1958 Porsche 356A 1600 Super Convertible D
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1958
- Make: Porsche
- Model: 356A Cabriolet
- VIN: 85524
- Mileage Shown: 22,687mi (5-digit odometer)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Ivory
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Location: La Habra, CA 90631
- Dealer Fees: None
- Lot #: V-0031931
Among the rarest variants of Porsche’s original sports car, the Convertible D was designed to be a more refined successor to the iconic Speedster model. Produced between August 1958 and September 1959, these models were crafted by renowned coachbuilder Karosseriewerke Drauz of Heilbronn, Germany. This 1958 example is one of 1,331 produced during the model’s single year of production and was completed on September 3, 1958, with equipment for North America and a 1600 Super engine. It comes finished in a light ivory color over a tan leatherette interior and is accompanied by a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity showing a matching engine serial number. This historic and highly collectible 356 benefits from 50 years of continuous ownership and is now being offered for auction by its seller out of California.
An evolution of the Speedster, the Convertible D features distinctive styling elements including a higher windshield, a revised rear cowl, roll-up windows, and a redesigned soft top with a larger rear window. This example is said to have been repainted in its current color several years ago which is a paler shade than its original Ivory color. Details include body-colored bumpers with chrome overriders, a Ponto Stabil driver’s side mirror, gold badging, a fender-mounted antenna, an alloy rear luggage rack, and a Karosseriewerke Drauz badge affixed to the left-front fender. The seller notes some imperfections are present in the paint and some areas of wear and discoloration can be seen on the tan convertible top. The car rides on a set of chromed steel wheels with Porsche-crested hubcaps and Kumho Power Star 758 tires sized 165/80R15. Detailed images are provided in the gallery.
The cabin is trimmed in lined with oatmeal square-weave carpets and features tan leatherette upholstery on the reclining bucket seats, door panels, boot cover, and upper dashboard. The painted dash fascia houses VDO instrument dials, a cigar lighter, and a vintage Blaupunkt pushbutton radio. Additional VDO gauges have been added below the main instrumentation which display oil pressure and battery voltage.
Beneath the rear decklid lies a 1.6-liter Type 616/2 flat-four Super engine equipped with twin Zenith carburetors. The engine’s serial number (82389) corresponds with the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. Up to 75 HP is sent to the rear wheels by way of a 4-speed manual gearbox which is said to have been rebuilt in 2005 with new bearings and gaskets. The hydraulic drum brake system is said to have been refreshed in 2011 approximately 2,500 miles ago. The seller indicates that some corrosion is present on the underside of the battery box.
This sale will include owner’s manuals, some documentation, a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, and a clean title.
The seller would like you to know: “Thank you for visiting my auction. This 1958 Convertible D is a limited production of only 1,331 built only one year. It is a matching numbers Porsche with original floors and comes with the COA. Thank you and good luck!”
Auction Results
- Highest Bid: $180,356
- Auction End: Jul 26, 2023 08:32:38PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 32
Comments (43)
Bid in the amount of $180,356
Bid in the amount of $172,000
Bid in the amount of $170,356
Bid in the amount of $169,500
Bid in the amount of $169,000
Bid in the amount of $167,356
Bid in the amount of $163,606
Bid in the amount of $163,356
Bid in the amount of $160,000
Bid in the amount of $157,606
Bid in the amount of $157,356
Bid in the amount of $156,000
Bid in the amount of $155,000
Bid in the amount of $151,000
Bid in the amount of $150,356
Bid in the amount of $140,000
Bid in the amount of $135,000
Bid in the amount of $130,000
Bid in the amount of $125,356
Bid in the amount of $115,000
Bid in the amount of $110,250
Bid in the amount of $110,000
Bid in the amount of $101,000
Bid in the amount of $100,606
Bid in the amount of $100,356
Bid in the amount of $96,750
Bid in the amount of $96,000
Bid in the amount of $95,000
Has any work been done on this car since it didn't reach its reserve on BAT a little over a year ago. Its hard to tell from the documents in the listing.
As the 356 market continues to soften with a number of recent auctions not hitting the reserve price can we assume the seller has reevaluated the pricing or do I have the wrong car?
Bid in the amount of $85,000
@VVP356918 Transmission # 20578 assembly date 6/1958
Originals Transmission
Yes, all Vin plates are in correct areas
Thank you
@JohnBlackyoldtimer Hi John
The convertible D is all orignal the only modifications are the two gauges added on the dash (voltage meter and oil pressure gauge) everything else is 100% stock.
Thank you
Can you verify VIN stamping on both doors, engine lid and hood?
Original Transmission? Transmission number?
Thanks
Hi Bob, can you still answer my questions please? Thanks.
Hi, can you briefly list the modifications made to the vehicle and the original engine is still in the vehicle.
@artichoke Hi Bob,
Thank you for your inquiry
regarding the structure of the car; The floors are original, they are solid overall with the exception to the typical battery box area (nothing major, but a few perforations). The car can in fact be driven to local shows, it gets along nicely, very fun! No modifications to the engine (original engine is stock). Thank you!
@Jordanb Thank you!
Welcome to my auction! I am here to help answer any questions you may have and I'll be happy to provide you with any additional information/pictures or videos you might need. Thank you very much and good luck!
Bid in the amount of $77,356
Bid in the amount of $50,356
Bid in the amount of $7,000
Hi,
Has the engine had any modifications or updates? Is it reasonably reliable for PCA events and fun drives?
In the photos, there appears to be minor corrosion throughout the car. Any areas that require structural repair or attention?
Thanks,
Bob
Despite what the CoA might claim, this is a 1959 Convertible D.
And I have an ashtray if you need one! :)