Vehicle Description
1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D
• VIN 86501
• Completed June 12, 1959
• Engine No. 74655 - Matching
• Transmission No. 23718 - Matching
• One of 1,331 Convertible D's produced
California 356 for two decades, this stunning Convertible D is
presented in Meissen Blue over Cashmere upholstery. The exterior is
in excellent condition with perfect gaps and panel fit, with
beautiful brightwork, chrome wheels, and Marchal driving lights.
The upholstery is like new featuring correct door panels, VDO
instrumentation, a fire extinguisher, and a VDM three-spoke wood
steering wheel. The silver-painted rims are 4.5" x 15" with baby
moon chrome hubcaps fitted to Sprint Classic Vredestein 175 70 R15
tires. The same high standards of excellence is reflected in the
mechanical condition with a properly detailed engine compartment,
suspension, and undercarriage.
A one-year-only model, the 1959 Porsche 356 A Convertible D
retained many styling cues from the Speedster while adding
practicality through a taller windscreen, windup windows, a more
substantial taller soft top, and more comfortable seats. This
Convertible D was delivered new to Hoffman Motors in New York, New
York, and was originally finished in Silver Metallic with a Red
leatherette interior. The 356 has since been refinished in
period-correct Meissen Blue over a Cashmere interior. Following the
purchase of this Convertible D in 2019, the current owner
commissioned Shamrock Racing Inc. to do a complete transmission
rebuild, braking system overhaul, and engine service. Subsequently,
the engine compression was tested and was found to be at 125 lbs
with a 2% leak down across all four cylinders.
Mechanically, powered by a matching driveline, the 1600cc Normal
engine (type 1600) produces 60HP and has plenty of power paired
with a 4-speed manual 716 transmission and four-wheel drum braking
system. Complete with Certificate of Authenticity, service records
of recent work, spare wheel, tool kit, jack, and tonneau cover. A
rare and versatile alternative to the Speedster, this is an
attractive and well-presented 356 that offers an excellent
opportunity to acquire an increasingly sought-after Convertible D
model.
Specification
• 1,582 CC Air-Cooled OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
• Dual Zenith 32 NDIX Carburetors
• 60 BHP at 4,500 RPM
• 4-Speed Manual Transaxle
• 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
• 4-Wheel Independent Suspension with Torsion Bars
History of the Convertible D
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 their Porsche dealers announcing the new "Convertible D"
model and specifying the differences.
