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Car Tales: Outlaw Life, Porsche 356A 1600 Cabriolet Outlaw

What a beautiful car is this Porsche 356A 1600 Cabriolet Outlaw. Oh, and by the way, what is an ‘Outlaw’? It’s a Porsche that has been considerably modified, a stock car touched-up and tweaked until it is racing-car fast, often at considerable expense, a tangible manifestation of the creator’s concept.
1957 Porsche 356A 1600 Cabriolet Outlaw for sale
At the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show in September of 1955, Porsche released the update on the 356: the 356A/1600 with cabriolet, coupe and speedster bodies from Reutter.

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At the core, this included a larger 1600 cc engine, but also a curved-glass windshield and a thoroughly revised suspension. That larger 1582 cc engine had higher compression to take advantage of the available higher octane fuels.
1957 Porsche 356A 1600 Cabriolet Outlaw side view
A Type 616/2 Super engine was offered as an option with raised power. Extensive testing by the experimental department known as Versuchsabteilung resulted in numerous suspension and drive-line mounting changes before the final 356A specification was decided.
They softened the springs by removing leaves from the torsion cars and fitted stiffer dampers. This was done to take advantage of a more modern tire technology which allowed for a smaller-diameter 15-inch tire and a wider tread with reduced air pressures.
All such improvements feature in our phenomenal 1957 Porsche 356A 1600 Cabriolet Outlaw that is finished in Aquamarine Blue (SALE PENDING!). As a California car, this Porsche boasts a plethora of remarkable features that make it a true standout in the automotive world.
This Outlaw boasts a range of impressive aspects; a 4-speed manual transaxle, Zenith dual carburetors, VDO-branded instrumentation, a body-color dashboard, EMPI shifter, dual exhaust, black convertible soft top, MOMO steering wheel, Hella headlights, nerf bar bumpers, nipple-style hubcaps with the iconic Porsche emblem, and top-of-the-line Vredestein tires.
1957 Porsche 356A 1600 Cabriolet Outlaw rear view
In terms of convenience, this 356A comes equipped with beehive tail lights, comfortable Speedster seats, lap belts for added safety, a spacious glove box for storage, and manual crank windows for a touch of vintage charm.
In addition to its optimal performance, this example also comes with special features that set it apart from the rest. The extensive investment of over $43,000 in upgrades and enhancements from October 2015 through December 2023 showcases the dedication to maintaining and improving this classic Porsche. Notably, an engine overhaul was completed in November 2015 at a cost of $13,768.26, with receipt copies available to attest to the care and attention invested on this vehicle over the years. With receipt copies to prove the care and attention to detail, you can rest assured that this vehicle has been lovingly preserved and enhanced over the years.
1957 Porsche 356A 1600 Cabriolet Outlaw interior
The fact that today you still may drive one of these legendary cars is due to the almost equally revered Max Hoffman, in the 1950s the sole US Porsche importer. Hoffman was the impetus for some of the most iconic cars of the mid-20th century, including the Porsche 356 Speedster, Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, BMW 2002 & 507 roadster, Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider, and more.
Max Hoffman was considered the driving force behind the introduction and promotion of marques like MG, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Fiat, Healey and others into the USA
The first 356As had been sold in the USA as Porsche 365A Continentals – the idea of Hoffman, apparently, who desired a distinctive brand-name rather than merely a number.This led to a lawsuit from Ford, the makers of the Lincoln Continental. Accordingly, by 1956 the equivalent model was being sold as ‘the European’.
Maximilian Edwin Hoffmann had been born in Vienna in 1904 – his father had a workshop for sewing machines and bicycles – and he started racing cars and motorcycles at a young age.
In the early 1930s he and a partner founded ‘Automobilhandel Hoffmann & Huppert’, Europe’s first importer for Sweden’s Volvo.
Business went well until the Nazis took Austria in 1938. Because of his Jewish origin, Hoffman fled to France and then to the US. Due to the war, the market for cars was very slow, making it then impossible to follow his passion for automobiles.
But with his impeccable intuition for market possibilities and niches, Hoffman started creating women’s jewelry, and hit the mark, earning a small fortune.
mralexmanos outlaw
With the war being over, Max Hoffman turned to his true passion – fast and luxurious automobiles.
And you wouldn’t have the Porsche 356A without him.
Maybe Max was the original Outlaw.
-Alex Manos, Owner
Porsche 356A buyer Alex Manos

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