The Porsche 356 SL is one of the most legendary cars in the brand’s storied history, waved off from the factory in Zuffenhausen by Ferry Porsche en route to claiming the brand’s first ever class victory at Le Mans in 1951. Another set a land speed record at Montlhéry circuit later that year, covering almost 11,000 kilometres in 72 hours at an average speed in excess of 150km/h.
While only four examples of the aluminium-bodied “Super Leicht” were ever built, British concours restoration specialists Thornley Kelham have now made it possible to get your hands on a modern interpretation of the legendary racing car 75 years later.
Dubbed the Porsche 356 European SL, it was revealed this past weekend at Megaphonics at Boxengasse on August 1-2, and it forms the latest entry to the company’s ‘European’ range.
That lineup includes the Lancia Aurelia B20GT ‘Outlaw’, Jaguar XK European GT Coupé and Roadster, and Porsche 911 European RS, showing the company’s expertise across multiple marques.
Blending the performance and usability of a modern restomod while being respectful to the ethos of the original, the 356 European SL is based on the 356A coupé, with it strictly limited to 50 build slots.
Its beautifully flowing aluminium bodywork is created using a combination of traditional hand-forming techniques and the latest CAD and CNC engineering processes, with it laid over an extensively restored and strengthened original 356A chassis.
Every external joint on its body has been perfectly smoothed, with each aluminium panel assembled on a precision jig to ensure perfect alignment and panel gaps that are far superior to the original. Thanks to its lightweight bodywork, it boasts a dry weight of only 930kg.
That’s coupled with a bespoke 2332cc air-cooled flat-dour engine based on an original 356 case, offered in ‘Touring’ specification with 180hp or an optional ‘Sport’ variant delivering 200hp and 180 ft-lbs of torque.
A five-speed manual dog-leg gearbox provides an engaging driving experience, while its ride quality and dynamic handling is enhanced by bespoke suspension, available with either passive or optional active damping.
Furthermore, each car – as with all Thornley Kelham builds – is handcrafted in consultation with the client to ensure it fulfils their driving style and individual character. The interior offers bespoke seats, fitted luggage options, and a choice of modern electronics as desired.
“We are extremely proud to present our new Porsche 356 European SL, 75 years after the original Type 514 was waved away from Zuffenhausen by Ferry Porsche to compete in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race,” says Simon Thornley, director and founder of Thornley Kelham.
“Reimagining the 356 SL has been a long-term ambition of my colleague and co-director, Pim van de Riet who developed and perfected his vision of the perfect 356 for over 20 years. His passion inspired me and led to the Thornley Kelham team realising his dream.”
“Back in the late 1990s I found myself in a position to buy something special, and that’s when I bought a 356,” adds Pim van de Riet, 356 Programme Director at Thornley Kelham.
“That car started a love affair with the 356 and I wanted to deliver a car that Porsche themselves might have done were they not hindered by 1950s engineering capabilities. Our 356 European SL captures everything I love about the original, reimagined without compromise for the 21st century.”
