The Porsche 356 was the company’s first production automobile, launched in 1948 and built around a lightweight unibody chassis with a rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-four engine. It borrowed heavily from Volkswagen mechanicals in its early iterations but was continually refined to improve performance and handling. The 356 featured independent suspension, precise steering, and a low center of gravity, which made it a capable sports car both on the road and track. Porsche began exporting the 356 to the United States in the 1950’s through importer Max Hoffman —the same man behind the 300SL’s success—, where it gained a strong following and helped establish Porsche as a serious player in the American sports car market.
The 356 evolved through four major series during its production run: the original ‘Pre-A’ 356 (1948–1955), the 356A (1955–1959), the 356B (1959–1963), and the 356C (1963–1965). Each generation brought mechanical and cosmetic updates, including more powerful engines, improved braking systems, and subtle changes in body design. Body styles included the coupe, cabriolet, notchback, and Speedster, each appealing to different segments of the market. The 356 was later replaced by the four-cylinder 912 and the six-cylinder 911, a nameplate that still continues today.
Amongst the different subcultures of the Porsche world are the ‘Outlaws’, a term that originated with the 356, with customisers like Rod Emory, and later evolved into the 911 models, such as Singer or RWB. The term ‘Outlaw’ describes cars that have been upgraded mechanically, modified from factory specifications, or cosmetically changed from its original look to hint at Porsche’s motorsports heritage, or give the car a very personal touch. Given the interchangeability or parts across generations and the abundance of aftermarket solutions for cosmetic and mechanical upgrades, Outlaw Porsches have become very popular, and often times provide an enhanced experience over an original.
This particular car was born as a 1961 Porsche 356B, and has been upgraded in Southern California with a built 912 engine, dual Weber carburetors, performance camshafts, Koni shocks, electronic ignition, front disc brakes, stainless brake lines, wider wheels, and a stainless exhaust designed by Rod Emory and Chip Foose. Under our ownership we have improved the car further, converting it to a 12-Volt electrical system, upgrading the radio to Bluetooth, and painting it in an irresistible Jade Green Metallic —a bare metal colour change, with all door and window rubber replaced in early 2025.
