Given the number of classic cars we feature on the pages of The Coolector, you’d think we’d be used to seeing extraordinary machines but every now and then we’ll come across a steed that stops us in our tracks and that’s exactly the case with the breathtaking Emory Motorsports 1959 Aquamarine Transitional Speedster. The overriding objective with all Emory Motorsports releases is preserve the Porsche DNA, whatever the cost.

All of the company’s four distinct “product lines” utilise this mandate, but differ according to the desired user experience. This gloriously majestic Emory Motorsports 1959 Aquamarine Transitional Speedster was built to experience the sun in the grandest Outlaw tradition and you’ll not find a more beautiful ride anywhere else out there. The donor car for this particular project was a 356 coupe whose roof was seriously damaged in an accident. Due to the fact the roof was not repairable, it provided Emory Motorsports a fantastic canvas for developing a truly one-of-a-kind 356 Outlaw.

Iconic Machines

Porsche enthusiasts are well aware that the ‘Speedster’ model was made between the years of 1954-1958, being replaced by the Convertible D in 1959. When Rod Emory had a client after an open car concept, he knew that making a Speedster-like car from a coupe was entirely possible but few could imagine it would have looked as extraordinary as this. The ideal donor car came along and Emory Motorsports’ skilled team of artisans and fabricators set about fusing the ‘Outlaw’ and ‘Special’ design categories that Emory has championed for its clients through the years.

The Emory Motorsports 1959 Aquamarine Transitional Speedster is significantly more powerful than its original 1600cc forbears. The proprietary Emory-Rothsport Outlaw-4 engine, which was co-developed with former Porsche GT racing crew chief Jeff Gamroth of Rothsport Racing, is standard equipment. This 4-cylinder, 2.4-liter displacement engine, fed by Weber 48 IDA carbs, delivers 205 horsepower. Spark is issued via an MSD ignition box through a bespoke twin-plug distributor, while the dry-sump engine is cooled in part by 14 quarts of oil in a 911-style full-flow arrangement.

An aluminium-case 901 4-speed transmission delivers out of this world acceleration and speed for this lightweight machine and the Outlaw Speedster’s chassis was specially prepared to make maximum use of more than triple the standard power. The brakes were also upgraded to custom rotors and calipers that have 911-level stopping power so you’ll be blown away by the performance out on the open road. The power gets to the ground via 195/65R15 Dunlop SP 5000 tires on 15×5 Tecnomagnesio wheels, which are thoughtfully finished in satin-black powdercoat with brushed wheel hubs.

Out Of This World Visuals

Undoubtedly one of the most jaw dropping machines on the planet, the Speedster aesthetic calls for a pristinely spartan interior which is minimalistic and functional. Charcoal square-weave carpet gives the Hydesred leather upholstery an additional aesthetic impact. Speedster-style seats and dashboard seamlessly combine the old with the new and a 904-style triple gauge with speedo and tach provide a some extra data points to keep the driver informed while on the road.

The interior of this spectacular steed is rounded out with black knobs and escutcheons, a Derrington steering wheel, and padded headrest. This magnificent Emory Motorsports 1959 Aquamarine Transitional Speedster illustrates just some of what is possible with the talented crew they have at their workshop and the result is bringing new life to a car that would otherwise have been lost to history.