For Sale at Auction: 1965 Porsche 356 in Carmel, California

Chassis No. 221802

Rod Emory has spent decades refining what it means to improve a Porsche 356 without compromising its character and charm. The traditional Emory Outlaw preserves the factory silhouette while advancing mechanical capability. The Emory Special program takes a more radical position, subjecting each car to bespoke bodywork modifications conceived specifically for that commission. No two Specials are alike, and each represents a direct collaboration between Emory and his client.

This 1965 Porsche 356 C began as a coupe and was transformed into an open-top Emory Special cabriolet, delivered in February 2024. The conversion to open-roof configuration shaped the entire build. The build sheet from Emory begins with showing the windshield angle was decreased to match the low-profile body-color removable hardtop. Further bespoke touches include bumper deletion, Pre-A-style rolled rocker panels, a reverse-louvered decklid with competition-style hinges, a through-hood competition fuel filler into a hand-built 15-gallon aluminum fuel tank, hood handle deletion, dual GT-style mirrors, and custom mesh covers for the horn grille and brake ducts. Finished in unique Tropical Green Metallic, the car was delivered to its first owner upon completion and has since passed to one subsequent owner.

The 2.6-liter Emory-Rothsport "Outlaw-4" flat-four was developed by Jeff Gamroth of Rothsport Racing as a condensed interpretation of 911 engine architecture. It features Rothsport individual-throttle-body fuel injection, MoTec-controlled twin coil-on-plug ignition, a full-flow oil system with a remote filter and coolers, custom stainless-steel headers, and a sport muffler. Emory Motorsports rates output at 260 horsepower. Drive reaches the rear wheels through a 901 five-speed manual transaxle with an aluminum case.

The suspension employs a 901 independent rear suspension with custom-narrowed trailing arms, PEP adjustable dampers, and front and rear sway bars, alongside a custom rack-and-pinion steering setup. Bringing this 356 to a quick stop is a unique designed four-wheel disc brake system with a parking brake and ATE master cylinder. The 16x5.5-inch Outlaw billet wheels in a satin black finish are mounted on brushed hubs and wear 205/55 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires.

Inside, Vine Green leather with perforated inserts covers lowered reclining bucket seats whose backrests have been extended by two inches for each occupant. Gray square-weave carpeting with rubber floor mats, two-point competition harnesses, rear seat deletion, black knobs and escutcheons, and a custom aluminum passenger grab handle complete the trim. A MOMO steering wheel with a laser-etched leather horn button sits ahead of a 120 mph speedometer, 8,000 RPM tachometer, and a 904 triple gauge, with Classic Retrofit electric air conditioning rounding out the build. At 1,975 pounds, the completed car reflects the weight discipline that defines the 356 platform.

With just 416 miles from completion at the time of cataloging, this Emory Special Cabriolet is among the most ambitious open-top commissions in the Emory catalog and is now offered in near-new condition, allowing its next caretaker the chance to experience it in its full glory without the need to wait.