What’s not to love about a delectably presented, numbers-matching Signal Red ’65 Porsche 356 C Super Cabriolet that has spent its entire life in California? Completed in December 1964, it was delivered to Competition Motors in Culver City and sold new by Four J Motors in Huntington Beach. Per its factory Kardex, the first owner was Mr. Charles Hanks of Goleta, California. With a retail base price of $4,499, the addition of factory-installed optional chrome wheels and hubcaps, a pair of fog lamps, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, front seat belts, and delivery charge brought the selling total to $4,737.90. A Blaupunkt AM/FM radio and antenna were installed by the dealer.

A thorough refurbishment in 2015–2016 by 356 specialist Mark Miletich of Scotts Valley, California, determined that the hood, trunk, and doors were original, as were the main floors and longitudinals. Miletich replaced the front-compartment battery box floor with factory-correct sheet metal, repaired corroded areas of the doors and shut lines, and took care of some straightening around the nose. The car was then repainted in factory-original Signal Red.

Miletich also carried out a brake and suspension overhaul that included new discs, hoses, hard lines, and a replacement master cylinder. The well-detailed engine has been fitted with a big-bore kit and refurbished Solex P40-II carburetors, a full-flow oil filter conversion and sump extension, rebuilt distributor, and a secondary electric fuel pump. An Optima Red Top battery resides beneath a period-look cover in the front trunk, and the lighting has been upgraded. The cabin was reupholstered by Jeff Belardi Interiors of Watsonville with black leather and tan German square-weave wool carpet. The older folding top was reupholstered in black German canvas and still presents well.

Recently serviced, this very nice cabriolet is supplied with a matching canvas boot and tonneau, two sets of keys, a copy of the factory Kardex, a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, a restored Four J Motors license frame, and an owner’s manual properly dated June 1964.