At the 2024 Audrain Newport Concours d’Elegance, the lush greenery of the tennis courts served as the backdrop for a remarkable gathering of cars that defied convention. Amidst the classic Bugatti Type 57C Corsica-style cabriolets and Ferrari 250 Europa Vignale coupes, a fleet of hot-rodded sports cars caught the eye of many attendees. From the distinctive raked windscreens to the oversized wheels and bold racing graphics, these Emory Motorsports outlaws stood out in the refined Newport, Rhode Island, car scene.
Led by the visionary builder Rod Emory, these modified Porsches were a testament to the art of alternative restoration. Emory Motorsports, established in 1996, was a pioneer in the realm of transforming old Porsches into reimagined, superior machines long before other notable names in the industry emerged. While other European tuners focused on new cars, Emory took a different path, inspired by the rebellious spirit of the first car he completed back in 1990—a navy 1953 356 with a dropped suspension, oversized race numbers, and Pegasus decals. This distinctive style, blending elements of James Dean and Dean Jeffries, set the tone for Emory’s future endeavors.
Emory’s journey into the world of hot-rodded Porsches was deeply rooted in his family history. Son of Gary Emory, a Porsche parts collector from the Sixties, and grandson of Neil Emory, a legendary custom-body-shop craftsman, Rod Emory’s passion for transforming old Porsches into unique creations was ingrained in his DNA. His early builds, crafted from parts found in his father’s shop, laid the foundation for what would become the iconic Emory Outlaws—less than 200 cars that now fetch prices upwards of $900,000 and take years to complete.
Emory Outlaw Number 80: A Father-Son Dream
The Number 80 Outlaw holds a special place in Emory’s heart as it marked the beginning of his journey to hot-rod royalty. A collaborative project with his father’s Number 81, the Number 80 Outlaw symbolized the shared dream of becoming race-car drivers with these unique creations. Despite facing skepticism and being marginalized at events like the 1990 Steamboat Springs Concours d’Elegance, Emory remained undeterred in his pursuit of reimagining classic Porsches.
His innovative approach to restoration was evident in projects like the reimagined 1964 356 Cabriolet, featuring a longer nose and tail, brakes and rear suspension from a 944 Turbo S, and steelies from the RS America. This Stuttgart special with a touch of chopped Mercury Custom showcased Emory’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, creating one-of-a-kind machines that defied categorization.
John Oates and the Oates Outlaw: A Personal Touch
Renowned musician John Oates, of Hall and Oates fame, found himself drawn to Emory’s work when seeking a special gift for his 70th birthday. His personalized 356 coupe, dubbed the Oates Outlaw, was a reimagining of the 356 Speedster he had sold in the past. Oates emphasized the importance of capturing the essence and feel of the original car, while enhancing its performance and handling to suit his needs.
Emory’s attention to detail extended to every aspect of the Oates Outlaw, from the custom-designed interior to the specially crafted 2.4-liter flat-four engine. By integrating components from different eras and models, Emory created a cohesive design that reflected Oates’ personal style and preferences. The result was a harmonious blend of classic aesthetics and modern performance, tailored to fit Oates perfectly.
As Emory’s reputation continues to grow and his creations gain recognition within the Porsche community, his distinctive approach to restoration is gradually gaining acceptance and respect. Exhibitions at prestigious venues like the Petersen Museum and collaborations with Porsche itself signal a shift in perception, marking Emory as a trailblazer in the world of alternative restoration.
With plans to relocate his shop to San Bernardino and a growing demand for his unique creations, Emory’s legacy as a hot-rod visionary is secure. His dedication to preserving the soul of vintage Porsches while infusing them with modern performance and style has captured the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors alike. As Emory’s Outlaws continue to redefine the boundaries of automotive restoration, one thing is certain—his passion for innovation and creativity knows no limits.
