Overview
- Thornley Kelham unveiled the Porsche 356 European SL Tuesday, publishing detailed specifications, its craftsmanship approach and a plan to build 50 examples.
- The car is powered by a bespoke 2,332 cc air-cooled flat-four offered in 180 bhp or a 200 bhp Sport spec, drives the rear wheels through a five-speed manual, and is claimed to weigh 930 kg dry.
- Thornley Kelham forms each aluminium body by hand with more than 2,000 hours of metalwork per shell, using CAD/CNC geometry and precision jigs to achieve tight panel fit and consistent proportions.
- The restored chassis is reinforced and seam-welded and the car comes standard with ventilated disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering and early 911–inspired rear suspension, with options including carbon-ceramic brakes, power assistance and active dampers.
- Expressions of interest are open now and no official price has been released, though analysts and outlets expect a high, collector-focused price likely in the half‑million‑plus range given Thornley Kelham’s past projects and donor-car costs.