1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D
- Engine Size
- 1600 cc
- Transmission Type
- 4 Speed Manual
- Body Style
- Convertible
- Miles
- 447
- Vin
- 86541
- Stock
- Po3669
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, USA overrider bumpers and driving lights
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, 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 1,328 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.
Engine
- Engine Type
- —
- Engine Size
- 1600 cc
- Fuel Specification
- —
Body
- Body Color
- Fjord Green
- Body Style
- Convertible
- Doors
- 2
- Paint Type
- —
Basic
- Year
- 1959
- Make
- Porsche
- Model
- 356A
- Miles
- 447
Interior
- Interior Color
- Beige
- Secondary Interior Color
- —
- Seating Type
- —
- Seat Material
- —
- Shifter Type
- —
- Center Console
- No