John Oates’ 1960 Porsche 356B ‘Emory Special’
Most folks are familiar with the name John Oates due to his involvement in what might be called the most successful rock music duo in history, Hall & Oates. What you might not know, is that he’s also a lifelong Porsche fan and, apparently, has impeccable taste. Or at least that’s what we’ve gathered from his 1960 Porsche 356B ‘Emory Special.’
Working closely alongside Rod Emory, founder of Emory Motorsports, John Oates wanted this vehicle to be the ultimate Porsche 356 — and, from the looks of things, that’s exactly what he got. Magnificently restored, the spectacular car actually had to have its damaged front end swapped for 356A-style bodywork, including a modified window frame for a sleeker, more leaned-back appearance. It also boasts a new Emory-Rothsport “Outlaw-4” engine — a 2.4L number mated to an early Porsche 911 5-speed transmission and sport muffler. To top it all off, this remarkable coupe also has an early 911 independent rear suspension, adjustable Koni shocks, and both front and rear sway bars for smooth cornering.
No detail was overlooked on the inside, either, with Hydes cognac leather featured throughout, as well as two-point competition harnesses, beautiful basketweave seat inserts, a mid-1960s Porsche 904-style triple gauge in the dash, and even a removable 356 rollbar. All told, this may very well be the most perfect Porsche ever built. As if we weren’t already jealous enough of John Oates’ lifestyle.
