In a special Assess and Caress episode filmed at Jay Leno’s Garage, Jay and Donald Osborne from the Audrain Museum compare two seemingly similar yet philosophically opposite Porsches: a pristine, original 1959 Porsche 356A “Normal” and a 1956 Porsche 356 transformed by Rod Emory into a bespoke Outlaw.
Osborne begins with the stock car—a pristine, two-owner survivor that has been repainted only once since the 1970s. Finished in black over red with rare Rudge wheels, it embodies Porsche’s postwar craftsmanship and purity. With just 60 horsepower, it’s slow by modern standards, but its charm lies in its balance, engineering, and connection to the era’s racing heritage. Leno recalls how cars like this baffled Americans in the 1950s—small, expensive, and German—but notes that time has vindicated their quality and reputation.
Then comes the Emory Outlaw, a restomod built from the ground up using Porsche components and powered by a bespoke 2.6-liter four-cylinder derived from a 911 flat-six. It’s a reinterpretation of the 356 ideal—classic looks with modern power, braking, and reliability. Osborne praises Rod Emory’s craftsmanship and respect for Porsche tradition, while Leno sees it as the bridge between vintage and modern performance.
Both cars have appreciated similarly over the past five years—the stock car rising from about $125,000 to $165,000, while Emory builds now command upwards of $650,000. In the end, Leno favors the Outlaw for its drivability and connection to Rod Emory’s legacy, while Osborne calls it nearly a draw—proof that in the Porsche world, purity and passion both hold their value.
