Vehicle Description
1959 Porsche 356 A Convertible D
A very attractive Convertible D built by Drauz left the factory on
November 25, 1958, wearing Meissen Blue paint (5703 - original
color), trimmed and upholstered in Red Leatherette. According to
the Certificate of Authenticity, the option included sealed beam
headlights and US overrider bumpers. Additional added options
include a wooden steering wheel and a beautiful set of Rudge
wheels. Chassis number 85763 places it as the 124th ConvD built.
The matching 1600cc engine develops 60 horsepower at 4,500 rpm. The
restoration was done nearly 20 years ago and was painted in Black
with a Red interior but still shows exceptionally well. It 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 Certificate of
Authenticity confirming matching engine, transmission, tool kit 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 1,331 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.
