1965 Porsche 356C

In 1964, the 356 C replaced the 356 B and introduced a handful of small changes. The 75 horsepower engine from the B 1600 Super became the entry-level engine, and disc brakes became standard along with redesigned wheels with flatter hubcaps. This US-spec 356C was finished by the factory in Zuffenhausen, Germany on July 8th, 1964. It immediately made the long trip to the port of Los Angeles, and then up to Gardner Motors in Fresno, CA.

Its first owner, Paul Hendrickson of Fresno, CA, purchased the car with his wife on October 20th, 1964. Both were 59 when they bought the Porsche and owned it until 1980. By that time, the Hendricksons were 75 years of age and were having a difficult time getting in and out of the little car so they made the difficult decision to sell their beloved 356. Fortunately, it found a home with noted 356 restorers, Tim Goodrich of Grants Pass, Oregon.

Goodrich owned the car for about four years before selling it to Mike Moran, also of Oregon. During his ownership, the car received an exterior repaint while the dashboard, door jambs, and undersides of the front and rear lids retained the original paintwork. Later, Tim Goodrich performed a complete engine rebuild. Moran owned the 356C until 2001, showing it often at numerous 356 events. 

The next owner, Dave Hamann, an employee of Goodrich, purchased the car in 2001. He and his wife Cokie participated in multiple PCA events with the 356C both in Oregon and California. The time came once again for the Porsche to find a new home, and it found one with Porsche expert and collector, Sam Cabiglio of California in 2006. He had the front seats recovered in black leather by Autos International, and Bosch 6 volt H-4 headlamps installed.

While in Sam’s care, it was featured on the cover of the 356 Club Southern California magazine for the Summer 2014 issue and the subject of a four-page spread. The 356C’s past was told in the first person as if the cheerful little white coupe had been reflecting on its life story through its different owners and various drives in the scenic mountain roads throughout California. In one section of the article, the author describes the 356’s 400-mile voyage during its former owner’s move from Big Bear Valley to Monterey. “As we travel north on Interstate 5 at a steady 75 mph, people in other cars stare at me in amazement wondering how can that old car keep up with us? Little do they know that I just had my 47th birthday and I plan to go for 47 more.” 

Aside from the exterior repaint, seats, and headlights, this 356C is completely original. It still retains its original engine and transmission. All the glass is original, as is 95% of the trim, and the carpet and the headliner. It has rarely seen inclement weather, and therefore is free of rust and still has its original battery tray, floor, and factory undercoating. 

Throughout its life, this 356 C has been pampered and its wonderful condition is a reflection of the care that has been bestowed upon it. It is a fine example with a well-documented history and is perfectly capable of being driven daily and displayed on the Concours lawn, whichever its newest caretaker pleases.