Outlaw-Style 1957 Porsche 356A Sunroof Coupe

Description

Celebrated for its teardrop proportions, straightforward engineering, and storied motorsport pedigree, the Porsche 356 remains one of the most beloved sports cars of the post‑war era. Its rear‑engine, air‑cooled layout delivers a characterful driving experience that feels just as engaging today as it did on the race circuits of yesteryear.

Within the Porsche world, the Outlaw philosophy embraces period‑inspired modifications that enhance performance while remaining true to the 356’s original design. Long admired as a highly tunable canvas, the model has become a coveted platform for personalization, where carefully considered changes elevate its inherent purity without losing sight of its roots. The result is a purposeful, driver‑focused expression that honors heritage while inviting individuality—perfectly suited to those who believe classics are meant to be driven.

This 1957 Porsche 356A is a rare and highly desirable Sunroof Coupe that has been transformed into an Outlaw through a comprehensive bare‑metal refurbishment completed around 2010. The build combines period‐correct aesthetics with thoughtful performance and drivability upgrades. Refinished in black over a reupholstered red cabin, the car retains a largely original outward appearance aside from removed bumpers and the addition of period fog lights mounted on custom front nerf bars.

Power is provided by a 2.2‑liter Type 1 flat‑four built by FAT Performance in Orange, California. Accompanying dyno results reveal 126 horsepower and 156 lb‑ft of torque. The seller notes the engine has been used sparingly since the rebuild, and full specification documentation is included. Power is routed through a four‑speed manual transmission built by Rancho Performance Transaxles in Fullerton, California.

Stopping power has been modernized with 944‑derived front discs along with an aftermarket rear disc conversion that retains a functioning emergency brake. Custom 15-inch Rudge‑style knockoff wheels by HRBB, short for Hot Rods by Boyd (Coddington), are fitted with 175/65 Continental tires. Inside, the cabin features Fibersteel Speedster seats, VDO gauges said to have been overhauled, lower dash-mounted auxiliary gauges, a hidden modern audio, battery and fuel‑pump kill switches, and a folding rear seat back.

The car earned First Place in the San Diego Region Porsche Club of America (PCA) Concours (Outlaw Class), has appeared at multiple Luftgekühlt gatherings and other events, and has been featured in both print and online editorial coverage.

This 1957 Porsche 356A Sunroof Coupe Outlaw is now offered with documentation and refurbishment records, a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity (COA), and a clean California title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• 1957 Porsche 356A/1600 Reutter Sunroof Coupe

• Powered by a FAT Performance built 2.2L (2180cc) Type 1 air‑cooled flat‑four

• Rancho Performance Transaxles built 4‑speed manual transaxle

• Refinished in black over red leatherette upholstery

• Custom Rudge knockoff‑style wheels by HRBB

• Extensive historical and service documentation

Modifications

• Powertrain:

  • Air‑cooled Type 1 flat‑four enlarged to 2180cc displacement

  • Forged crankshaft with balanced rotating assembly

  • Ported cylinder heads with upgraded valve train

  • Dual Weber 44 IDF carburetors

  • Performance intake manifolds

  • Aluminum engine case

  • Engle 110 camshaft

  • High‑capacity oil pump and windage improvements

  • Electronic ignition components

  • Rancho Performance 4‑speed manual transaxle

  • Heavy‑duty street‑spec internal components

  • Custom aluminum fuel tank

• Chassis, Suspension, & Brakes:

  • Rear disc brake conversion with emergency brake

  • Factory torsion‑bar suspension configuration retained

  • 944 front disc brake conversion

• Exterior:

  • Refinished in black following a bare‑metal refurbishment circa 2010

  • Custom fog‑light‑mounted nerf bars

  • French-style glass headlight lenses

  • Period‑style brightwork and trim

  • Bumpers removed

• Interior:

  • Auxiliary oil temperature, oil pressure, and voltage gauges

  • Fibersteel Speedster buckets and rear folding seat

  • Wood-rimmed aftermarket steering wheel

  • Battery and fuel‑pump kill switches

  • Red and black CoCo floor mats

  • Red leatherette upholstery

  • Glovebox‑mounted stereo

  • Rebuilt factory gauges

• Wheels & Tires:

  • 175/65/15 Continental tires (installed April 2026)

  • 15″ Rudge knockoff‑style wheels by HRBB

  • Fuchs‑style spare wheel

• Electrical:

  • Converted to 12‑volt system

  • Replacement wiring harness

Servicing & Documentation

Please refer to the attached Service Records PDF for complete invoices, dyno sheet, and parts lists.

Notable documentation includes:

• Original 1957 German sales correspondence from Hahn Motorfahrzeuge

• FAT Performance engine build invoices and dyno results

• Factory order confirmations and delivery invoices

• Rancho Performance transaxle documentation

• Bare‑metal refurbishment records and receipts

• Porsche Certificate of Authenticity

According to historical records, the car was ordered new through Hahn Motorfahrzeuge in Stuttgart and completed in August 1957. The engine was professionally rebuilt and upgraded to 2180cc by FAT Performance in Orange, California, with extensive internal improvements and dyno verification. The transaxle was rebuilt by Rancho Performance. The accompanying documentation spans from the car’s original delivery through modern performance upgrades.

Known Imperfections

• Cosmetic wear consistent with limited post‑refurbishment use

• True Mileage Unknown: "Odometer – Not Actual Mileage"

Ownership History

This 1957 Porsche 356A Sunroof Coupe was originally purchased new in Germany by its first owner while serving in the military and remained in his care for many years, a connection commemorated by the dash‑mounted dog tag memorial plaque. During this long‑term ownership, the car was carefully preserved along with original documentation from its 1957 delivery through Hahn Motorfahrzeuge in Stuttgart.

The car was later passed to his nephew, who commissioned a comprehensive bare‑metal refurbishment reportedly completed around 2010, during which the exterior was refinished and the car was refreshed throughout while retaining its original character. A subsequent owner further developed the car’s Outlaw personality with tasteful performance‑oriented upgrades, including Speedster‑style seats, and custom Rudge knockoff‑style wheels,.

The seller is the fourth owner and has owned the car for approximately 12 years. During that time, he has methodically sorted and upgraded the mechanicals—including the FAT Performance–built 2180cc engine, Rancho‑rebuilt transaxle, upgraded braking system, and updated electrical components—while actively enjoying and showing the car, including earning First Place honors at a San Diego PCA Concours in the Outlaw class.

Included Items

• FAT Performance engine build specifications and dyno sheets

• Original sales, delivery, and factory documentation

• Refurbishment records and receipts

• Porsche Certificate of Authenticity

• Rancho transaxle documentation

• Fuchs‑style spare wheel

• Rear nerf bars