I got emotional. If you've already seen the featured video, you may have noticed that I got emotional driving this Porsche 356 from 1955 — somewhere around 7:00 I even felt moisture near the front “optics”.
There are several reasons for such excitement, and almost all of them are rooted in this Porsche 356 pre-A from 1955.
We chose this model to open the classics trials on our YouTube Channel, not just because it is the car it is, but because of everything it represents.
A Porsche 356 Outlaw by SportClasse
This Porsche 356 restored by SportClasse is a rebel. And we also feel that way: rebels. Rebels with a cause.
We want Razão Automóvel to be, more and more, an unavoidable reference in the automotive scene in Portugal.
When no one took a risk online, we took a risk; when no one believed in social media, we bet; when we were told it was impossible, we continued. The result is in sight.
And as for YouTube, you know very well what we think.
This 1955 Porsche 356 pre-A is also a rebel. For years it was attacked mercilessly by rust and the relentless passage of time, but it survived and there it is, better than ever! About two years ago, it began to be restored in SportClasse workshops, not to its original condition, but to a new condition. For Outlaw Condition.
An engine full of character
The original flat-4 engine saw its capacity rise to 2.0 liters, the engine's internal parts were upgraded (rods, crankshaft, etc), the intake system was completely overhauled and the exhaust system too — well, and what a sound!
In terms of gearbox, we have a five-speed manual that delivers in an exemplary way the 140 hp of power (estimated) to the rear axle that has a self-locking differential. Period tires struggle inglorious to put all their strength to the ground.
To maintain the reliability of the mechanics, SportClasse added an oil cooler (with electric fan) at the front. It's hidden under the wheel arch.
An accompanying chassis
In terms of chassis, we have an interior roll bar, structural reinforcements throughout the body, aluminum central tank, Bilstein suspensions and four-wheel disc brakes. The adjustment of the suspensions is designed to favor behavior at the expense of comfort.
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The result is a Porsche 356 capable of delivering unique driving sensations. How unique? Very unique.
And with a flat-4 engine at the rear delivering an estimated power of 140 hp, these modern accessories (suspensions, brakes and structural reinforcements) make all the difference. More than making a difference… they are mandatory!
Without betraying the original concept, this 356 is a superlative of all the qualities we recognize from the first Porsche in history.
A car we saw born
For almost two years I had the privilege of watching (and sometimes hindering) the work of Mr. Ramiro Henriques and Mr. Luís Ferreira, the two SportClasse technicians responsible for this unit. They were the ones who, under the guidance of Jorge Nunes — an inseparable name for the Porsche brand in Portugal — rebuilt this magnificent Porsche 356 pre-A.
See the image gallery (swipe):
Image of the aluminum tank and the spare wheel.
I repeat the word: privilege. It was a privilege to watch the most important moments of this restoration. It was there when the matte gray color was decided, it was there when the seats arrived, it was there when the engine started for the first time. I was there most of the time — and I helped at times. Okay, maybe I got in the way more than I helped...
If it weren't for the 195,000 euros that SportClasse asks for this unit, this Porsche 356 Outlaw would go straight to my garage.
The end result is simply superb. I don't know how much longer I can go downstairs to our newsroom and find this Porsche 356 Outlaw down there, but I know I'll never forget the day he and I were one. Rebels with a cause.