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Karkrub Review

Specs of the Car:
The 1965 Porsche 356 1.6, also known as the 356C, was the culmination of Porsche’s first successful venture into production automobiles. It was powered by a 1.6-liter flat-four engine producing up to 95 horsepower in the 356 SC variant. This air-cooled engine was mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox, allowing the 356 to reach top speeds of over 115 mph. With disc brakes on all four wheels, the 356C was more capable in stopping power compared to its predecessors which had drum brakes. The car featured a unibody structure, with rear-wheel drive and a weight of around 930 kilograms.

History of the Model:
The Porsche 356 series began its journey in 1948, under the watchful eye of Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche, the son of the company’s founder. Initially, the 356 was built in Austria before production shifted to Stuttgart, Germany. The 1965 356 1.6 was the last iteration of this model, which made way for its more famous successor, the Porsche 911. Throughout its lifecycle, the 356 underwent numerous updates, including changes to bodywork, performance enhancements, and interior refinements.

Development of the Model:
From the 356’s inception, Porsche focused on delivering a lightweight, nimble, and performance-oriented vehicle. The evolution of the 356 can be categorized into four main series: 356 (Pre-A), 356A, 356B, and 356C. Each series witnessed incremental changes in design and mechanical components. By the time the 1965 356C arrived, it had benefited from over a decade of continuous development, sporting more rounded edges, larger windows, and the inclusion of disc brakes, which was a significant development over the drum brakes found in earlier models.

Journalist Reviews at the Time of Release:
In the mid-1960s, the Porsche 356C received favorable reviews from motoring journalists, who praised its improved braking system, refined handling, and unmistakable design. While some critiques were aimed at the car’s price, being relatively high for its segment, others viewed it as justified given its build quality, performance, and heritage. Many considered the 356 to be a true driver’s car, combining the charm of European craftsmanship with responsive driving dynamics. The 356’s legacy was further solidified as journalists compared it favorably to other sports cars of its era, emphasizing its race-bred pedigree and continued commitment to driver engagement.

Types of Modifications Typically Done:
Owners and enthusiasts have cherished the 356 for its timeless design and driving purity. As a result, many modifications revolve around enhancing performance, comfort, and personal aesthetics. Common modifications include:

1. Engine Swaps: Some owners upgrade the engine for more power, often using later Porsche engines or other flat-four units.
2. Suspension Upgrades: To improve handling and ride comfort, some 356 owners opt for modern shock absorbers, springs, and sway bars.
3. Brake Upgrades: Even though the 356C had disc brakes, further enhancements with modern calipers and rotors can be seen in modified units.
4. Interior Refinements: These range from reupholstered seats with modern materials, the inclusion of sound systems, and bespoke interior trimmings.
5. Exterior Changes: While many purists prefer to keep the original design intact, others add custom paint jobs, new wheel designs, or even body kits to make their 356 stand out.

In conclusion, the 1965 Porsche 356 1.6 stands as an icon in automotive history, representing the bridge between Porsche’s humble beginnings and its rise as a global sports car powerhouse.

Karkrub Score

Design: 9/10
The 1965 Porsche 356 1.6 boasts a timeless design, characterized by its elegant curves, minimalist approach, and unmistakable Porsche DNA. Its silhouette became an icon of automotive design, showcasing a perfect blend of form and function. It loses a point only because of some outdated design elements when compared to modern aesthetics.

Power: 7/10
Powered by a 1.6-liter flat-four engine, the Porsche 356 1.6 offers a modest 95 horsepower in its SC variant. While certainly not underpowered for its era, it doesn’t stand up to the muscle and supercars of its time in terms of sheer output. However, its lightweight construction ensures that the power-to-weight ratio is favorable.

Fun: 9/10
One of the 356’s defining characteristics is its fun-to-drive nature. It provides a raw and authentic driving experience that’s hard to match, even by today’s standards. The car’s nimbleness, combined with its rear-wheel-drive configuration, ensures it offers plenty of thrills behind the wheel.

Comfort: 6/10
While the 356 offers a relatively comfortable ride, especially for a sports car of its time, it can’t match the refinement and creature comforts of modern vehicles. Road noise, a lack of advanced climate control, and firmer seating arrangements might detract from long journey comfort.

Reliability: 7/10
Given its age and the technology of the era, the 356 is reasonably reliable, especially when maintained properly. It was built with German precision and craftsmanship, ensuring durability. However, the vehicle’s age means that parts might be harder to source, and maintenance could be more frequent than newer models.

Safety: 5/10
By today’s standards, the 1965 Porsche 356 1.6 lacks many safety features. There are no airbags, ABS, or electronic stability control systems. However, for its time, the inclusion of disc brakes on all wheels in the 356C was a significant safety improvement. Still, when compared to modern safety standards, it lags behind.

Value: 8/10
The 356 has become a sought-after classic, and its value has appreciated significantly over the years. While its initial price point might have been seen as premium during its release, today, it represents a sound investment for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its timeless appeal, combined with its driving experience and Porsche pedigree, ensures it remains desirable.

Average Score: 7.3/10

The 1965 Porsche 356 1.6 stands as a testament to Porsche’s commitment to delivering driving pleasure and craftsmanship. While it might not tick all the boxes of modernity, its legacy in the automotive world is undeniable.