Engine No. 716002
Completed in Stuttgart on 30 December 1964 just before the New Year's Eve festivities began, this 356 C 1600 Coupe was finished in desirable Irish Green over a Fawn (tan) upholstered interior. Its Porsche-issued Kardex warranty card further reveals that it was destined to be distributed by Porsche of America through Teaneck, New Jersey, to Dr. Gary P. Kaplan of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
According to service invoices, the 356 was located in the North Carolina area and later in Arizona by at least 2017, with servicing at Airpark Motorsports, Patrick Motorsports, and Porsche Chandler. In 2020, the 356 C was offered for public sale retaining its original colors of Irish Green over Fawn, now with Pepita seat inserts, a sporting ride height, and lightweight aluminum wheels.
In short order, the 356 was sent to the world-renowned Willhoit Auto Restoration in Long Beach, California. Invoices beginning in January 2021 show over $125,000 worth of restorative work by Willhoit's talented team that began with major mechanical component removal and steam cleaning of the chassis unibody. While rust repairs were conducted, the engine received a 2.2-liter rebuild and the transmission received a complete rebuild with a new 7:31 ring and pinion set and a GT torque-biasing differential-performance enhancements that likely allow this 356 C to outperform a 2.0-liter Carrera 4-Cam.
To match the substantial power increase, the suspension and brakes were analyzed and upgraded. Koni shock absorbers and larger torsion bars loom large, as does a Brembo front and M-caliper rear brake conversion.
Displaying the meticulousness that Willhoit is known for, the team also attended to cosmetics and period-correct details, from a newly installed 1965-dated Nardi wood-rimmed steering wheel to freshly cut keys.
In 2026, this 356 Coupe with its subtle SoCal hot rod enhancements returned to Willhoit for additional power. Starting with a type 616/15 case serial number 716002, this engine was given the full Willhoit treatment with just over $32,000 invoiced in June 2026. Highlights include an 84 mm crankshaft, 84 mm Carrillo connecting rods, and 91 mm, 2,185 cc WR NSC pistons matched to WR Big Valve heads and a pair of Weber 44 IDF carburetors. A full accounting is available online for review.
Once the 2.2-liter flat-four engine was married to the performance-oriented chassis in summer 2026, the Broad Arrow car specialist-no stranger to 356s and powerful Porsches-who was given the enviable shakedown task, was effusive in his praise for this special 356, ''It's everything you want a 356 to be, only more so. The car feels light on its feet, and the power is just right. It's sprightly, balanced, and an absolute joy to drive.''
Documented by its Kardex warranty card and more than $155,000 in Willhoit restoration invoices, this 1965 356 C Coupe is a final-year example that still wears its original shade of desirable Irish Green over a Fawn interior. With a freshly rebuilt 2,185 cc engine and upgraded transmission, brakes, and suspension, it pairs the charm of the last 356 with performance that makes it a pleasure to drive and admire in equal measure.
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- VIN Code221439
