The Ultimate Guide to Porsche 911 Outlaws

The Porsche 911 is a sports car that has captivated automotive enthusiasts for decades. Known for its distinctive design and thrilling performance, the 911 has a rich history and a loyal following. But within the world of Porsche enthusiasts, a unique subculture has emerged – one that celebrates individuality over originality, performance over preservation, and passion over purity.

Welcome to the world of the Porsche 911 Outlaw.

What Exactly is a Porsche 911 Outlaw?

The term “Outlaw” in the context of Porsche refers to a modified version of the classic sports car that deliberately breaks from purist restoration conventions. These are not careful restorations meant to return a 911 to factory specifications – they are reimagined machines built by enthusiasts who believe Porsche got it almost right, but not quite.

The Porsche 911 Outlaw movement embraces the spirit of individuality and non-conformity, taking inspiration from the original Porsche hot rodders of the 1960s and 1970s. Where traditional restorers obsess over matching numbers and period-correct details, Outlaw builders ask a different question: “How can we make this better?”

The Emory Family: Where It All Began

The term “Outlaw” was originally applied to Gary and Rod Emory’s reimagined Porsche 356s in the 1980s. Working from their California shop, the Emorys committed what many purists considered automotive heresy – they improved on Ferdinand Porsche’s original design rather than simply recreating it.

Rod and his father Gary began willfully ignoring the conservative Porsche restorers’ obsession with originality. Instead, they favored rebuilds with wider wheels, modern brakes, improved suspension, and rally-car modifications that allowed these classic machines to be steered, stopped, and driven the way they believed Porsche intended.

Today, Emory Motorsports finishes only about a dozen cars per year, but their influence on the Porsche community is immeasurable. In 2024, the Petersen Automotive Museum exhibited Emory’s 1998 Special, and Porsche displayed his treasured Number 80 at its Atlanta headquarters.

As one collector put it: “Rod Emory is an unbelievably talented guy – third generation, with Porsche in his blood, in his soul. What he builds is just exceptional.”

Magnus Walker: The Urban Outlaw

If the Emorys lit the match, Magnus Walker poured gasoline on the fire.

With his signature dreadlocks, leather boots, and beanie, Walker looks more rock star than restorer – which is exactly the point. His 911 customization projects are far from trend-following. Think rock ‘n’ roll, punk, and grunge meets the classy Porsche aesthetic that Stuttgart cultivated for decades.

Walker’s edgy rebuilds emphasize the raw, racer style of earlier models. In his garage, you might find plaid upholstery and distressed leather seats, with exteriors paying homage to both the 911’s rally days and Walker’s childhood hero, Evel Knievel. Race car numbers and bold colors are common features.

For years, Walker’s customized 911s were hidden away in his warehouse for his exclusive enjoyment. That changed when Canadian filmmaker Tamir Moscovici produced a short documentary called Urban Outlaw. The film became a cult classic, igniting a fervor for modified air-cooled Porsches that has yet to abate and inspiring a generation to “Get out and drive.”

Walker currently owns about 40 Porsche 911s, most bought in very rough condition and transformed into one-of-a-kind machines. But if you want him to build you one, you’re out of luck – Magnus doesn’t build cars for other people.

Singer Vehicle Design: The Savile Row of Outlaws

While Magnus Walker represents the rebellious, DIY spirit of the Outlaw movement, Singer Vehicle Design represents its ultimate evolution – bespoke craftsmanship taken to the extreme.

Founded by Rob Dickinson (former frontman of the British rock band Catherine Wheel), Singer doesn’t just modify 911s – they reimagine them from the ground up. Every panel is re-engineered, every detail obsessed over. The result is what many consider the most beautiful air-cooled 911s ever created.

Magnus Walker himself acknowledges Singer’s position: “Rob from Singer I’ve known for 15 years, and they set the bar. He set the bar extremely high in the bespoke Porsche 911 world. Singers are the Savile Row tailors of the Porsche world.”

For customers who want the ultimate in personalization and exclusivity, Singer offers the DLS (Dynamics and Lightweighting Study) – a multi-million-dollar 911 that represents the pinnacle of what’s possible when money is no object.

What Makes a 911 an Outlaw?

Unique Appearance

Outlaw 911s often feature dramatic modifications to the bodywork: widened fenders, custom bumpers, deleted trim, and unique paint schemes. The aim is to create a striking aesthetic that announces the car’s purpose.

Performance Upgrades

Beyond looks, Outlaws feature serious performance enhancements. Engine modifications, suspension upgrades, modern brakes, and transmission swaps transform these classic shapes into genuine performers.

Customized Interiors

The cockpit of an Outlaw reflects its owner’s personality. Racing-inspired seats, custom upholstery, unique steering wheels, and modern gauges create an environment that’s both functional and personal.

The Spirit

Most importantly, an Outlaw represents a philosophy: that these cars are meant to be driven, modified, and enjoyed – not stored in climate-controlled garages.

Notable Outlaw Builders

• Emory Motorsports – The originators, building exceptional 356 and 911 Outlaws
• Singer Vehicle Design – Bespoke reimagined 911s at the highest level
• LA Workshop 5001 – Founded by Marlon Goldberg, formerly with Singer
• Patrick Motorsports – Known for Safari-style 911 builds
• Rothsport Racing – Specializing in rally-inspired modifications

The Outlaw Community

Porsche 911 Outlaws have inspired a community of like-minded enthusiasts. Owners come together at car shows, rallies, and events like Luftgekühlt to showcase their creations and share experiences.

A new book, Porsche Outlaws: Stuttgart Hot Rods by Michael Alan Ross, was released in October 2024, chronicling this unique subculture and the people who define it.

Should You Build an Outlaw?

The Porsche 911 Outlaw movement may not be for everyone. Purists cringe at the modifications. But for those who believe cars are meant to be driven and personalized, the Outlaw philosophy offers something no concours-winning restoration ever could: a Porsche that’s truly yours.

Whether you’re drawn to Magnus Walker’s rebellious energy, Singer’s obsessive craftsmanship, or Emory’s racing heritage, the Outlaw movement proves that sometimes breaking the rules is exactly what a Porsche needs.