Rod Emory has redefined what a Porsche 356 can be. Carrying forward a family legacy that began with his grandfather Neil’s Valley Custom Shop and his father Gary’s pioneering “Outlaw” builds, Rod established Emory Motorsports to push the boundaries of Porsche’s earliest sports cars. Over the past two decades, his operation has become synonymous with world-class craftsmanship, engineering excellence, and a singular design vision that blends heritage with innovation. Emory’s waitlist spans years, and each completed car is a tailored, one-of-one creation.

Completed in 2012, chassis 107523 began as a 1959 Porsche 356 A 1600 Sunroof Coupe sourced by Emory. The car was media blasted before receiving extensive metalwork, including new steel floors, longitudinals, cowl, door bottoms, battery box, and reinforced GT-style nose and tail. The chassis was seam-sealed and epoxy-coated for longevity. Finished in Porsche GT Silver, the body features a louvered engine lid with single grille, and hand-painted Mobil Pegasus graphics. A through-the-hood fuel filler, leather hood straps, and recessed Marchal fog lamps reflect Emory’s signature style.

Power comes from a 2.4-liter “Outlaw-4” flat-four developed by Rothsport Racing’s Jeff Gamroth, known for his work with Porsche’s GT racing program. Based on a sandcast case inspired by the 3.6-liter M64 flat-six, the engine features twin-plug ignition, 48 mm Weber IDA carburetors, a fiberglass fan shroud, billet camshaft tower, and factory Porsche internals where possible. Output is a reported 205 hp, delivered through a type 901 five-speed manual transaxle.

Other highlights include Emory’s 911-style rear layout with custom trailing arms, adjustable KONI shocks, and anti-sway bars at both ends. An 18-gallon Fuel Safe cell increased range and safety.

Inside, the cockpit was upholstered in saddle brown leather with Spinneybeck woven inserts and tan square-weave carpeting. Roadster-style door panels with closing pockets, a color-matched bolt-in roll bar with four-point harnesses, and a Moto-Lita wood wheel enhance the cabin. A Bluetooth-connectivity radio, ivory shift knob, and classic VDO gauges complete the interior.

As Rod Emory has said, “I don’t want to build a car that’s not going to get used. I want these guys to drive them.” True to that ethos, this Outlaw has been thoroughly enjoyed with over 10,000 miles accrued since its 2012 build. It has been featured on Jay Leno’s Garage, admired at Luftgekühlt 4, and rallied through the Colorado Grand (2021, 2022) and California Mille (2024), proving its place not just as a showpiece, but as a machine built to be driven.