Vehicle Description
1959 Porsche 356 A Convertible D
Delivered June 23, 1959
Beautifully restored Convertible D by Drauz finished in Fjord
Green, upholstered in Beige Leatherette. Its chassis number places
it 289 from the last ConvD built, one of only 1,328 built.
According to its Kardex, it was delivered with Blaupunkt radio,
loudspeakers, antenna, sealed beam headlights and USA overrider
bumpers. Driving lights and leather Speedster seats have been
installed at an expense of $7,000.
The restoration was done nearly 20 years ago in the late 1990s,
everything was address including the engine, transmission, brakes,
new wiring harness, bare metal repaint and a complete new German
interior installed. The restoration is simply stunning and shows
exceptionally well, only driven 451 miles since the restoration.
This ConvD is perfect for 356 club shows or to enjoy with the
top-down during weekend touring. It is a solid and rust-free
example. Recently serviced and is ready to enjoy. Accompanied by
the Porsche letter, toolkit, and owners manual. ConvD's have become
highly collectible, and high-quality examples such as this 356 come
to market infrequently.
History
The 1958-1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D model is arguably one of
the rarest "production" Porsche 356 models ever manufactured for a
full year (T6 "twin grille" Roadster was produced for only a few
months). Only 1,328 Convertible Ds were made between August 1958
and September 1959.
By 1958 the Speedster model was four years old and sales were
declining. Porsche realized that significant improvements were
necessary to attract new buyers, but that there was certainly a
market for a "weekend racer" with a removable windshield. The
Porsche 356A Convertible D was the solution (though a modern
marketing department would have picked a racier name!).
Because overall Porsche sales were growing at a steady pace, and
the Reutter coachworks were straining to keep up with the demand,
Porsche contracted with the Drauz company in Heilbronn to
manufacture bodies for the Convertible D (the "D" stood for
Karosseriewerke Drauz KG).
On July 31, 1958, Porsche sent a letter to all of their Porsche
dealers announcing the new "Convertible D" model and specifying the
differences.
All in all, the Convertible D is a more practical car than the
Speedster: a larger windshield, roll-up side windows, and more
comfortable seats while retaining the beautiful body lines and the
downward sloping beltline that now attracts so many 356
enthusiasts. Of course, some of the minimalist, racier features of
the Speedster were lost, and many Porsche purists complained long
and loud in 1958!
For the 1960 model year, the Convertible D model was replaced by
the 356 B Roadster based on the new T5 body style. However, sales
of the "stripped down" 356 continued to decline, and the last year
of Roadster production was in 1962 when just 248 T6-bodied cars
were made, with production ceasing well before the end of the model
year.
In the current market, it is ironic that these 356 models that were
the least expensive "back in the day" Speedster, Convertible D, and
Roadster are now as much if not more expensive than the luxury
version Cabriolets.
