As a long-time Porsche fan, musician John Oates of Hall & Oates fame had been longing for the perfect 356 model. He believed Emory Motorsports was the right company to approach for a one-of-a-kind classic Porsche project. Oates wanted to preserve the elegant styling of the 356 while giving the car more modern performance and other custom touches.

Emory Motorsports owner Rod Emory found the ideal donor car, a 1960 356B Cabriolet with a removable hardtop, and work on the project soon started. The team replaced the car’s damaged nose with 356A-style bodywork but leaned it back for a sleeker look. The windshield frame was modified the same way, while the removable hardtop was tailored for a more streamlined roof profile.


The builder also added 356A-style bumpers, a hood-handle delete, body-mounted driving lights, and Emory’s signature reverse-louvered deck lid. Everything was painted Graphite Grey Metallic RM paint — except the car’s custom soft top. While all of the above are subtle changes, they make a big difference to the car’s overall feel.

The car packs the new Emory-Rothsport “Outlaw-4” air-cooled 2.4-liter flat-four engine. Based on the dry-sump Porsche 3.6-liter Type 964 unit, the 200 hp powertrain incorporates the best features of three generations of the 911 power plant. The engine is mated to an early Porsche 911 901L aluminum-case 5-speed transmission.


The suspension sees its fair share of upgrades too with Emory adapting an early 911 independent rear suspension with custom-narrowed trailing arms. Adjustable Koni shocks are responsible for the ride, while front and rear sway bars control body roll during aggressive cornering.

Stopping power is supplied by a four-wheel disc brake system, while the 16-inch billet alloy wheels feature Pirelli P Zero Rosso tires. Considering that it weighs just 839 kg, the custom 356 should be really interesting to drive.

As for the interior, it bathes in Hydes cognac leather and features Speedster-style seats with basketweave inserts and 2-point competition harnesses. Other unique features include the mid-1960s Porsche 904-style triple gauge, Derrington steering wheel, and Emory Outlaw shift knob. A removable roll bar, black control knobs, radio-delete option, and traditional rubber floor mats complete the interior modifications.