Founded in 2008, Thornley Kelham Ltd is a specialist in concours restoration, maintenance, servicing, rally preparation and support of iconic vintage and classic cars. From its Cotswold headquarters, the team of 30 manage, restore and prepare examples of collector cars for global concours and motorsport events from a state-of-the-art 32,000 sq/ft facility.
With in-house bodywork, paint, engine and fabrication shops, Thornley Kelham is widely regarded for the quality of its restorations of historically significant, often unique vehicles across a variety of marques including Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Lancia, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce and Porsche as well as Amilcar, Bizzarrini and others.
1951 was a year that defined the future of one of the most iconic motoring marques in the world, Porsche. Waved off from the factory in Zuffenhausen by Ferry Porsche, the diminutive 356 SL (Super Leicht) arrived at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans for not just its first entry into the famous race, but its first time in any international motorsport event. Affectionately known internally as the “aluminium can” thanks to its all-aluminium bodywork, the 356 SL not only finished the legendary race, but was victorious in its class. It was a moment that created history and showed rivals that Porsche had truly arrived.
In the Porsche 356 European SL, Thornley Kelham pays homage to this remarkable car, one of only four that Porsche ever produced, including one that set a land speed record at the Montlhery circuit in September 1951, covering almost 11,000 kilometres in 72 hours at an average speed of over 150 km/h.
This motoring masterpiece has now been brought into the modern era in terms of design, performance, drivability and usability, while being respectful to the ethos of the original. It is a work of automotive art, celebrating classic style and showcasing Thornley Kelham’s near two decades of experience in restoring iconic cars for the most prestigious concours events around the world.
The new European SL is instantly recognisable as a Porsche 356A, yet possesses a level of refinement and impact on the road that is rarely seen.
That relentless pursuit of perfection means each of the 50 Porsche 356 European SL coupé models that will be delivered, requires thousands of hours of craftsmanship. Its flawless design over an extensively restored and strengthened original chassis, retains all the purity of the 356A. Its teardrop cabin, broad shoulders and meticulously crafted panel work all showcase the exemplary attention to detail that has made Thornley Kelham cars among the most desirable in private collections and on concours lawns around the world.
The beautifully flowing aluminium bodywork is created using a combination of traditional hand-forming techniques and the latest CAD and CNC engineering processes. Together they ensure the 356 European SL provides an artfully sculpted interpretation of how the 356 could have developed over time. This painstaking approach to perfection goes beyond the beautiful appearance of the bodywork, with every external joint perfectly smoothed. Each aluminium panel is assembled on a precision jig to ensure perfect alignment and panel gaps that are far superior to the original.
Innovation can also be found in the powertrain, engineered to provide the motorsport character of the original 356A but with additional power and everyday usability built in. Thanks to the aluminium bodywork, the dry weight is only 930 kg, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of over 200 bhp per tonne.
That power comes from a bespoke 2,332 cc air-cooled flat-four engine based on an original 356 case, with two options – a ‘Touring’ version delivering 180 bhp, and an optional ‘Sport’ variant delivering 200 bhp and 180 ft-lbs of torque. A five-speed manual dogleg gearbox provides an engaging driving experience, while the impressive ride quality and dynamic handling is enhanced by bespoke suspension that is available with either passive or optional active damping.
SPECIFICATIONS
Body Hand-formed and CNC engineered aluminium alloy
Chassis Reinforced and seam-welded for rigidity and safety
Engine 2,332 cc air-cooled flat-four, based on original Porsche 356 cases
Power Touring – 180 bhp @ 6,100 rpm / Sport – 200 bhp
Transmission Five-speed dogleg manual gearbox
Drivetrain Rear-wheel drive with limited-slip differential
Suspension Bespoke geometry with early 911-inspired rear suspension, passive or active damper system
Brakes Vented disc brakes front and rear, carbon ceramic brakes optional
Weight 930 kg (dry weight)
Performance 220 bhp power-to-weight ratio
Steering Precision rack-and-pinion with optional power assistance
Interior Hand-trimmed in finest leather, bespoke seats, modern electronics
Production Strictly limited to 50 coupé models.