Fantasy Junction

Description

1957 Porsche 356A Outlaw Speedster
s/n 102054 engine no. 602260
Silver with Black Interior

Porsche introduced the A version of the 356 just as it was coming into its own as an independent sports car manufacturer. They had just completed their 10,000th car, and with racing efforts gaining momentum, it was clear that Porsche was a force to be reckoned with. At this time, the street car model line was diversified to include a variety of body styles and engines, with the sportiest being the Speedster, a now legendary car that arose initially out of a request from American Porsche distributor Max Hoffman. Observing the spirited sales of the inexpensive Triumphs and MGs, he asked Porsche for an open car that was inexpensive enough to compete, which would require a base price under $3000. The resulting car, the Speedster, had a pared down equipment level, which created not only the most inexpensive Porsche at the time, but also the most sporting. Ironically, the cars are now more collectible and valuable than their plusher counterparts. The resulting car had only what was necessary: a cut down windscreen, bucket seats, side curtains, and a rudimentary top. The cars sold well, especially in the United States, and were popular among racers and enthusiasts. Certainly they occupy a unique place among American sports car culture, particularly California culture, where the car’s configuration and rudimentary weather equipment were and remain particularly appropriate.

The “Outlaw” 356 movement is fairly well-known within Porsche circles and the basic formula for creating an Outlaw 356 is simple. However, there is tremendous breadth for individualism and interpretation and some cars are more successful and impressive than others. This particular car is a wonderfully executed example that perfectly embodies the Outlaw aesthetic and philosophy: sporty, period-evocative, and tremendous fun to drive.

This particular car was built by the owner of a restoration shop in Michigan for himself, using a 356A coupe as a basis. The entire project took approximately 2000 hours and included every system and aspect of the car. The car has covered about 2000 miles since its completion and remains extremely fresh. Taking measurements from a Speedster, he reconfigured the body to closely mimic the profile of the Speedster. The doors were reconfigured to include roll-up windows and he designed a custom top to mate to the Speedster windscreen. Twin grilles were added to the deck lid, which has 356C internal louvers.

The interior features a unique 550-style dashboard with no upholstery other than to the glare shield above the instruments. This represents a striking departure from the standard 356 dashboard and is extremely evocative and attractive. GTS Classics basketweave seats were installed, along with custom gauges restored, refaced, and recalibrated by Palo Alto Speedometer. The speedometer is a 160 mph unit and the tachometer is an 8000 rpm unit.

Mechanically, the car was thoroughly upgraded as well. The engine is a 912 unit with a 1720cc big bore kit, Skirmants cam, counterbalanced crank, alloy rocker assemblies, Pertronix electronic ignition, and Becker-rebuilt Solex carburetors. The builder designed a custom exhaust system which he had built by Bursch. The portion of the engine case that supports the generator is from a 356A so that the mechanical tachometer drive could still be used, along with 6 volt electrical system. A rebuilt 356B 741 transmission, which has a simplified shift linkage and accordingly improved shift quality, was installed as well. 356C disc brakes were added, with dual circuit master cylinder, all of which were rebuilt or new. The suspension was upgraded and adjustable rear spring plates installed to allow fine tuning of the ride height. The shocks are Bilsteins.

Cosmetically, the car is excellent, with a straight body showing very nice panel gaps and fit. The paintwork was done to high standards and is basically unmarked. The lights and glazing are in good shape, with desirable European fluted Hella headlamps and Marchal fog lamps. The car also has beehive tail lamps. The chrome is fine shape across the board with no pitting. The wheels are “deep six” Fuchs with “hearts”, now a rare and expensive wheel. They have been beautifully and correctly refinished.

The interior is very purposeful and well-executed. The seats are in excellent order and are appropriately sporting and vintage in feel. The carpets are German square weave material as is typical for 356s and the installation was done to high standards. The rubber floor mats are also correct The dashboard is beautifully executed and all switches and instruments are in excellent shape. The period Blaupunkt radio works. There are a few minor cracks to the horn button.

The engine compartment is surprisingly stock in appearance, with orange finish and correct decals to the oil filter housing, as well as Knecht air filter housings, which have been hollowed to take modern K&N filter inserts. The engine has a freshly restored appearance and is fully detailed. The front compartment is also thoroughly restored and extremely clean.

The car is an absolute blast to drive. Every aspect of the car operates in a wonderfully coherent fashion. The engine is powerful, responsive, and well-tuned, in addition to sounding great. The gearbox has excellent synchromesh and gives the driver confidence in a way that is not often true in older cars. The disc brakes are effective, stopping the car effectively and evenly. The chassis is composed and feels unusually stiff for an open 356, and encourages the owner to drive the car enthusiastically.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire an evocative and beautifully-executed Outlaw that is huge fun to drive, as well as being an excellent value. Marginal Speedsters start around $200,000 and this car’s stunning aesthetics and upgraded mechanicals make it an experience to both see and drive, at a considerably lower cost.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608