OVERVIEW
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Delivered new in Slate Grey from Vasek Polak
Matching numbers engine and transmission
53 years continuous original ownership
Canepa high-performance “Outlaw” restoration
Porsches are special kinds of automobiles that many connect with, some ordering their dream car and often keeping it for years, or even decades. This 1964 Porsche 356SC is one such example, with the original owners keeping this special coupe for more than half a century. Used as a daily driver until 1985, taken out for special occasions thereafter, and finally receiving a ground-up restoration between 2001 and 2003, this 356 led a charmed life.
Completed at the Porsche factory on November 7th, 1963, it was optioned in Slate Grey over black leatherette, with ventilated chrome wheels, extended steering column, chrome horn ring, and Dunlop tires. Jerry and Patricia Stebbins purchased the car from none other than Vasek Polak, the first official Porsche-only dealership in the United States, located in Hermosa Beach, California. Jerry and his wife Patricia enjoyed their 356SC for many years, taking long road trips up and down the coast, and across country. When they weren’t traveling Jerry used it as his main mode of transportation from purchase in 1964 all the way until 1985. Once it was retired from daily duty, it was kept in their garage where it was taken out on special occasions.
In 2001, the Stebbins’ had Gary Kempton of GK Restorations begin the process of restoring their beloved 356 back to new condition. A no expense-spared build, the total cost when completed in 2003 exceeded $180,000. A complete nut-and-bolt restoration, every surface and component was restored, replaced, or refurbished to better-than-new condition. During the process, a 12-volt electrical conversion was performed.
Once completed in 2003, Jerry and Patricia kept the pristine 356 in their garage when not in use, protected under a cover and with a dehumidifier to ensure a stable environment. As time progressed the car saw less use due to Jerry and Patricia’s age, and with the passing of Jerry in 2017, Patricia finally made the hard decision to let go of the Slate Grey 356 after 53 years of continual ownership.
When Bruce Canepa discovered that the Stebbins’ 356 was available for purchase, he knew that the original Slate Grey SC Coupe would be the perfect foundation for one of his high-performance “Outlaw” builds. Upon delivery at Canepa, the car was thoroughly inspected, and found to be in incredible corrosion-free condition throughout. The entire car was then completely dismantled down to the last nut and bolt, and subjected to a full concourse-level restoration in Canepa’s award winning facility.
Canepa's “Outlaw” modifications include suspension upgrades and 6” wide wheels, painted in Liquid Metal and fitted with Pirelli P6000 195/65 R15 performance tires, providing just the right stance and deft handling. A full custom exhaust exits through a Carrera rear valance. The front grilles have been deleted, exposing the auxiliary alloy oil cooler, and front and rear bumpers have been fitted with Carrera trim, and pulled tight to the body for a sleeker overall profile. Additionally, the side trim has been deleted along with the reflectors on the tail lights, and the front headlights have been upgraded to better illuminate the quickly diminishing road ahead.
The Outlaw theme continues in the interior. Canepa’s expert upholstery division crafted GT seats in green leather, with matching beautifully pleated door, rear, and side panels. This is offset by a medium grey square weave carpet, a matching carpeted center tunnel with green leather accelerator heel pad, and color coordinated Alcantara headliner and sun visors. Jewel like custom-made GT style gauges feature a 160 mph limit speedometer, 7,000 rpm redline tachometer, and tri-functional auxiliary gauge, all framed by a stunning reduced-diameter period wood-rimmed steering wheel.
With Canepa’s engine room fully occupied by Motorsports and 959 builds, it was decided to send the original matching numbers engine to 356 guru, John Willhoit in Long Beach, California for modification to his WR 2.2 specification. The case was prepped for 2.2 litres and fitted with an 84mm stroker crank with matching Carillo rods. 91mm Durabar cylinders and CP pistons are topped with custom CNC ported big valve heads and matched big bore manifolds, and fed by Weber 44IDF carburetors. A full flow oil filtration system with an auxiliary front oil cooler keeps oil temperatures down, and a CSP electronic distributor with a custom curve provides for accurate, maintenance free operation. Upon completion the 356 engine was tested on Willhoit’s Dyno, confirming power now at 160hp, and 160 lb-ft of torque, providing for an exhilarating driving experience.
Rarely does one of Bruce Canepa’s 356 “Outlaw” conversions become available, most being pre-sold or pre-ordered, and typically taking two plus years to build. As such, this genuine SC presents a rare opportunity to purchase a spectacular high-performance example that was delivered new by Vasek Polak in its most desirable Slate Grey. Having led a charmed life under the care of a single owner for 53 years, and still retaining its original matching numbers engine and gearbox, no detail has been overlooked in producing this incredible one-of-a-kind Canepa 356SC Outlaw Coupe.
