Thornley Kelham launches limited‑edition Porsche 356 European SL restomod
British specialist Thornley Kelham, founded in 2008, is rebuilding the classic Porsche 356A into a new model called the 356 European SL. The conversion retains only the structurally reinforced chassis, while the entire aluminium body is recreated using CAD and CNC technology and extensive hand‑work.
The restomod is equipped with a modernised air‑cooled 2.3‑litre flat‑four engine that produces 135 kW (183 hp) in the Touring version or 149 kW (203 hp) in the Sport version, coupled to a manual five‑speed gearbox and a limited‑slip differential. It features a suspension inspired by early Porsche 911, optional carbon‑ceramic disc brakes, and power‑assist steering. The interior is updated with bespoke leather sport seats and other custom options. The dry weight is quoted at 930 kg.
Production is limited to a maximum of 50 cars, with no official price disclosed, though the extensive conversion work is expected to cost a high six‑figure amount in euros. Current market prices for a donor Porsche 356A are around €70,000.
Entities: Guernsey · Porsche · Porsche 356 European SL · Porsche 356A · Thornley Kelham
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 5 SOURCES] Current market price for a donor Porsche 356A is about €70,000. (all articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Thornley Kelham, a UK company founded in 2008, is producing a restomod called the 356 European SL based on the Porsche 356A. (all articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The vehicle is offered with a touring version producing 135 kW (183 hp) and a sport version producing 149 kW (203 hp) from a 2.3‑litre air‑cooled boxer engine. (all articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Optional carbon‑ceramic brakes and servo‑assist steering are available for the restomod. (all articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The interior is modernised with leather sports seats and other customizable details while preserving classic character. (all articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The restomod features a newly built aluminium body using CAD and CNC technology while retaining the original chassis. (all articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The dry weight of the 356 European SL is 930 kg. (All articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Production is limited to a maximum of 50 examples, with no disclosed price; the conversion cost is expected to be a high six‑figure amount in euros. (all articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The company is producing a restomod called 356 European SL based on the Porsche 356A. (All articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Production is limited to a maximum of 50 units. (All articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The engine produces 149 kW (203 hp) in the Sport version. (All articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Thornley Kelham is a UK‑based company founded in 2008. (All articles)