Description
1954 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Coupé Outlaw
Chassis No.: 51451
Coachwork by: Reutter
First Delivered: May 1954 via Hoffmans, New York
Original Colour: Adria Blue (R509) – recently refinished in its factory shade
Engine: Super 90 unit, bored out to 1800cc, approx. 125bhp
Transmission: Original 4-speed manual
Outlaw Build by: Dario Calandra, in collaboration with Emory Motorsports
Imported to UK: 2013
Recent Ownership: Purchased in 2020 for over £300, 000
Accompanied by: Porsche Certificate of Authenticity
Although Ferdinand Porsche had built a name in automotive engineering long before WWII, it wasn't until the late 1940s that the Porsche name adorned its own car. The 356 was that car – a rear-engined, air-cooled sports coupe that would go on to define a legacy. With production starting in Austria and then moving to Stuttgart, early ‘Pre-A’ models like this one - chassis 51451 - offer a glimpse into the brand’s origins and its uncompromising focus on driving purity.
This particular example was delivered new to Hoffmans of New York in May 1954, originally specified as a 1500S and finished in Adria Blue (R509) with De Luxe USA optional equipment. Unlike the more common 1100 or 1300 variants, the 1500S offered more performance, a trait that has been carefully enhanced and evolved over the years.
The car was later acquired by renowned Canadian Porsche collector Dario Calandra, a close friend of Rod Emory, the founder of Emory Motorsports. Built with extraordinary attention to detail, this 356 was crafted in the spirit of Emory’s own work. In fact, Rod Emory confirmed their involvement and awarded it an honorary Emory badge – a rare and respected gesture within the Porsche Outlaw community. A photograph of the car at Emory Motorsports is included within the car’s history file, underlining its legitimacy and the level of build quality achieved.
Imported to the UK in 2013, the car was further developed for real-world usability by its previous custodian. The original engine was replaced with a Super 90 unit, bored out to 1800cc and now producing around 125bhp, paired to the car’s original four-speed gearbox. Years of suspension refinement mean the car now drives superbly on A-roads and motorways alike – balancing period character with genuine capability.
The specification list is both extensive and authentic, featuring Carrera GT-spec drum brakes, a period Carrera fuel tank with racing-style bonnet filler, leather bonnet straps, Bosch driving lamps, and a host of carefully curated aesthetic and mechanical touches. These include a Speedster seat for the driver, a Porsche 550-style mechanic’s seat for the passenger, plexiglass windows, a half roll cage, rear seat delete, racing harnesses, quad-outlet exhaust, and more – all expertly executed by respected specialists Border Reivers.
Most recently, the car underwent a bare-metal, glass-out repaint in its original factory colour of Adria Blue – a stunning finish that only enhances its period-correct character. Today, this 356 stands not only as a tribute to the earliest years of Porsche, but also as a testament to the Outlaw movement: a celebration of form, performance, and individuality, beautifully brought together in one of the most iconic silhouettes in automotive history.
Mechanically, it’s equally impressive. The engine benefits from a full major service carried out by Exotic Sports & Super Car Service in Eastleigh. It then underwent an advanced carburettor setup at Tom Aireys in Winchester, complete with rolling road tuning, ensuring optimal performance and drivability. Notably it also received a full coating to the underside as a comprehensive protection measure.
An extraordinary opportunity to acquire a highly developed, expertly executed Pre-A 356 with recognised Emory connection – a car that delivers on heritage, presence, and pure driving pleasure.
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