When Porsche began to have thoughts of improvement to the 356 model as early as the mid-1950s, it was soon realized that areas of these advances exceeded the scope of mere model development. Their implementation would require the designing of an entirely new vehicle. The late 1950s would see these plans transform to reality. The new Porsche would offer occupants more space, along with stowage area that would allow sufficient space for a set of golf clubs. Performance level was aimed at that of the 356 Carrera 2, while matching the refinement of the 356 “Normal”. The basic layout of the platform was to be retained, as well as the well-known basic Porsche shape, but with more comfort for the dedicated Porsche owner.

Ferry Porsche’s eldest son, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (also known as “Butzi”), was responsible for the overall design. He developed the chassis and body, while his cousin Ferdinand Piech developed its air-cooled “flat six.” With a slightly longer wheelbase, the new Porsche debuted at Frankfurt in 1963 as the “901.” However, following Peugeot’s objections to the name, claiming rights to all three-digit car names with a zero in the middle, a simple change heralded the “911.”

Early advertisement of the new car declared: “Perhaps once in a generation the opportunity arises to create an entirely new car. To start with a clean sheet of paper. To apply insights gained in seventeen years of testing, racing and refining what was already the most advanced car of its time. To design and build – almost without compromise – the ultimate car for getting from here to there in the quickest, safest, most enjoyable manner possible. Result: The new Porsche.” The 911 was new in every detail, yet unmistakably a Porsche.

This early 911 is presented in Signal Red and has a black interior with the front seats featuring black and white patterned inserts. The car is seen in its original color, and it is also reported that the Porsche is powered by its original 1,991-cc, 130-hp SOHC air-cooled flat six-cylinder engine. The transmission is a five-speed manual, and the brakes are power-assisted four-wheel discs.

Documents with the car shows that Roland Leroy Skinner, Jr. of Florence, South Carolina had Brundage Motors Inc. (Brumos) of Jacksonville, Florida execute service work in 1965. Another page displays that on November 2, 1967, the Porsche received a new owner when Charles Thomas Martin, Jr. of San Antonio, Texas purchased the Porsche from Bob Bywater Motors in Florence, South Carolina for $4,895.50 as a used car with approximately 31,000 miles. The next records available to Auctions America are dated from August 14, 2014 to February 19, 2015 and total $48,598 – these appear to be for primarily cosmetic refreshing, repaint and select mechanical work by Porsche specialist Graham Everett Motorsport, LLC in Braselton, Georgia, next to Road Atlanta. For a complete listing of the work performed, please contact your attending Auctions America Specialist.

Among the other features on this uncommon 1965 Porsche 911 are a Blaupunkt AM/FM radio, fold-down rear seats, VDO instrumentation, chrome-plated sideview mirror, wood detailing on the dash face, factory steel wheels, appropriate badging and factory hubcaps. Also accompanying the car is the desirable toolkit, owner’s manual, Koni shock pamphlet, service book and the extensive receipts mentioned above.

Recognized as one of the greatest pure driving machines ever produced; in its iconic and most desirable early form, this 911 from 1965 will continue to provide ample evidence of the pure Porsche concept that continues to permeate the current generation of 911 models some 50-plus years later. With quickening collector attention on these early short-wheelbase cars, this outstanding example delivers an excellent occasion to obtain one of these very special machines. It is the perfect choice for the judicious Porsche collector seeking a highly sought-after example.