1957 Porsche 356 A 'Outlaw'
An outstanding example built in collaboration by Irv's Restorations and Karmann Konnection

Registration No: 881 XVE
Chassis No: 58461
MOT: Exempt

• Described as an outstanding example of an 'outlaw' specification 356 A
• Fitted with 356 B disc brakes plus an uprated 1,720cc engine with twin Weber carburettors
• Subject to a full bare-metal body overhaul by revered VW and Porsche specialists Irv's Restorations
• Mechanical work and finishing details completed by 356 specialists Karmann Konnection
• Featured in Classic Porsche magazine's December, 2022, edition

Appearing in 1948, the 356 was the first production model offered by Porsche and featured a rear-mounted, flat-four air-cooled engine much like its cousin, the Volkswagen Beetle. It featured a now-revered, and at the time very innovative, aerodynamic body penned by Porsche employee Erwin Komenda, and the chassis design was also completely new. Initially production was based in Gmünd, Austria, however after just a few early-examples were built, production was moved to Zuffenhausen, Germany, and the steel body production was transferred to Reutter, which was later bought by Porsche in 1963.

The initial cars (now retrospectively dubbed 'Pre-A') were replaced by the new 356 A in 1955, which featured a one-piece curved windscreen and 15in wheels (down from 16in), and more power was gained by offering an enlarged engine with a displacement of 1.6 litres as an option, which would be standardised with the later 356 B. Available in Coupé, Cabriolet and Speedster bodystyles, the 356 A was available until it was replaced by 356 B in 1959.

Since 356s were produced in relatively large numbers for an exotic car, many enthusiasts have taken to customising them according to their own ideals, with many excellent results. This 356 A is one such car, expertly built to a bespoke specification by a prominent air-cooled Volkswagen enthusiast. An early example with the desirable ‘beehive’ rear lights, it is understood to have been supplied new to the USA and spent the majority of its life in Arizona. It was originally customised in the States by Roland Peacock, a well-known Porsche enthusiast. The story passed down with the car is that Mr. Peacock had a Porsche 356 B which got written off, so he transferred its engine, disc brakes and seats into this 356 A.

It was imported into Britain at an unknown date and was sold to the customiser in 2017 through Karmann Konnection, on behalf of one of its customers. It received its first British registration in 2019. As bought, it was painted white with a broad blue stripe down the centre, which was not to the new owner’s tastes, and when he drove it he concluded that there was room for improvement, and so began a lengthy renovation from which the Porsche emerged looking like a completely new car.

The owner’s first thoughts were to reunite the Porsche with its bumpers, which had been removed, and return it to its original colour, the beautiful metallic Graphite Grey. The bare-metal respray was completed by another respected classic Volkswagen and Porsche specialist, Irv’s Restorations in Barrow-in-Furness, after which the owner had the car inspected by Karmann Konnection’s Ritchie King to identify anything that still was not quite right. King got right down to the nitty-gritty, pointing out that some of the screws were not of the correct type, and all such minor faults were duly addressed. Because the engine was running rough, Karmann Konnection also embarked upon a mechanical overhaul. A top-end rebuild was conducted and the engine was enlarged to 1,720cc. The original Zenith 32NDIX carburettors were present but quite worn-out, so they were replaced with twin Webers adorned with Vintage Speed air filters. When the motor went back in, the engine bay was detailed and a racy Sebring-style exhaust was made up. After this work, its output on a rolling road increased from 75 to 81½bhp. The 356 B disc brakes were retained.

Further repairs and improvements included the rebuild of the instruments, wiring loom repairs and the installation of a new fuel tank and luggage straps, plus a period-correct number plate light. Discreet custom touches included fitting 1956 model-year windscreen wipers and headlamps with raised Bosch emblems. The decision to give the aerial a bright red tip, to subtly enliven the expanse of grey, is indicative of the owner’s keen eye for detail. The interior was treated to a layer of sound insulation, covered in bitumen paint for a factory appearance, plus a wood-rimmed VDM GT steering wheel. The car really started to come together once Fuchs wheels were fitted all-round – 4½in at the front and 6in at the rear – and shod with Blockley tyres, and for the interior the owner purchased some of Karmann Konnection’s replica Carrera seats, which, along with the rest of the interior, were trimmed in tan hide.

Reckoned by its owner to be one of the smoothest-driving 356s in existence, it certainly should be a joy on the road. The high standard of workmanship throughout the car is self-evident and the presentation is exceptional. Indeed, the work was recognised by the cognoscenti of the Porsche world when it became the subject of a feature in the December, 2022, issue of Classic Porsche magazine. After the passage of a few years, the Porsche remains in outstanding condition and, if taken to shows, must be in with a good chance of scooping some awards.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430