1956 Porsche 356A Outlaw Coupe

1,750cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Twin-choke Carburetors
Approximately 110bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Tastefully prepared "Outlaw" example of the desirable 356A
*Factory equipped with sun roof and other rare options
*Upgraded with powerful 912 engine and disc brakes by Frank Torchia
*Excellent Outlaw Porsche for tours and rallies

Previewing at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.


THE PORSCHE 356

Although Ferdinand Porsche had established his independent automotive design consultancy in the early 1930s, his name would not appear on a car until 1949. When it did, it graced one of the all-time great sports cars: the Porsche 356. The work of Ferry Porsche, the Type 356 was based on the Volkswagen designed by his father, Ferdinand and like the immortal 'Beetle' employed a platform-type chassis with rear-mounted air-cooled engine and all-independent torsion bar suspension.

Having commenced manufacture with a short run of aluminum-bodied cars built at Gmünd, Porsche began volume production of the steel-bodied 356 coupé at its old base in Stuttgart, at first in premises shared with coachbuilders Reutter and then (from 1955) in its original factory at Zuffenhausen. In 1951 a works car finished first in the 1,100cc class at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race, thus beginning the marque's long and illustrious association with Le Sarthe.

The first phase of development saw the 356's engine grow to 1.3 and then to 1.5 liters; the original split windscreen replaced by a one-piece; and a Porsche synchromesh gearbox adopted. 1955 marked the arrival of the restyled 356A, the newcomer being readily distinguished by its rounded windscreen and 15" - down from 16" - wheels. At the same time, a 1,600cc engine replaced the old 1.5-litre unit and would be standardized on the successor 356B model. In production until 1965, the 356 is where the Porsche legend began and good examples have long been prized by collectors.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This is surely one of the best crafted examples of its genre anywhere in the world. A tastefully executed balance of the best aspects of this snapshot in Porsche evolution, it incorporates 356A lines with the additional 'poke' of a 912, far from fitting the 'Outlaw' moniker often attributed with this period-correct blend, which suggests overt gun slinging it is more of a 'cat burglar' and the Siamese version at that a subtle combination of style and performance...

According to the Porsche issued Certificate of Authenticity on file, this 356A Coupe was completed at the Zuffenhausen-based Porsche factory in May of 1956. The car was factory prepared as a 1600 Super, with the more powerful 75 horsepower engine fitted, and equipped with the desirable sunroof option, radio with antenna, sealed beam headlights, a time clock, white wall tires and a speedometer in miles. The Porsche was painted black and trimmed in red leather, and delivered new to an Austrian Count.

The 356A Super would later be exported to the US, and is today offered from a prominent, Southern California based Porsche enthusiast, with a taste for the most special models built by the celebrated brand. While retaining its original sunroof body and numbered panels, this 356A has been treated to period-correct, Outlaw trim, which suits these sporting Coupes so well. A high-performance 912 engine has been fitted, while disc brakes has been affixed to ensure proper stopping power. Larger, cool-looking painted steel wheels are fitted, to ensure the best possible handling. The exterior is finished in the one-year-only, factory correct for 1956 Lago Green fine metallic while the interior is trimmed in a lovely matching medium green color. It has also been tastefully prepared with period performance features, such a lightweight Spyder-style bucket seats, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, Heuer timekeepers, and a neatly integrated roll bar. Outside, front Marchal driving lights are fitted, a quick-release fuel filler extends through the front lid, and a trunk rack is fitted to place the spare wheel or luggage on for rallies or weekend get-a-ways. A twin-tip performance exhaust is mounted, to ensure the sound matches this 356A Outlaw's staggering performance.

Inspected today, the car has gained the lightest of age to its restoration and remains striking for its quality of build and finish. Offering a great way go fast road touring with the accommodating space and practicality of weather protection no matter what an event may throw at you, this exquisite Porsche 356A Outlaw is a very affordable way to enjoy the best of all worlds and a legendary marque. The car is offered with an impressive history file containing many receipts.