Fantasy Junction

Description

1958 Porsche 356A Coupe Outlaw
s/n 103889 Engine No. 1280268
Coachwork by Reutter
Silver with Butterscotch Leather

The “Outlaw” 356 has become an exciting part of the Porsche enthusiast experience. The idea is simple; build your vintage 356 with a unique approach. However, the range of interpretation results in some cars being more successful and impressive than others. Generally, Outlaws are identified by their stance, presence, and subtle changes, but this particular car is extraordinarily subtle from the outside, and simply delightful 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. As an excellent starting point, this car embarked on the transformation to Outlaw in 2003.

The 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 drive-train. The heart of the car is a 1970 912 balanced and blueprinted engine using 1967 cylinder heads with Norris dual springs, Norris 33/5 camshaft, and Shasta 86mm pistons. The complete engine runs Solex 40mm downdraft carburetors, Pertronix electronic ignition, Bosch 12V coil, and Carrera style sport muffler. Generating more than double the horsepower of the original engine (125hp), all this power is delivered to the wheels via a 901 5-speed transaxle with a custom shift linkage and non-swing axle rear suspension.

The delightful upgrades continue with 4 wheel disc brakes and ventilated rotors (converted from a 911S), Billstein high performance gas shocks, and 1967 911S rear suspension including sway bar. The suspension is finished off with Avon 175/70 R15 tires and beautifully finished brushed satin aluminum wheels.

The car was restored and built from 2003-2006 by its detailed and enthusiastic owner and Precision Autoworks, NJ recognized experts in Porsche restorations. The car was completely disassembled and stripped down to bare metal where both rocker areas were cut and replaced with new steel. Door bottoms were properly repaired as were all metal areas on the lower part of the car where rust had been found. 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, and retaining the original floor with minor repairs done to the forward floor at the foot wells. During the reassembly, major components were refinished and installed. The car was used for shows and events after completion and subsequently sold to well-known Porsche collector Steven Harris before passing again to a new owner, where it has been continually updated with new features, regular service, and properly maintained for show and road use.

The final finish of this car is truly spectacular. It is very difficult to revise and improve a car without making it appear modified. This car is so well-resolved, providing both an excellent cosmetic presentation and a truly special driving experience. Outlaw Porsches are very much personal expressions, but rarely does one see such successful finishes.

Cosmetically, the car presents very well, despite having been restored ten years ago. Visually, the car appears close to stock, with just the Carrera deck lid louvers, brushed wheels, and headlight stone guards suggesting a competition aesthetic. The stance is perfect, slightly pitched and squat, ready to pounce. The bodywork was completed to high standards and all panels open and shut as expected, while displaying excellent gapping and fit. 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 significantly from the car’s presentation. The color is a beautiful shade of light metallic silver, nicely offset by the butterscotch interior. The chrome is very good to excellent throughout, with only minor areas of light scratching, and a few very minor spots showing light pitting, with the front vents showing the most evidence of pitting. The lights, lenses, and glass are excellent, as are the wheels.

The interior displays excellent workmanship and attention to detail is very high when studying the instruments, dash, and assorted brightwork inside. Door panels and fiberglass replica Speedster seats are covered in a rich Butterscotch material, accented by tan carpeting piped with matching butterscotch and finished all the way back into the custom rear parcel shelf, draped by brown 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 and modifications are not so obvious to the untrained eye, as period finishes and parts have been used to continue the vintage feel.

The undercarriage is clean, solid, and free of corrosion. On the whole, 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 developed both inside, underside, and throughout.

On the road, this car performs with such grace and ease, making great power and delivering a vintage ride with modern feel. Feedback is both delightful and entertaining as one drives more and more miles, unfolding its capabilities. The engine starts easily, revs immediately and is well-tuned. It pulls cleanly through the rev range, with great power to weight ratio. Pulling away from a stop, the clutch is positive and power smooth, making it easy to keep up with modern traffic. The brakes are only slightly heavy but effective in operation. Handling is noticeably more neutral than a standard 356, likely because of 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.

The attention to detail and level of execution make this Porsche 356A Outlaw impressive visually and delightful to drive. The car is well-thought out, capably engineered, and beautifully trimmed. Included with the sale are 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