If you’ve been following the Porsche brand for any length of time, you’d know that the 356 is widely considered to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing cars they’ve ever produced. From purists to privateers, the lust for a classically-inclined example transcends that of the German manufacturer’s other offerings — and now, a Los Angeles-based restoration company helmed by Porsche specialist Rod Emory has done the unthinkable by bridging the gap between the classic car and its modern-day counterparts.
The 1960 Porsche 356 RSR Coupe is an exercise in insanity — a short order for Emory’s aptly named LA workshop, Emory Design. Built as an homage to the Porsche works 935 competition cars of the 1970s, the bestial 356 exudes an aura of pure criminality (harkening back to its roots as one of the company’s “Outlaw” variants), while retaining much of the poise that defines the brand. The preservation of the car’s original DNA was no afterthought — Emory and his team established a strict adherence to the design language of the classic Porsche, combining aspects of both the 911 and the 356 to create the masterpiece that you see before you. Beyond the platform’s striking aesthetic presence, the inclusion of a 2.4-liter “Outlaw-4” twin-turbocharged engine (a first for the car), Rothsport fuel injection, and Motec-managed ignition bring the RSR to a substantial 400-horsepower. But, as with most of Emory’s projects, there’s much more going on behind the scenes — a 90s-era 964 C2 chassis outfitted with all-original suspension pick-up points and a hand-formed nose, tail, deck, and bonnet give way to the car’s adopted 964 suspension and steering systems. The RSR’s interior is dressed accordingly — boasting custom 911-inspired seating, fiberglass footboards/dash caps, and MOMO peripherals from head to toe.
