1957 Porsche 356 A "Outlaw"

OVERVIEW

1957 Porsche 356A/1600 Reutter Coupe “Outlaw”
VIN: 58697

California car for majority of its history
Original sales contract, owner’s manual, Porsche maintenance booklet, maintenance docs
Porsche Certificate of Authenticity
Restored by Porsche 356 expert Don Emory
100+ horsepower (estimated) engine (original matching numbers engine included with car)
Added Canepa updates for a subtle and understated “outlaw”

This 356A completed production on February 14th, 1957. Destined for the U.S., it was optioned with Sealed Beam Headlights and American bumpers. The original automobile sale contract shows Russell J. Lanthorne Jr. as the first owner of this 356A coupe. He purchased the car from Precision Motor Cars of Beverly Hills, CA on May 28th, 1957 for a total of $4,295.20.

Lanthorne drove and enjoyed the car quite a bit during his stewardship over the course of almost 30 years. He had the foresight to keep many of his original records, including his original sales paperwork and Porsche service booklet that was stamped by a few dealers after 1957, along with his California registration stubs from 1957 to 1984. The 2nd owner, Gordon Bartow of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, purchased the car from Lanthorne in 1984, receiving all of the previously mentioned paperwork and kept his own paperwork from 1984 to 1991.

The Anthracite 356 was then sold to a well-known collector, Roland Hines, who contacted storied 356 restorer Don Emory with the intention of carrying out a complete and comprehensive restoration. Due to Emory’s exquisite and masterful craft, the steel body, the Anthracite metallic paint finish, panel gaps and overall presence of the car, to this day, are fantastic. The interior is nothing short of excellent, with a huge attention to detail in and throughout the car that separates it from the rest of its peers.

Between 2005 and 2007 the car found its way to a couple of different owners before finding Bill Boyle, who would keep the 356 in his collection for a number of years. In 2007, Bill had the idea of a big horsepower powerplant project which was concocted with Porsche 356 specialist Bruce Baker of Bruce Baker Enterprises in Collegeville, PA. With the idea to produce Carrera GS power from a normal-looking engine, Baker went to work. The engine was balanced and blueprinted, and 9.5:1 compression power unit includes all the hot rod upgrades: 86mm forged pistons, magnafluxed and polished crankshaft, balanced 356C connecting rods, lightened flywheel, Elgin profile camshaft and fully polished 912 pushrods and valvetrain. The cylinder heads were ported, a lightened clutch was installed, Zenith 32mm carburetors were added and a custom oil cooler with a billet aluminum sump plate and modified oiling system allowed for full flow filtration. Once the upgraded engine was installed, the original matching numbers engine was packaged so that it could be shipped along with the car in the future and is included with the sale of the 356.

During his ownership, Bill also performed a host of maintenance and upgrades that included the brake system being completely overhauled and rebuilt, new leather interior, and countless of other items addressed. While the engine was being built up, Bruce Baker also performed a number of upgrades and improvements including a 12-volt system conversion, adding a 380mm Moto-Lita wood steering wheel adapted with a custom hub and turn signal canceler, as well as adding other tasteful adjustments and special details on the exterior and interior while it was at Baker Enterprises. In 2008, the transaxle received a complete rebuild, which included all bearings and syncros.

In late 2017 Bill decided that he enjoyed his 356 enough that he wanted to try something new. The car arrived at Autosport Designs Inc. in the fall of 2017 where it was advertised for sale and unsurprisingly sold quickly to a new buyer. They ended up keeping the car for close to a year before it returned to Autosport Designs Inc. where it went to its most recent owner in Southern California.

Upon arriving at Canepa, the 356 was looked over extensively and carefully. Bruce, a huge fan of subtle and understated 356 “outlaws”, had a grander vision for this Anthracite Porsche and decided to make it even better with some Canepa upgrades. With the engine already hot rodded, a 12-volt system installed, and a few other things taken care of that you’d want to do during an “outlaw” build, it was the perfect starting point. Beginning with the exterior, the bumper guards and bumper over riders were removed to streamline the front and rear of the car. Wider 5.5” wheels were added, along with new wider tires giving the car an aggressive stance. Moving to the interior, Canepa removed the existing oatmeal carpet and replaced it with gray German square weave carpet, accenting the Anthracite paint. The door sill trim was painted in matte red to match the 356’s red leather surfaces, tying the interior together perfectly.

Once it received its complete mechanical inspection and upgrades, it was sent out to Canepa’s award-winning detail department where it was treated to a concours-level detail. The underside, engine bay, trunk, and interior were all cleaned before the exterior was thoroughly polished using only foam pads and light compound, revealing a stunning glow from the metallic paint finish. The interior was given the same level of treatment, cleaning each and every surface until the interior was ready to present for a show.

Now ready for its next owner to drive, show, or do both, this special Anthracite 356 “outlaw” is unique and memorable with its plethora of upgrades and unique touches for the best driving experience. Restored by an Emory, upgraded to Carrera GS power levels and given a well-loved and pampered life, this 1957 Porsche 356A with Canepa touches is nothing short of exceptional and will leave its new owner with smile that will last a lifetime.