production peaked at 14,151 cars in 1964 which was the first year the new 911 model went on the market. Porsche did, however, continue to sell the 356C in North America through to the end of 1965. In 2004 the US magazine 'Sports Car International' named the 356C number ten on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s. Today the Porsche 356 is a well-regarded collector's car that has stood the test of time and worldwide, thousands of 356 owners maintain the tradition, preserving their cars and driving them regularly.

This particular car, MMU 95C, is a rare example indeed being a UK-supplied, right-hand drive car manufactured on the 20th of January 1st 1965 and registered on the 1st of April 1965. It was originally finished in Bali Blue with a Black leather interior and registered to AFN Ltd. as a demonstrator, and there is a sales record from AFN confirming the details. Chassis 131867 / Engine P.813597 / Ignition/door key K302 / Gear lock Key FE63 and Glove Box Key GZ365. The AFN stock number was 4.027.135 with registration number MMU 95C. The car was optioned from new with an outside air temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, St Christopher medallion on the glove box, radio and speakers, lap seat-belts, Hella fog lights and head rests.

The second owner was a Mr H J Garland who owned the car right through until his passing in 2019 and used it frequently up until 1980 when it was stored on blocks but regularly had the engine turned over. Mr Garland also decided to have the engine rebuilt at around the same time and this was sent off to Germany to be done and the car has only covered 400 odd miles since it was returned and refitted. He had the car painted Orange during his ownership and then latterly back to Ford Anchor Blue, an attractive hue which it still displays today. There are details within the file of work carried out by AFN, relating to services and some body repairs, (front near side wing ) the requirement for which is detailed in a book “From Chain Drive to Turbocharger, The AFN Story” by Dennis Jenkinson, page 176 at which point the Porsche was being driven by John Aldington of AFN when the accident occurred.

Since our vendor has owned the car (2019) the 356 has been totally recommissioned to including the whole fuel system, brakes all refurbished with calipers and pads being replaced and all fluids changed . Electrically the car has been gone through making sure all items work and the ignition system has been overhauled at the same time. It's supplied with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and the original number plate will remain on the vehicle.

This little Porsche has lived a life. 55 years with its second owner, a couple of colour changes and numerous adventures during the Sixties and Seventies, however, gently recommissioned and with a fresh MOT it's now ready to live some more.

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