Highlights

• Stunning Porsche 356 replica build using classic Volkswagen chassis
• Built to a high standard using a Mark Roach 356 body
• Striking colour scheme understood to be Aston Martin Divine Red
• “Outlaw” style with various custom touches
• Aircooled mechanical setup

The Appeal

 
The Porsche 356, a car that never fails to turn heads and simply exudes class. The Stuttgart legend’s first production model, the 356 was lightweight, nimble and an excellent performer. The model did an excellent job of cementing the marque as a maker of truly excellent sports cars, and as such the model still commands legendary status to this day. With quite the reputation behind them, genuine 356’s are highly sought after in the collector scenes and as such command immense values when arriving on the market. Whilst not ideal if you’re looking to break into 356 ownership on a smaller budget, their popularity and desirability have resulted in a rapidly expanding and rather alluring custom replica scene.
 
Combining the simply exquisite styling of the Porsche 356 with more modern engineering and build quality, replica 356s offer all of the benefits of the real thing at a far more attainable level, and the example we see here is of course no exception to this notion.

Built using a modified chassis from a 1973 Volkswagen 1300 Beetle, OET 305M presents in absolutely marvellous condition inside and out and looks every part the Porsche 356. Built in the less commonly seen “outlaw” style and finished in a striking colourway with some choice modifications and custom touches this is a very special car and a wonderful demonstration of a quality replica 356.
 

 

The History and Paperwork

• First registered 16/10/1973
• The vehicle utilises an early 1970s Volkswagen chassis
• Built and used as a prize for a popular online competition website
• Auction took place in October 2024
• V5 registration document present with the vehicle
• Registered under the historic vehicle tax class

 

The Condition

• Thoroughly well presented car, exceptionally clean and aesthetically striking
• The new body shell is understood to be a “Mark Roach” 356 replica body
• Finished in a delightful and eye catching metallic colourway we understand to be Aston Martin Divine Red
• The paintwork itself is of a very high standard throughout, highlighting very little if anything in terms of blemishing or general marking 
• Bodywork and external trim are generally very clean and well preserved, with the winner of the car having reportedly only covered a few hundred miles
• Yellow headlight lenses to play into the “outlaw” aesthetic
• JBW 15” alloy wheels at all four corners, in great overall shape
• Exterior lights badging and glass work look to be in fine form
• Side windows replaced with plexiglass for improved weight reduction
• Clean smartly presented interior space
• Bucket seats in the front of the cabin finished in grey leather and alcantara
• Seating both front and rear are presented in exceptionally clean fashion and look to have seen very limited use throughout their time
• Painted body coloured dash panel
• Wood rim tri spoke steering wheel
• Internal switchgear, fixtures and panels look to be in fine fettle
• SCAT shifter fitted
• Upgraded audio system with radio head unit and aftermarket speaker system
• Metal checker plate protective sill panels
• Lightweight internal door pulls and window mechanisms
• Clean well fitting headliner
• Grey leather dashboard topper
• Upgraded gauges with LED display functions

 

The Mechanics

• The 356 has retained its classic rear mounted air cooled setup utilising an iconic flat four air cooled engine
• Understood to be a 1641cc unit in this particular car
• Paired to a classic manual transmission
• The car fires into life well with a delightful engine note from the twin exhaust system
• The listing report provided with the car at the time of competition states that as part of the 356 build the car was fitted with new brakes, wheel cylinders and replacement suspension
• The car sits incredibly well with a wonderful stance and incredible road presence
• Engine and surrounding engine bay look to be in excellent order
• The aircooled unit has been fitted with an upgraded alternator

 

Summary