The iconic Porsche 356 has a rich and storied history, but who would have thought that in 2025, more than 75 years after the first example rolled off the production line, we would still be celebrating Outlaw versions of these cars!
This Porsche 356(B) Outlaw has undoubtedly ruined my future 356 driving experiences. The moment you lay eyes on this car, you realise any resemblance to a standard model is purely coincidental.
Purists might frown on this machine, but it has delectable design details, and after spending some time behind the wheel, I now have a heightened appreciation of these custom Porsche 356s and their appeal.
In the classic Porsche world, the term “Outlaw” is a badge of honour for a specific style of customisation. The name stems from the 1950s, when a subculture of (especially North America-based) enthusiasts began modifying their 356s for improved performance and a more aggressive look, going against the “rules” of purists who insisted on originality.
See also: Porsche 356 vs Porsche 912: Classic Comparison
These cars broke from convention with features like deleted bumpers, dropped suspension, and bigger engines – they were the rebels of the classic car world; who wouldn’t expect this example to be terrifically fun to pilot?
That trend has continued to this day, and Porsche 356 Outlaws are much loved across the globe. Head over to Emory Motorsports, for example, to see the alluring work they do with these cars.
Details of this Porsche 356 Outlaw
The late owner of this Porsche invested a considerable sum to make this car a true 356 Outlaw. Thanks to assistance from The Archive, I can confirm that the following updates have been made to the car:
Apart from the engine (more about that later), it has an EMPI 98 3002 B Aluminium Rhino Case gearbox with custom internals, a strengthened driveshaft, upgraded suspension and brakes, a custom internal half cage, a safety harness, upgraded lighting and wiring, plus aircon, to name but a few features.
The exterior has been given a Man in Black aesthetic: the bumpers have been deleted, it sits closer to the road, and up front are two new spotlights. Where the original headlight lenses used to be, a chrome grille has been fitted.
At the back, underneath the rear of the car, the very prominent exhaust system has been fitted, and it’s easy to see the expert welding for this system.
Open the engine cover, and the Fat Performance 2.6-litre, flat-4 petrol engine is immediately visible. I immediately wonder how 135 kW at the wheels and 277 Nm of torque would feel in such a light car.
Driving the Porsche 356 Outlaw
And the interior? It’s fully customised, of course. The small, narrow dashboard is covered with Alcantara; I wrap my fingers around the 3-spoke brushed-aluminium and leather-covered Momo steering wheel.
The seats, drilled to make them lighter, remind me of the pews one might find in an old aeroplane. They are visually appealing while also being selectively cushioned in the right places.
Otherwise, Porsche 356 owners will recognise all the dials, but apart from that, it looks unlike any other 356 cabin. To my left, almost halfway between my hip and knee, is the custom gear lever with its unique linkages working their way towards the rear of the car.
The moment you turn the key, a couple of lights switch on close to the dials, and a typical, but deeper and stronger, burbling sound from the engine and the significantly bigger exhaust pipes fills the cabin.
With a car like a 356 Outlaw, you don’t know what to expect in terms of performance. You expect it to be better, but the moment I nudged the accelerator pedal towards the floor, I was genuinely impressed.
I had a laugh-out-loud moment in the car. The additional power and torque, but especially the torque, are immediately available at low revs. It feels as if the rev needle only climbs by a few hundred rpm, yet you are being propelled down the road in a manner that’s scarcely believable from a 65-year-old car.
The performance is laughably fun, and through a couple of corners, I demand more from the Outlaw than I would from any standard Porsche 356. It grips, it feels light, and the moment you prod the accelerator pedal again, there is enough torque to quickly accelerate out of the corner.
The grip levels are impressive, and the disc brakes give the car a touch of modern performance.
Summary
The Porsche 356(b) Outlaw is not a cheap sportscar, especially considering the extensive restoration and improvements that have been done to it. However, it remains one of the smoothest designs from arguably one of the highlighted design eras of the 20th century. Giving it this touch of modernity and additional performance makes it one of the most fun classic car experiences I have had in a long time.
Whether you are an anorak for factory-standard cars or a petrolhead that enjoys customisation, we all have to admit that sometimes there is a place for a job well done, and this 356 is a perfect example.
Thanks to Moto Village in Tokia, Cape Town, for making the test drive possible; the vehicle was subsequently sold by Modern Classic Collective.
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