Chassis No. 160742

Mention the phrase “There's an Emory Outlaw over there” at a Porsche Parade, 000 Meet, or Rennsport Reunion, and you'll instantly capture the attention of Porsche enthusiasts. They'll want to know the modifications it boasts, the engine specification, and who the fortunate owner is. Emory Outlaws are no ordinary Porsche 356s—they're masterfully restored with a careful blend of period-correct racing-inspired touches, modern performance upgrades, and a unique character that only true masters can achieve. Despite Emory Motorsports' prominent status in the Porsche world, it remains a tight-knit, family-run operation, fueled by skilled craftsmen deeply committed to their work. In many ways, it mirrors the early days of Porsche, when the original Gmünd 356s were hand-built in postwar Austria by a small, familial team with a shared passion.

This 356 C includes a digital copy of its original Kardex warranty card, confirming how it left Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen 61 years ago—delivered to MAHAG Porsche in Munich, Germany on July 6, 1964, finished in Ruby Red with a Black leather interior, chrome-plated wheels, and black Coco Mats. But it's the Emory modifications that truly set it apart. Every Emory build starts with a completely stripped unibody, where rust and imperfections—typical in older Porsches—are carefully corrected and metal-finished to perfection. The result is a straight, rust-free chassis that forms the foundation of each project. It's a signature Emory practice to showcase rows of bare-metal 356s, precisely aligned with bumpers, hoods, doors, and engine lids, before any paint is applied. Chassis number 160742 was no exception—receiving the same meticulous, handcrafted treatment that defines every Emory Outlaw.

Built for a client in Beverly Hills, this 356 is a showcase of Emory's signature craftsmanship—appearing subtly modified at first glance, but revealing its complexity upon closer inspection. The body was refinished in 6401 Schiefergrau (Slate Grey), giving it a timeless and understated look. Up front, bumper-mounted Marchal driving lights were added, the hood secured with leather straps, and a GT-style center-fill opening was cut into the hood to access the 18-gallon fuel cell. The hood handle was removed for a cleaner appearance, and bullet-style side mirrors were relocated to the front fenders. At the rear, the car maintains a largely original look, aside from a stainless dual exhaust exiting just beneath the bumper. A black fabric soft top and custom tonneau cover complete the exterior styling. Inside, the cabin is trimmed in rich red leather covering the seats, door panels, and dash pad, contrasted by oatmeal-colored square-weave carpeting on the lower surfaces. In keeping with the car's refined aesthetic, a wood-rimmed, three-spoke Nardi steering wheel stands out, but the real story is in the details: a triple 904-style gauge cluster on the left tracks oil temperature, oil pressure, and fuel level; the tachometer features a raised redline; and the speedometer tops out at 160 miles per hour—all quiet hints at the performance potential hidden beneath the surface.

Lifting the twin-grille engine lid reveals that this Outlaw Cabriolet isn't powered by a standard or even modified 1,600 cc pushrod engine. Instead, Emory has equipped it with a 2.4-liter POLO twin-plug flat-four with dry sump lubrication. As noted on the build sheet this custom engine produces 185-horsepower, delivering power to the rear wheels through an aluminum-cased four-speed type 901 manual transmission. It draws air through dual 48 mm Weber IDA carburetors and exhales via a twin-outlet stainless steel exhaust. To manage the extra heat generated by more than double the original output, a remote oil cooler has been added. Stopping power comes from 356 C-style disc brakes, tucked behind custom 15 x 5.5-inch billet alloy wheels. Underneath, a 901-style independent rear suspension setup with custom-narrowed trailing arms and both front and rear sway bars ensures this Outlaw stays composed at speed.

Calling an Emory Outlaw merely the sum of its parts doesn't come close to capturing its essence. With 185 horsepower and a curb weight around 2,000 pounds, this car delivers exceptional performance—something Rod Emory himself affirmed, describing it as “such a great car to drive.” In September 2022, the Outlaw Cabriolet returned to Emory Motorsports for a full checkup and most recently the car saw a service at Fast Cars Ltd. For an inspection and service in April 2024. While many custom 356s cruise the roads of the American West, Emory Outlaws stand in a class of their own. With timeless lines, understated yet purposeful modifications, and serious performance via a custom POLO powerplant, this 356 C Emory Outlaw Cabriolet is a perfect example of what sets them apart.