Vehicle Description
1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D
• VIN 86693
• Engine No. 75145 - Matching
• Transmission No. 23835 - Matching
• Completed July 23, 1959
This is the 806th Convertible D built, completed on July 23, 1959.
Originally finished in Ivory (5704) with a Red leatherette
interior. Factory options include an ashtray, a cigarette lighter,
US overrider bumpers, a Ponto Stabil mirror, 2 safety belts, a
spare rim, a jack, and a tool kit.
This is a three (3) owner of Southern California Convertible D. The
first owner, David Sayles, took a European delivered in Holland in
July of 1959. Sayles was from La Jolla, California, and enjoyed
this 356 for nearly 16 years. The second owner purchased the
Convertible D on September 30, 1975. Mrs. Kastner was from Tarzana,
California, and owned this 356 for 46 years. It has been a
California car for the past 63 years, and the third owner had this
356 restored by European Collectibles.
European Collectibles did a concour restoration on this 1959
Convertible D over 18 months from 2021 to 2022. During the
restoration, this 356 was completely disassembled and stripped down
to the bare shell so that every aspect could be properly addressed.
The body and panels are original and still retain their correct
stampings/numbers. All panels were pre-fit with bumpers, overrider
bars, a windshield frame, and a soft top to ensure the absolute
best result. All the chrome was triple-plated, and all the
components were restored or replaced.
The exterior has been finished in Aquamarine Blue and has been
executed to the highest standard with all original brightwork, new
seals, and aluminum trim. The Convertible Ds have many
number-matched components, many of which this 356 still retains.
Some of those components include the soft top frame, door hinge
covers, windshield frame, and door garnish rails. The interior is
in pristine condition and is upholstered in Tan leather with German
tan square weave carpets, a German black canvas soft-top, and a
black boot cover. The steel wheels are date-coded and painted
silver with baby moon hubcaps and fitted to Michelin XZX tires.
Mechanically, it is an amazing 356 to drive! The driveline is all
matching, and every component was rebuilt, including the engine,
transmission, suspension, braking system, and fuel system, and a
new wire harness was installed. The matching 1600cc Normal engine
with 60 horsepower performs flawlessly with plenty of power with
the matching manual 4-speed transmission that shifts through all
the gears with ease. The four-wheel drum brakes have been
completely rebuilt with all new wheel cylinders, brake lines, and
master cylinder. Complete with spare tire, jack, tool kit, Porsche
Classic Technical Certificate, Kardex, and service records.
Absolutely superb in every way, this 356A Convertible D is ready
for any concour events, classic car rallies, or just to drive and
enjoy!
