Okay, so I’ve been obsessed with classic Porsches forever, and the 356A? Forget about it. Total dream car. But, you know, real ones are, like, ridiculously expensive. So, I started thinking, “Why not build my own outlaw version?” Sounds crazy, right? It kinda was, but totally worth it.
The Hunt Begins
First, I needed a car. Not just any 356, though. I wanted a project, something I could really tear down and rebuild. I spent weeks, maybe months, scouring online listings, forums, you name it. Finally, I found this beat-up ’58 356A coupe in, get this, a barn in rural Pennsylvania. It was rough, rusted, and the interior was basically gone. Perfect!
Tear Down Time
Getting it back to my garage was an adventure in itself. Once I had it home, the real fun began. I literally took the whole thing apart. Every nut, bolt, and panel. Labelled everything (rookie mistake not to the first time I tackled a project!), bagged it, and took tons of pictures. This part took forever, but it’s crucial. You gotta know what goes where when you put it all back together.
Rust Repair & Bodywork – My Own Worst Enemy
The body was, well, a mess. Years of neglect and that barn life took their toll. I learned how to weld, which, let me tell you, is harder than it looks. Lots of YouTube tutorials, some burned metal (and fingers!), and eventually, I started to get the hang of it. I patched up rust holes, hammered out dents, and slowly but surely, the 356 started to look like a car again.
The Outlaw Vision – Suspension and Engine
This is where the “outlaw” part really comes in. I didn’t want a perfect restoration. I wanted something meaner, lower, faster. I went with an upgraded suspension – adjustable coil-overs, disc brakes all around. Stuff that would make it handle like a modern car, but still keep that vintage feel.
The engine was a whole other beast. The original was toast, so I sourced a slightly later, more powerful 356 engine. I rebuilt it myself, which was probably the most challenging part of the whole project. But hearing that flat-four fire up for the first time? Man, that was a good day.
Paint and Interior – The Finishing Touches
I debated paint colors for weeks. Finally settled on this classic Slate Grey. It just felt right. The interior was another challenge. I wanted something simple, but not completely stripped down. I found some vintage-style bucket seats, wrapped them in red leather, and kept the rest pretty minimal. No radio, just the essentials.
Putting everything back together after spending weeks of labor work, I really felt rewarded, no radio though, I believe I can add it on later.
Rolling Out – Finally!
The first drive was nerve-wracking, to be honest. But once I got it out on the road, all that work, all those headaches, it all faded away. It’s loud, it’s raw, and it turns heads everywhere. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine. And that’s what the outlaw spirit is all about, right? Building something unique, something that reflects your own vision.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Maybe a 911 next time…
