1965 Porsche 356C

1965 Porsche 356C Coupé 'OUTLAW'

• Registration no. RHR 445C

• Chassis no. 131232

• Customised in 'Outlaw' style in the USA

• Imported from Southern California in 2015

• 1883cc tuned engine

I bought this little beauty as part of the package of 4 marques from a collector that only sold due to ill health. It is clear to see from the condition on this and the other 3 that he had an eye for a good classic. I have just had a carb rebuild, fresh fluids, plugs and brakes bled.

This Porsche 356C 'OUTLAW' was imported into the UK in early 2015. It is understood that restoration works were carried out in 2009 by Hamilton Classics, a small Texas-based restoration company that has specialised in restoring the 356 model since the late 1960s. The Engine rebuilt in 2013 and has been upgraded with an LN Engineering Nickies big bore kit and now displaces 1,883cc, with further top-end and crankshaft work and a full flow oil filter. Induction is by Weber carburettors and exhaust gases are expelled through a Bursch extractor system with a street silencer. The four-wheel disc brakes are fitted with dual circuits, and the brake callipers have been rebuilt and the brake master cylinder replaced. The interior has been re-trimmed, including the headlining and German-weave carpet, while other noteworthy features include Lexan side windows; re-upholstered custom 911RS race-style seats; three-point harnesses; a MoMo Prototipo steering wheel; aluminium floorboards; and a dead pedal.

On the car's arrival into the UK in 2015, the paintwork was found to have suffered from the Californian sun and was repainted to a high standard as can be seen today. On strip down, the Porsche was found to be remarkably free of corrosion, as one would expect from a Southern Californian car, while the boot, doors, bonnet and A-posts were found to have the correct chassis number stamped on them. Finished in silver with grey stripes, and rolling on genuine 1971 Fuchs wheels, this car not only looks wonderful but also has drive to match. Recently converted to 12v.

Box folder of history includes sundry bills; a photographic record of the 2013 engine rebuild; a V5, a letter from Porsche Cars Great Britain Ltd and a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.

In recent years, the car has completed three European tours and is described by the previous owner as very reliable. These 'OUTLAW' Porsches are rarely seen outside the USA and this magnificent example represents an exciting opportunity for the European collector.

In Southern California in the 1950s a movement emerged dedicated to customising the Porsche 356, one such variant being known as the 'OUTLAW'. It is believed that the first 'OUTLAW 356' was created in 1957 by Dean Jeffries, who wanted to showcase his abilities as a custom car builder. As well as working as a custom car designer and fabricator, Los Angeles-based Jeffries became famous as a stuntman and stunt co-ordinator for motion pictures and television programmes.