Description

Chassis No. 161915
Engine No. 717520
Transmission No. 86083

The ultimate iteration of the lightweight, rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Porsche 356, the 356 C, appeared in 1964, coinciding with Porsche's purchase of the Reutter coachbuilding firm, which would handle all Coupe and Cabriolet construction in Stuttgart for the remainder of 356 production. New equipment on the 356 C included four-wheel disc brakes, a ZF steering box, and a 12-volt electrical system. It also featured further refinement of its 1600 cc engine, allowing the powerful pushrod engine to produce 75 horsepower in “C” specification. Available in a range of open-top body styles throughout the 15-year production run of the 356, the sporting Cabriolet was always the most costly when new.

According to a digital copy of its Kardex warranty car on file, this 1965 356 C Cabriolet was produced 2 March 1965, finished in Ruby Red over a Black leather with a Black soft top destined, as many were, for US export. Brought into the country through P.C. Import of Northbrook, Illinois, one of the seven Porsche distributors in the U.S., it was delivered to Bud Clark Volkswagen & Porsche in Dearborn, Michigan. By the 27th of August, it found a home with Dr. John C. Burchfield of Toledo, Ohio in part exchange for his 1965 Renault. No doubt swayed by its darker Ruby Red finish (the original service book notes that it is “Ohio Red”), it would remain with the doctor for almost 60 years. According to its ample service history, Dr. Burchfield adored his Ruby Cabriolet, accumulating nearly 29,150 miles, by the time his Service Book II was issued on 1 August 1969. Restoration receipts are included from its cosmetic go-over in 1973 by Stoddard Porsche of Willoughby, Ohio. 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 . Even by the early 1980s the Porsche 356, especially the most refined 356 C Cabriolet variant, had entered collector status and after its restoration, it remained with Dr. Burchfield with few miles driven over the next 40 years. In 2020 Dr. Burchfield brought his prized possession to Mike Immarino's Aircooled Auto of Montville, Ohio for a mechanical recommissioning and a new Black convertible top.

Four years later, this 356 C Cabriolet shows just 42,125 miles which are believed to be original due to Dr. Burchfield's near-60 year long-term ownership during which he maintained a fastidious history file of service and restoration paperwork dating back to 1965. Furthermore, this impressive example features its matching-numbers 616/15 engine and 741/2 transmission and is offered with its original bill of sale, owner's manual, and service books in its dealer supplied wallet. For many, Porsche's original Type 356 remains the only Porsche of interest, and this refined Cabriolet with its recorded, irreplicable history is sure to interest those who value its high level of care reflective of its long-term scrupulous owner.