For Sale: 1957 Porsche 356 in Scotts Valley, California

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1957 Porsche 356A "Outlaw"
VIN: 101521

Completely restored factory sunroof 356A "Outlaw"
Rare factory sunroof - Part of only 5% of total 356A coupe production
Original factory color combination of Aqua Marine Blue over Red per Kardex
Willhoit 2.2L flat four engine producing 160 horsepower
Long list of period aesthetic and mechanical upgrades
Full leather interior, many Carrera GT-style improvements
4-speed manual transmission, 741 transaxle with stock 644 A-style shifter

The building of an outlaw often reveals much about the owner's personality. Some cars are built to be loud and flamboyant, others are built as sleepers to remain under the radar. Regardless of the outcome, the details on each car speak to the preferences and priorities of the owner. This Aqua Marine Blue 356 goes for the latter, riding far under the radar and with its true intentions revealed by its subtle details. Whether it's the 160hp Willhoit air-cooled engine shouting through its sport muffler, its mega stance with 15" alloy wheels or the fact that it will pull away from more powerful cars, it's the perfect fit.

The 356's beginnings of turning into an "Outlaw" began by being a longtime Southern California car from Fountain Valley. Purchased by a couple, the husband passed away and the 356 was acquired by the restorer from the widow. The noted restorer began the extensive process of turning the stock 356 into something greater than just the sum of its parts. A factory kardex confirmed that the car's original color combination was Aqua Marine Blue with a red interior, and it was determined that the finished 356 sunroof coupe would be the same, albeit with many upgrades along the way.

The beginning of the 1-year restoration began by stripping the 356 down to bare metal in preparation of its new period-correct paint finish, Aqua Marine Blue. The factory steel sheet metal was prepped for the new paint finish, returning it to how it originally left the Porsche factory many years ago. While the 356 was being prepared to receive its original paint color, that is where the similarities ended and where the "Outlaw" began to form.

356A cars were originally notoriously underpowered, with a maximum of 60 horsepower in period. The restorer engaged Willhoit Auto Restoration, with their famous 2.2L engine upgrade, ready to improve the 356's power-to-weight ratio. When said and done, the original 1.6L engine was upgraded to 2.2 liters with a stock A coupe appearance, now producing a stout 160 horsepower, a 2.5x increase from stock! Other mechanical upgrades included using a 741 transaxle and shift linkage with a 644 A-style shifter, late-model 356C axle tubes, 356C disc brakes on all corners with new brake lines, calipers rebuilt by CPR, new wheel bearings, a hidden 12 volt electric fuel pump flowing through a stock-appearing pump, a 356 Super 90 camber compensator bar, period sport muffler, Coddington 15x5" directional alloy wheels, Pirelli CN36 tires, an external oil filter routed through the driver's side rear quarter inner fender with rock shield, a new wiring harness with 12 volt conversion, Koni shocks, new glass with proper etchings, and other items throughout the car right down to the nut and bolts.

Aesthetically the 356 was given subtle Carrera GT body modifications, along with a host of other upgrades that give this car a unique character. A racing-inspired center hood fill cap was fabricated, the GT bumpers were installed with polished center strips, a 550-style driver's mirror was employed, and a 1957-specific 5-louver decklid was added. Inside the cabin found a similar level of upgrades and embellishments, starting with a full leather interior. Speedster seats with Carrera GT style aluminum seat frames were added and upholstered in red leather, along with roadster-style door pockets. The GT rollbar, in lieu of rear seats, is painted the same Aqua Marine Blue as the exterior. The restored Darrington wood steering wheel sits front and center, utilizing a stock 356 A horn button. A Blaupunkt radio with cell phone upgrade allows for your favorite music or calls to be played through the factory original speaker grilles with upgraded speakers on road trips or while driving around town, and the factory original sunroof allows for open-top adventures or unlimited fresh air.

Fresh from restoration, Canepa decided to take the Outlaw to the next level, applying signature Canepa aesthetic upgrades and improvements while increasing drivability, making it even more ready to be enjoyed by its next owner. This 1957 Porsche 356A "Outlaw" will keep the driver engaged and thrilled, beating many higher-powered cars off the line and out on the back roads. Surrounded by leather, propelled by a Willhoit 2.2L engine and enhanced by the numerous mechanical upgrades, its fresh restoration, and Canepa improvements, this factory sunroof 356A "Outlaw" is ready to get you into however much trouble that you like.