Fantasy Junction

Description

1956 Porsche 356A Coupe “Outlaw”

Chassis No. – 103889
Engine No. – 1280268
Exterior Color – Silver
Interior Color – Butterscotch leather
Engine – 1970 912 Porsche four cylinder
Transmission – 5-speed 901 transaxle with custom shift linkage
Current Miles – 45,542 TMU
Current Owner – purchased in 2016
Miles since purchased – Approximately 400

Highlights for this car

Fantastic “outlaw” style coupe with great cosmetics
Beautifully finished with 125hp motor and 5-speed gearbox
4-Wheel ventilated disc brakes and Bilstein shock absorbers

Modifications from Original

Porsche 912 engine built to 125hp
5-speed 901 gearbox with custom shift linkage
Disc brakes from 911S with 1967 911S rear suspension and sway bar
Brushed satin 15” alloy wheels
Pertronix ignition with Bosch 12V coil
Solex 40mm carburetors

General Overview

In 1948, the now legendary Porsche 356 became the first Porsche to proudly bear the family name. Over the years, the 356 evolved with design and mechanical refinements until 1965, when production yielded to the 911. In recent years many specially modified 356 models have earned the name “Outlaw”, becoming an integral part of the vintage Porsche ownership experience. Outlaws are identified by their stance, vintage integrity, and subtle changes, built to preserve the vintage experience with upgrades to mechanical features that improve driving. This particular car is extraordinarily well executed from the outside, engineered for performance driving, and delightful refined on the inside.

According to the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, s/n 103889 was delivered 5/30/1958 in Silver Metallic 5706. Optional equipment included US bumpers and Sealed Beam Headlights, very likely making it a North American delivery car when new. Beginning as an excellent starting point in 2003, the complete body shell was evaluated for the build and restoration which was completed in 2006. With each step of the process, the commissioning owner and shop worked very carefully to select the right features while workmanship performed to a very high standard.

General Overview and History

The build philosophy behind this car began with the owner commissioning Precision Autoworks in New Jersey to comprehensively restore the car, retaining its largely original appearance while updating the drivetrain. Under the direction of the owner at that time, a meticulous Porsche enthusiast, the car was completely disassembled and stripped down to bare metal and both rocker areas were cut and replaced with new steel. Door bottoms were properly repaired as were all metal areas on the lower portion of the car where rust was formerly present. The left side front headlight surround was also repaired. The integrity of the upper body was quite nice, requiring only minor repairs to the body and surface areas, retaining the original floor with minor repairs done to the forward floor at the foot wells. During the reassembly, all major components were refinished and reinstalled.

The specially built 912 Porsche engine was balanced and blueprinted using 1967 cylinder heads with Norris dual springs, Norris 33/5 camshaft, and Shasta 86mm pistons. Other details included the addition of twin Solex 40mm downdraft carburetors, Pertronix electronic ignition, Bosch 12V coil, and a Carrera style sport muffler. Generating more than double the horsepower of the original engine (125hp), power transfers to the rear wheels via a 901 5-speed transaxle with a custom shift linkage and non-swing axle rear suspension. Performance upgrades further included 4 wheel disc brakes and ventilated rotors (converted from a Porsche 911S), Bilstein high performance gas shocks, and 1967 911S rear suspension including sway bar. Avon 175/70 R15 tires and beautifully finished brushed satin aluminum wheels complete the package.

After the build was completed, the car was used for shows and events and subsequently sold to well-known Porsche collector Steven Harris before passing again to another owner, who updated the car with a few added features before it was then sold by Fantasy Junction in 2016 to the current owner, also a well-known Porsche collector. The car has been regularly maintained and properly stored with just 400 miles accumulated under current ownership.

General Condition

Today this 356 presents very well with excellent paint, and very nice cosmetics throughout. Despite having been restored fifteen years ago, finishes have been very well maintained. Visually, the car appears close to stock, with just a few tasteful changed including the Carrera deck lid emblem and louvers, brushed wheels, and headlight stone guards, all of which suggesting a hint of competition aesthetics. 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, displaying excellent panel fit when shut. The paintwork was done to high standards, although there are two small bubbles along one inner door edge, and a few small paint chips at the front of the car from road use. Other than these minor imperfections, there are no major flaws to detract from the overall excellent presentation. The chrome is very good to excellent throughout, with a few very minor spots showing light pitting when viewed closely. The lights, lenses, and glass are in excellent condition.

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 fiberglass replica Speedster seats are covered in a rich Butterscotch material, accented by beige carpeting piped with matching butterscotch and finished all the way back to the custom rear parcel shelf, draped by leather luggage straps. The dials on the instruments are beautifully finished, topped off by a rich wood rimmed Nardi steering wheel.

The engine compartment and trunk are both very tidy and reflect the quality of the restoration and care given to the entire presentation. The engine fits nicely into this package with modifications that are not so obvious to the untrained eye, as period finishes and parts have been used to convey an authentic vintage feel.

The undercarriage is clean, solid, and free of corrosion. The installation of the 912 engine and 911S suspension looks very much at home on this car - a testament to the quality of the workmanship that went into the conversion. The car is impressively engineered and very well-developed both inside, underside, and throughout.

This 356 is an absolute joy to drive. It makes great power and delivers a vintage vibe with a confident modern feel. The engine starts easily, revs immediately and is well-tuned. It pulls cleanly through the rev range, with satisfying power to weight ratio. Pulling away from a stop, the clutch is positive, and power is smooth, making it easy to keep up with modern traffic. Handling is noticeably more neutral than a standard 356, likely due to the sway bars and 911 rear suspension. Its limits are considerably higher than stock, making driving less worrisome; in all a car that can be driven with confidence in modern traffic and shown with delight at any gathering.

Items Included with the Car

Included with the sale are three spare keys, a non-original lug wrench, dozens of restoration photos, two binders filled with restoration documentation, copious notes on the engineering and choices for build, and receipts for maintenance since the restoration.

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