Fantasy Junction

Description

1959 Porsche 356A Coupe “Outlaw”

Chassis No. – 107317
Engine No. – 716621
Exterior Color – Gulf Blue
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 1.7-liter air-cooled flat four cylinder
Transmission – 4-speed 716 transaxle
Current Miles – 24,448 miles TMU

Highlights for this car

1720 cc twin-plug engine built by expert Andy Prill of Prill Porsche Classics
Formerly owned by 1985 Indianapolis 500 winner Danny Sullivan
Fitted with front disc brakes and Koni shock absorbers

Modifications from Original

15” Alloy “Wide-5” wheels
Bosch twin-plug ignition
Marchal driving lamps
Headlight stone guards
Le Mans style “through the hood” fuel filler
Speedster seats with competition seat harnesses
Lexan side windows with pull-up leather straps
Louvered single grille engine lid with leather straps

General Overview

In 1948, the 356 became the first Porsche to proudly bear the family name. Over the years, the 356 evolved with design and mechanical refinements until 1965, when production yielded to the 911. In recent years many specially modified 356 models have earned the name “Outlaw”, becoming an integral part of the vintage Porsche ownership experience. Outlaws are identified by their stance, vintage integrity, and subtle changes, built to preserve the vintage experience with upgrades to mechanical features that improve driving. This particular car is extraordinarily well executed from the outside, engineered for performance driving, and delightful refined on the inside.

General Overview and History

This Reutter-bodied coupe has been modified with a host of impressive exterior, interior, and engine enhancements resulting in a truly outstanding 356 reimagined in the Outlaw tradition. The build included fitting a lightweight aluminum front storage lid and aluminum engine lid, installation of pull-up Lexan side windows, and the installation of a roll bar. Formerly owned by 1985 Indianapolis 500 winner Danny “Spin to Win” Sullivan, this car was also reportedly formerly owned by Rob Dickenson of Singer Automotive. Completed around 2005, and mechanically updated in 2013 under Sullivan’s ownership, this build included extensive reworking for the engine performed by Andy Prill in 2004 comprehensive restoration to all parts and components, glass out repaint, and new interior. In 2013, the engine in this car was updated and front disc brakes installed by Prill while under the ownership of Danny Sullivan. Engine specifications for the build performed and representative of the car today include 86mm 10.5:1 Shasta pistons and barrels, Solex P11 40 carburetors, Carillo connecting rods, Scat billet steel crankshaft, 200mm flywheel (lightened), full flow oil system, Neutek SX2 camshaft, oil cooler, and twin-spark RSR distributor.

The current owner purchased this Porsche in 2021 and has driven it approximately 2,000 miles with regular services performed including fluid changes and general maintenance as part of a private collection.

General Condition

As one of the best builds we’ve seen in a long time, this 356 offers a fantastic combination of vintage charm and upgraded performance. The Gulf Blue paint is in excellent condition with impressive cosmetic finishes and details throughout. The paintwork is smooth and glossy with no major flaws to detract from the overall excellent presentation. The aluminum and steel bodywork was completed to high standards with all panels opening and shutting as expected, displaying excellent panel fit and equal fine quality on the inside and underside surfaces. The chrome is also excellent throughout as are the lights, lenses, and glass.

Though the restoration was completed 20 years ago, the finishes remain crisp and surprisingly fresh. Tasteful enhancements built into the car include a louvered engine lid, a Le Mans style outside fuel filler through the aluminum hood, leather hood straps, headlight stone guards, and leather strap pulls for the Lexan side windows, all of which deliver a strong competition aesthetic A pair of Marchal road lamps with yellow bulbs are perched over the body colored front bumper while the rear bumper is topped by teardrop lenses. Every detail has been carefully thought out including the lightening holes drilled into the windshield wiper arms. The stance is perfect, lowered and level, enhanced by the Wide-5 rims wearing Avon radial tires.

The interior displays superb workmanship and custom touches, high quality materials, very nice fit, and delightful details. The instruments, dash, and assorted brightwork are excellent throughout. The dials on the instruments are beautifully finished, fronted by a rich wood rimmed Moto Lita steering wheel. Of note, the 8k tachometer is particularly appropriate given the extra power on tap. A pair of fiberglass replica Speedster seats are covered in cord and black leatherette, with charcoal square weave carpets for the seat backs and floor carpeting through the rear parcel section in place of the formerly installed rear seats. The rear section can be used for luggage storage, held in place using the leather hold down straps. The car has been fitted with a roll bar and competition seat harnesses are fitted to the bar for both driver and passenger.

The engine compartment and trunk are in excellent condition and reflect the quality of the restoration and care offered by notable enthusiasts over the past 20 years. The twin-plug engine, commissioned under Danny Sullivan’s ownership, fits nicely into this package with modifications that are not so obvious to the untrained eye, as period finishes and parts have been used to convey an authentic vintage feel with the added delight of additional horsepower from the 1720cc engine. The front storage compartment is in excellent condition housing a matching spare tire and finishes consistent with original construction. The underside of the car is also in excellent condition revealing the front disc brakes, Koni shock absorbers, clean and correct engine and gearbox castings, and no visual evidence of structural compromise to the chassis, floor pans, or suspension mounting points.

This 356 is an absolute joy to drive. The engine makes great power and delivers an enhanced vintage driving experience with confident driving manners. The engine starts easily, revs well, and, according to the builder, delivers over 135hp. The car pulls cleanly through the rev range, pulling away from a stop with progressive acceleration, making it very much at home in modern traffic. Handling is well balanced and braking vastly improved due to the front disc brakes. Overall, this 356 offers the next owner a wonderful chance to participate in a host of Porsche club events and tours or show with pride at local car shows and regional Porsche gatherings.

Items Included with the Car

This Porsche 356 is accompanied by a factory jack and tire changing tools, a set of spark plugs, a tool roll and assorted tools, a spare fan belt and a pair of red carburetor trumpet caps.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608