The genesis of the Porsche 356—and with it, Porsche itself—may have been in the humble Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle. Yet by the time 356 production wound down in 1965, the beloved marque had developed a sports car formula that is still felt, both aesthetically and mechanically, in its present-day offerings.

Porsche’s 356 made its final transformation in 1963 with the debut of the 356 C. The new model featured upgraded ZF steering and suspension with four-wheel disc brakes. Buyers could opt for a 12-volt electrical system, among numerous other usability improvements. Excluding the rare and costly Carrera, the 356 C was offered with the choice of two engines: the standard 1.6-liter C unit producing 75 horsepower, or the SC engine with higher compression making for 95 horsepower.

This 356 C 1600 C Karmann Coupe (chassis 221362) is one of 4,743 examples produced for the 1965 model year, and it was delivered to Porsche Cars Northwest in Beaverton, Oregon during early 1965. An accompanying Kardex copy notes an original specification of Bali Blue paint over black leatherette upholstery and chrome wheels wrapped in Dunlop tires.

The car was purchased new in August 1965 by Bill Manning, a career Air Force administrator who would eventually retire in the late 1980s at the rank of Colonel, following more than 40 years of active service at bases in Oregon, California, and Georgia. Of course, Colonel Manning always kept his prized 356 Coupe with him during these many transfers; the car’s stellar history files dating back to Manning’s purchase shows regular maintenance by Porsche specialists and more than 72,0000 miles accrued by November 1979!

In July 1987, after more than two decades within Colonel Manning’s original ownership and 86,000 miles of enjoyment, 221632 was sold to its second recorded owner. In October 1988, it traded hands again; over the next following eighteen months, this owner completed a total restoration upon the car, and refinished it in the color scheme of Ivory over charcoal leather. It was subsequently purchased by an Ontario-based Porsche enthusiast and exported to Canada.

In 2011, 221362 was purchased by the Dare to Dream Collection then showing 18,580 miles travelled since it previous restoration. Under current ownership it was furnished with more than $67,000 CAD of restoration work, which notably included the stripping down to bare metal to correct prior damage, a full color change to its current specification of black paint over black leather, new chrome throughout, and a comprehensive engine tune-up.

Now offered with a Kardex copy confirming its numbers-matching engine and gearbox, this 1965 356 C 1600 C Karmann Coupe would no doubt be welcome at many exhibition and driving events, offering its next owner the opportunity to acquaint themselves with a model at the very foundation of Porsche’s ongoing legend.