1952 Porsche 356 coupe stolen in UK – I know it's not a 911 BUT...

[KS Carrera]

Probably one of the best-known 356s in the UK (for all kinds of reasons!), Delwyn Mallett's 'Streamliner' 356 coupe was stolen last night from his house in Farnham, Surrey, England.

It is chassis number 11176 – a Reutter-bodied 1952 coupe modified with full Le Mans-style fender skirts all round, louvred rear quarter window inserts, through the bonnet fuel filler, etc. The Police haven't even come round to see him – they say there's nothing they can do but hope it gets picked up the the ANPR cameras (what a f+++++g joke). It's probably on a boat, or on a remote farm, but it will resurface sometime, surely?

It disappeared sometime between 9.00pm Monday night and 8.00am Tuesday morning (today).

PLEASE tell everyone and keep your eyes and ears open. Del's owned this car for ever... His number is 01252 726731 - mine is 01208 871490

[Schiefer]

So sad...
Any indications professionals behind this??

[edmayo]

Are these thieves idiots, or smarter than I give them credit for? What could you possibly do with a one of a kind car like that? I hope its the former and they get their silly butts caught!! These bozos may not understand the Porsche world, its a very small closed society, particularly in this age of internet, as you just showed.

[popowitz]

Like any work of art it will not remain lost forever. Eventually it will change hands to an heir or another buyer who will not know that it has been stolen. The car will be made public and when recognized it will be confiscated and returned to Mr. Mallett's family.

[KS Carrera]

It's all very odd, really. Yes, a 1952 coupé has the potential to be an EXTREMELY valuable car right now, but this one is such a mismatch – it's the original Outlaw! Without giving away too many of the more minor details which will identify it to me or the owner, the sunroof was a clip from a 1953 coupé, and hence totally wrong for the car. To be passed off with a new identity, it will need a new roof at the least. But, like I say, there are many, many details on this car which would be all but impossible to hide. Even as a parts car, it leaves a lot to be desired, as Delwyn was never interested in 'correctness' – he just wanted to create the ultimate slippery 356 for the street. I'm hoping that whoever stole it will realise they can't do much with it, and leave it abandoned somewhere. Either that or they'll cut it up, which would be a crying shame.

The car holds a special place in my heart, too, as Delwyn is a very close friend. I helped him out quite a lot as it neared completion, doing many of the fiddly little jobs that get left to the end of any long rebuild (30-year long). When the time came to start it up and drive it for the first time in 30 years (he had NEVER driven the car as it was so bad when he first got it), he asked me to drive it so that he could take a video. I drove it around the block and came back, laughing like an idiot. My first words were 'Delwyn, this is the worst car I've ever driven'. Oh happy days – and now the tears.

Here's a pic taken after it's maiden voyage, me (the short one) on the left, Delwyn on the right...

[hoffman912]

Keith, what a great touching story, and an absolute aweful shame.

I hope the get em and hang the bastards by the bits.

[Reza]

Recent years, car thefts of special cars are suspected to end up in Russia, and the thieves have a high success rate. The cars are never seen again.

[platas]

So sorry to hear about this, but the car is too unique to pass undisguised. From Spain i will keep eyes and ears open.

[LongRanger]

Shame.

I hope that Mr Mallet was properly insured, at least.

[Fuchs]

So sorry to hear about this, but the car is too unique to pass undisguised. From Spain i will keep eyes and ears open.

Then we will have all Iberia covered: http://www.lehrenkrauscafe.com/vbfor...ead.php?t=5014