The Porsche 356 is an automotive icon that arguably shouldn’t be tinkered with…unless you bring it to the team at Hot Rods & Hobbies.
The owner of a 1957 Porsche 356 wanted something more from his classic so he went to Hot Rods & Hobbies Owner Scott Bonowski who wasted no time with the go-fast modification process. The almost-finished result is what Bonowski has named The 311.
In keeping with the classic air-cooled engine tradition, Bonowski and his crew dropped in a 1980 911 SC 3.0 liter flat-six engine producing 172 hp, nearly twice the original engine’s output.
The floors, engine bay and firewall all had to be custom fabricated to fit the new engine, and the entire electrical system was converted over to 12V by Bonowski.
Further modifications to the 311 include an updated Porsche ignition box, a decklid re-skin to mimic a GT, new paintwork, and hood straps with headlight grills and driving lights to further complement the look of a GT.
Bonowski also mounted a small vintage air unit with suction fans in the bonnet and utilized the horn grills for air intake. Recirculation for the one-off system passes through the custom firewall.
Rounding out the 311 will be an all-red leather interior by Harry’s Upholstery in Los Angeles. “I know there are purists out there who cringe over the slightest alteration to a vehicle of this kind,” says Bonowski. “But this is now one wickedly fast 356 and it’s truly unique. You won’t find another like it on the road. Besides, how often to you get to combine two eras of such an iconic sports car?”
Source: Hot Rods & Hobbies
