OVERVIEW
Capturing all the magic of the vintage sports car era, the Porsche 356 continues to reign as a lasting icon of performance and design. The first production Porsche to bear the family name, it is particularly fitting that 356 traditions continue in the hands of restoration experts and enthusiasts alike.

Introduced in 1948, the 356 evolved through years of refined engineering with both cosmetic and mechanical improvements consistently until 1965, when production concluded, making room for the 911. In recent years many specially modified 356 models have become known as “Outlaws”. Initiated and developed by Pacific Northwest Porsche expert Rod Emory, these uniquely refined class of Porsches have become an integral part of the vintage Porsche scene. Outlaws are identified by their stance, vintage integrity, and subtle design changes, built to preserve the vintage experience with upgrades to mechanical features that improve driving. This example is extraordinarily well executed from the outside and engineered for performance driving while retaining all the charm and sporty character of the iconic 356.

According to the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity issued for this car, this 356A was completed at the Porsche factory in May 1956. Originally delivered with the uprated 75hp 1600 Super engine, this Porsche was further optioned with the desirable “Golde” sunroof, radio with antenna, clock, white wall tires, speedometer in miles, and sealed beam headlights. Finished in black with red interior, this 356A was completed and delivered to Austria where the first owner, Count Palfy, enjoyed ownership. Eventually the car was imported to the US, finding residence in the metro Chicago with a Porsche enthusiast. In the early 2000s, while under his ownership, a comprehensive restoration was commissioned using the Outlaw theme to guide the overall build. Key to the Outlaw ideals, a 912 Porsche engine (type 616/36) was sourced and rebuilt by Shasta Design Engineering and a 4-speed manual 644 type transmission with 741 internal gears was built by Colorado based Porsche experts at Carquip. A set of 15” x 5.5” painted steel 944 Porsche Turbo space saver wheels were installed with Bridgestone tires. A four-wheel disc brake system was also installed including upgrades to the master cylinder and brake lines.

The exterior was finished in a factory-correct finish originally offered in1956. The Lago Green Metallic was matched with green vinyl material and green German Square weave carpets for the interior. In keeping with the performance theme, a removable roll bar was installed. Lightweight Speedster style bucket seats, Nardi wood-rimmed steering wheel, Heuer timekeepers, and a clock finished the interior. Other handsome details added during the build included Marchal driving lights carefully recessed into the front fascia, an exposed quick-release fuel filler, GT bumper trim, GT mirrors, and pop out plexiglass quarter windows. A pair of body mounted vent windows, European headlights, and a louvered GT deck lid completed the look.

After the car was completed, and under former ownership, this car received multiple awards from 2007 to 2010 including participation in the 2007 & 2010 356 Registry East Coast Holiday, 2009 Colorado Michelin Autocross, 2009 & 2010 Porsche Club of America Concours, 2010 Porsches 2 Oxford (P2O), and the 2010 Porsche Parade. In 2011, the car was sold to a Southern California Porsche enthusiast who made a few improvements and drove the car 3000 miles before selling it to the next fortunate owner.

Today, this 356A Porsche presents in beautiful condition throughout with excellent paint and enjoyable cosmetics in every respect. Despite having been restored some years ago, finishes have been carefully maintained to a very high quality. The car is an absolute delight from the enchanting color scheme to the low stance, performance look, and highly desirable added features. The stance is perfect, slightly pitched and squat, ready to pounce. The bodywork was completed to high standards with all panels opening and shutting as expected. The chrome and polished metal are excellent, as are the lights, beehive taillights, glass and plexiglass, all of which add to the distinctive appearance of this Porsche. Best of all, the factory sunroof can be opened for added driving pleasure.

The interior displays superb workmanship, high quality materials, very nice fit, and tidy finishes. The instruments, dash, and assorted brightwork are excellent throughout. Door panels and Speedster style seats are correctly contoured and upholstered contrasting against the German square weave carpet. A pair of competition style seatbelts are fitted for the front seats. The rear parcel shelf is finished with green vinyl and carpet, draped by leather luggage straps. A removable gloss black tubular roll bar is fitted and correct light-colored headliner with proper sunroof liner finish the interior with vintage accuracy. The dashboard is exceptionally fine with correct instruments, and 8k tachometer, crisp nomenclature on all three gauges, excellent chrome trim, a Nardi steering wheel, and a set of rally watches mounted to the glovebox door.

The engine compartment and trunk are exceptionally well detailed and reflect the quality of the restoration and care given to the entire presentation. The 912 engine is an ideal pairing in the 356 offering more power with modifications that are not so obvious to the untrained eye. Period correct finishes and correct vintage parts have been used to convey an authentic vintage feel while still delivering improved performance in keeping with the Outlaw tradition.

The undercarriage is clean, solid, and reflective of high-quality restoration work performed when the car was completed. The installation of the 912 engine and other improvements remain very much at home on this car - a testament to the quality of the workmanship and care from initial build through subsequent ownership. The car is impressively engineered and very well-developed both inside, underside, and throughout.

This 356A Outlaw is a wonderful car on the road. The engine pulls strong in all gears and delivers a vintage vibe with a confident modern feel. The engine starts easily, revs freely and is well-tuned. The gearbox is well matched to the 912 engine and the rev range very satisfying, particularly for those familiar with the original 356 package. The disc brakes add confidence to higher speed use, making driving less worrisome in contemporary traffic. For anyone seeking a unique Porsche that can be driven with confidence and shown with pride at top-tier Porsche gatherings or concours events, this 356A Outlaw is ready to offer the very best in Porsche ownership to the next fortunate enthusiast.

Please contact Jason Harris at +1-206-355-7727 for more information on this 1956 Porsche 356A Sunroof Coupe Outlaw.