Weird Car Of The Day: 1953 Porsche 356 Limousine Custom

Porsche’s journey from inception to producing a four-door sports car spanned nearly eight decades, with limousines not even a consideration in 1950s Zuffenhausen. However, a bespoke 356 limousine crafted for special occasions offers a glimpse into an alternative reality where Porsche explored different automotive avenues, diverging from its sports car focus.

The man behind this 356 limousine is John Dixon who decided to create a personalized Porsche-based limousine for his daughter’s wedding. With the expertise of Don Boeke, known as “the Egyptian” at his Dayton, Ohio customizing shop, the unique 356 limousine took shape.

Constructed from multiple stripped 356s, this limousine featured a blend of elements, including a 1953 “bent-window” front end, renowned for its single windshield pane. Its Grand Prix White exterior exuded sophistication, complemented by chrome accents and whitewall tires on chromed wheels.

Inside, vintage charm melded with modern convenience, with cloth and leatherette upholstery and tasteful modifications. A partition separated the chauffeur’s compartment from the rear seating, featuring rich wood trim and period-specific details for an aura of timeless luxury.

Powered by a potent flat-four engine from a 912, upgraded by Yuri Rojas in Dayton, Ohio, the completed limousine represented a fusion of Porsche’s iconic style with the elegance of a classic limousine, a testament to ingenuity and craftsmanship.

Source: RM Sotheby’s