The Porsche 356 has become an icon, and today, almost every example is deemed a candidate for salvation. Many are rebuilt as pleasurable drivers, while others are exactingly restored and contend in international concours. However, more than a few owners dismiss the idea of returning their Porsche just-like-it-left-the-factory. They enjoy customizing their cars in ways that Zuffenhausen would never have conceived. Their non-conformist ideas have roots in the true hot-rod and custom shops that had emerged in Southern California.

In the same spirit of reinvention, this 356 C coupe was chosen to be elevated to ‘Outlaw’ status, beginning in 2012 with a restoration of all body panels at Backyard Legends in Concord, North Carolina. After widening the rear arches to accept larger wheels and tires, Backyard Legends sprayed the 356 C’s chassis with rust-preventing epoxy before painting it a striking shade of Albert Blue and sending it to GTS Classics in Austin, Texas to complete the complimentary light tan leather interior and matching square weave wool carpets.

An extreme performance upgrade followed, the coupe’s original four-cylinder powerplant was swapped for a six-cylinder, horizontally opposed engine from a 1975 911. Rebuilt by Porsche specialist David Brown to a capacity of 2.8-liters, this upgraded motor is more than sufficient for the ‘Outlaw’ to keep up with its contemporaries. A custom KW coilover suspension setup with two-way dampening further modernizes the ride.

With a tubular steel chassis designed by former Brumos Racing Crew Chief Mike Colucci, this stunning custom has received the blessing of many Porsche insiders. Showing fewer than 375 miles since its restoration, this thoroughly-built 356 C coupe possesses all the elements of a thrilling driver’s car, though it presents equally well as a show car and statement piece about the quality of workmanship possible in a mere ‘Outlaw.’