1954 Porsche 356 Outlaw

About This Example

Although Ferdinand Porsche had built a name in automotive engineering long before WWII, it wasn’t until the late 1940s that the Porsche name adorned its own car. The 356 was that car – a rear-engined, air-cooled sports coupe that would go on to define a legacy. With production starting in Austria and then moving to Stuttgart, early ‘Pre-A’ models like this one – chassis 51451 – offer a glimpse into the brand’s origins and its uncompromising focus on driving purity.

This particular example was delivered new to Hoffmans of New York in May 1954, originally specified as a 1500S and finished in Adria Blue (R509) with De Luxe USA optional equipment. Unlike the more common 1100 or 1300 variants, the 1500S offered more performance, a trait that has been carefully enhanced and evolved over the years.

The car was later acquired by renowned Canadian Porsche collector Dario Calandra, a close friend of Rod Emory, the founder of Emory Motorsports. Built with extraordinary attention to detail, this 356 was crafted in the spirit of Emory’s own work. In fact, Rod Emory confirmed their involvement and awarded it an honorary Emory badge – a rare and respected gesture within the Porsche Outlaw community. A photograph of the car at Emory Motorsports is included within the car’s history file, underlining its legitimacy and the level of build quality achieved.

Imported to the UK in 2013, the car was further developed for real-world usability by its previous custodian. The original engine was replaced with a Super 90 unit, bored out to 1800cc and now producing around 125bhp, paired to the car’s original four-speed gearbox. Years of suspension refinement mean the car now drives superbly on A-roads and motorways alike – balancing period character with genuine capability.

The specification list is both extensive and authentic, featuring Carrera GT-spec drum brakes, a period Carrera fuel tank with racing-style bonnet filler, leather bonnet straps, Bosch driving lamps, and a host of carefully curated aesthetic and mechanical touches. These include a Speedster seat for the driver, a Porsche 550-style mechanic’s seat for the passenger, plexiglass windows, a half roll cage, rear seat delete, racing harnesses, quad-outlet exhaust, and more – all expertly executed by respected specialists Border Reivers.

Most recently, the car underwent a bare-metal, glass-out repaint in its original factory colour of Adria Blue – a stunning finish that only enhances its period-correct character. Today, this 356 stands not only as a tribute to the earliest years of Porsche, but also as a testament to the Outlaw movement: a celebration of form, performance, and individuality, beautifully brought together in one of the most iconic silhouettes in automotive history.

An extraordinary opportunity to acquire a highly developed, expertly executed Pre-A 356 with recognised Emory connection – a car that delivers on heritage, presence, and pure driving pleasure.

About This Model

The Porsche 356 was the company’s first production model and remains a cornerstone of the brand’s legacy.

Designed by Ferry Porsche and launched in 1948, the 356 was an evolution of the Volkswagen platform created by his father, Ferdinand.

Early examples, particularly the ‘Pre-A’ cars built before 1955, are highly prized for their purity of form and raw, mechanical simplicity. Built with lightweight construction and rear-mounted, air-cooled engines, the 356 proved itself in motorsport from the outset – winning its class at Le Mans in 1951 – and laid the foundation for Porsche’s enduring reputation in both performance and engineering.

In more recent decades, a new subculture has emerged around modified 356s – the Outlaw. These builds celebrate the essence of the car while allowing sympathetic upgrades in performance, styling, and usability.

The term was coined by Gary Emory and later elevated by his son Rod Emory of Emory Motorsports, whose restorations and bespoke 356 builds have become globally renowned. An ‘Outlaw’ is not just a modified car – it’s a statement of individuality, executed with reverence for Porsche’s DNA.

Options

Porsche Certificate of Authenticity confirming original colour (Adria Blue / R509) and specification

Repainted in its factory shade following a bare-metal, glass-out respray

Super 90 engine, bored to 1800cc, delivering approx. 125bhp

Original 4-speed gearbox retained

Upgraded 60mm Carrera GT-spec drum brakes

Carrera fuel tank with racing-style bonnet filler

Bosch period-correct driving lamps

Leather bonnet straps

Carrera-style aluminium door mirrors and drop-glass windows

Driver’s Speedster seat and passenger Porsche 550-style mechanic’s seat

Half roll cage, rear seat delete, racing harnesses

Fire extinguisher

Plexiglass quarter-light windows

Quad-outlet exhaust system

Self-adhesive removable decals

Suspension development spanning several years for compliant road use

Works carried out by Border Reivers

Displayed at Emory Motorsports and awarded an honorary Emory badge