British restoration specialist Thornley Kelham has unveiled its Porsche 356 European SL, a hand-crafted reinterpretation of the iconic German sports car featuring custom metalwork and modern performance engineering.
Production will be strictly limited to 50 examples worldwide. Each car requires more than 2,000 man-hours of labor to construct, with specialized technicians shaping lightweight aluminum panels over modified underlying structures.
The vehicle pays homage to the original Porsche 356 Super Leicht (SL), which secured a class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1951.
To achieve precise panel alignment, engineers integrated Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining alongside traditional hand-forming techniques.
Underneath the refined exterior, each unit relies on an extensively restored and reinforced original chassis structure.
The underlying frame undergoes seam-welding to enhance torsional rigidity, ensuring the classic silhouette accommodates modern vehicle dynamics and upgraded safety standards.
Powering the vehicle is a bespoke 2,332-cubic-centimeter air-cooled flat-four engine, available in standard 180-horsepower or optional 200-horsepower configurations.
Combined with a five-speed manual transmission, the 930-kilogram vehicle delivers a significantly improved power-to-weight ratio compared to original factory models.
Vehicle stopping power is managed by upgraded disc brake assemblies, while options include carbon-ceramic rotors, power steering, and active dampers.
The interior features custom upholstery, modern wiring, and tailored luggage compartments to provide updated cabin comfort.
Thornley Kelham confirmed that every car will be individually commissioned, allowing clients to specify tailor-made trim options and mechanical setups throughout the assembly process.
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!