Vehicle Description
1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D
• VIN 86669
• Engine No. 75063 - Matching
• Transmission No. 23812 - Matching
• Completed on July 16, 1959
• One of 943 Convertible D's produced from January to September
1959
Four (4) owner California 356 for the past 54 years, finished in
its original color combination Silver Metallic (5706) over Black
leatherette upholstery. Optional equipment from the factory
includes Cigar Lighter, Ashtray, Reclining Seats, Exterior Mirror,
Protective Cover, Becker 'Europa' Radio, Touch-Up Pencil, and
Englebert Tires.
Denoted by a taller windshield and roll-up windows, this Roadster
was subject to an older restoration using its original, unrestored,
exterior trim. Today, this Convertible D presents beautifully with
a stunning coat of Silver Metallic paintwork and perfect gaps and
panel fit. The upholstery is in excellent condition and features
correct door panels, CoCo mats, VDO instrumentation, and a
two-spoke VDM steering wheel. The silver-painted rims are 4.5" x
15" with baby moon chrome hubcaps fitted to 165 R15 Radial tires.
The undercarriage is incredibly straight and rust-free in
exceptional condition.
Navy Lieutenant - Warren Jones ordered VIN 86669 new from Mitsuwa
Motors LTD on October 8, 1959, for $3,071.95 USD. The vehicle was
then imported to California where it was registered and driven in
San Mateo, California for the following 54 years. Under Mr. Jones'
ownership, the 356 was driven very sparingly and accrued most of
its mileage from 1970 to 2003. Documentation shows a linear
progression of mileage backed by service records dating back to
1971. In 2013 Mr. Jones decided to sell his 356. The Convertible D
was traded once more to a collector on the East Coast before
finally reaching Mrs. Paprocki the most recent past owner. Under
Mrs. Paprocki's ownership, she entrusted Automotive Restorations
Inc (ARI) in Stratford, Connecticut to keep the vehicle in
excellent mechanical shape. On March 31, 2017, ARI performed a
complete overhaul of the braking system, installed new sway bar
bushings, and installed new transmission mounts which totaled to
$5,719.75. In 2017, over $20,000 was spent completing a full engine
and transmission rebuild and replacing any worn components as
necessary. ARI continued regular services and addressed any
concerns Mrs. Paprocki had until late 2021. When the Convertible D
arrived at European Collectibles, we performed a complete
engine-out service, serviced the braking system, and detailed the
undercarriage.
Mechanically, powered by a matching driveline, the 1600cc Normal
engine produces 60HP and has plenty of power paired with a 4-speed
manual 716 transmission. Complete with maintenance instructions for
Porsche bodies booklet, Becker operation instructions manual,
Becker service booklet, operating instructions for convertible top
- booklet, owner's manual, and 63 years of service history.
Convertible D's have become highly collectible, and well-documented
examples such as this 356 come to the market very rarely.
History
In July 1958, Porsche sent a letter to all its foreign
representatives, stating that the four-year-old, bare-bones
Speedster, which had been designed specifically for the Western
markets of the United States, had not been well-received elsewhere.
A new model was forthcoming for 1959, and it would be manufactured
by Karosseriewerke Drauz, of Heilbronn.
This would be the Convertible D, which was introduced as an interim
step before the arrival of the 356 B Roadster in 1960. The new
ConvD would offer buyers Speedster-like styling, but it added such
amenities as a wind-up door glass in place of side curtains, a
taller windshield, a better taller top, and a more luxurious
interior with coupe seats standard. New and larger teardrop-shaped
taillights would replace the earlier "bee-hive" style lamps, and
U.S. cars were fitted with front and rear bumper guards and
over-riders. Porsche sales literature described the new Convertible
D as "a dynamic car of beautiful proportions. Extra light and low
in design for competition and pleasure driving."
Only 1,331 Convertible Ds were built between August 1958 and
September 1959, with nearly all being fitted with either the
60-horsepower Normal 1600cc engine or a special ordered
75-horsepower Super 1600cc engine. With a curb weight of less than
2,000 pounds, the Convertible D could reach 60 mph in a little more
than 14 seconds in Normal form, and it was capable of topping 100
mph. With relatively quick steering (2.3 turns lock to lock),
handling was very good, and the large four-wheel drum brakes were
quite effective.
