Words: Kyle Cassidy
Published 29 July 2026
British restoration specialist Thornley Kelham has revealed its latest Porsche-based creation, the 356 European SL, a lightweight restomod inspired by the first Porsche to compete in international motorsport.
Limited to 50 individually commissioned coupes, the European SL combines a hand-formed aluminium body with an extensively restored original Porsche 356 chassis and a choice of two air-cooled flat-four engines.
The project marks 75 years since Porsche entered the 1951 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Type 514, better known as the 356 SL, or Super Leicht.
That original competition car was one of four built by Porsche and earned the nickname “aluminium can” because of its lightweight alloy bodywork. It won its class on Porsche’s first appearance at Le Mans and its first international motorsport event.
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Another example later covered almost 11,000km during a 72-hour record attempt at the Montlhéry circuit, maintaining an average speed of more than 150km/h.
Hand-built aluminium body
Thornley Kelham’s interpretation remains recognisable as a Porsche 356A, but almost every part of the car is said to have been rebuilt or re-engineered.
The aluminium body is produced using a mixture of traditional hand-forming methods and modern CAD and CNC processes. Each panel is assembled on a precision jig, while the external joints are smoothed to create a cleaner appearance.
Read more – Aircooled wunderland – Porsche 356 collection
The familiar teardrop cabin remains, but the body has been given broader shoulders and more pronounced proportions. Beneath it, the original chassis is extensively restored, reinforced and seam-welded to improve rigidity and safety.
Despite the structural work and additional equipment, the completed car has a claimed dry weight of 930kg.
“We are extremely proud to present our new Porsche 356 European SL, 75 years after the original Type 514 was waved away from Zuffenhausen by Ferry Porsche to compete in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race,” said Thornley Kelham founder and director Simon Thornley.
“Reimagining the 356 SL has been a long-term ambition of my colleague and co-director, Pim van de Riet who developed and perfected his vision of the perfect 356 for over 20 years. His passion inspired me and led to the Thornley Kelham team realising his dream.”
Up to 149kW from air-cooled flat-four
Power comes from a bespoke 2332cc air-cooled flat-four based on an original Porsche 356 engine case.
The standard Touring specification produces 134kW at 6100rpm, while an optional Sport version lifts output to 149kW and 244Nm.
Both engines are matched to a five-speed manual gearbox with a dogleg shift pattern. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential.
The suspension has also been completely revised, with bespoke geometry and a rear arrangement inspired by the early Porsche 911. Buyers can choose between passive dampers and an optional active damping system.
Vented disc brakes are fitted at both ends, while carbon-ceramic brakes are available as an option. The steering uses a rack-and-pinion arrangement, with power assistance also optional.
The cabin can be specified with bespoke seats, hand-selected leather, fitted luggage and modern electronic equipment. Buyers can also decide how much contemporary convenience they want added to the otherwise classic interior.
