Vehicle Details
- Year: 1959
- Make: Porsche
- Model: 356A Convertible D
- VIN: 86599
- Mileage Shown: 87,000mi (TMU)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Ivory
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Burbank, CA 91501
- Lot #: V-0040237
Developed as a more refined successor to the iconic 356A Speedster model, the Convertible D was produced for a single model year between August 1958 and September 1959 with unique bodywork by renowned coachbuilder Karosseriewerke Drauz of Heilbronn, Germany. This example is one of 1,331 produced in total and is finished in Ivory over a red leatherette interior. It was originally imported to New York and sold new by the legendary Hoffman Motor Car Company. The second owner purchased the car in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in April 1961, and enjoyed participating in Allegheny Region PCA events before placing it in storage in 2000. This 356A was eventually relocated to California by a previous owner where it was purchased by the seller in August 2020. Having since undergone overhauls of the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension, this rare 356A Convertible D is now being offered for auction out of California.
In comparison to its predecessor the 356A Speedster, the Drauz-built Convertible D features a higher windshield, a revised rear cowl, roll-up windows, and a redesigned soft top with a larger rear window. This example is finished in Ivory (5704) with a black convertible top and rides on 15” Lemmerz steel wheels with chrome baby moon hubcaps and 165-15” Pirelli Cinturato radial tires. The car is said to have undergone paintwork during prior ownership and the seller notes some paint chips and discoloration around the bodywork. Pitting is also noted on the chrome moldings and bumperettes as well as metallic silver tape covering the chrome windscreen frame. The seller adds that all components are true to the car and all hardware has been preserved and coated, not replaced. Detailed images are provided in the gallery.
The cabin is lined with oatmeal square-weave carpeting contrasted by red leatherette upholstery on the seats, door panels, and upper dashboard. Accessories include an ivory two-spoke steering wheel, a body-color dashboard fascia, analog VDO gauges, red lap belts, black rubber floor mats, door panel storage pockets, and an aftermarket tri-band radio mounted beneath the dashboard.
The car’s 1.6-liter flat-four engine is equipped with dual Zenith 32 NDIX downdraft carburetors and a dual-outlet exhaust system. It reportedly sends up 85 HP to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transaxle. The engine, gearbox, and suspension were overhauled under current ownership including the installation of new Koni shocks. The drum braking system was also overhauled in 2020 with a replacement master cylinder, brake lines, and wheel cylinders. Images of the mechanical work are provided in the gallery.
This sale will include owner’s manuals, a Porsche service book, and a clean California title.
Auction Results
- Highest Bid: $105,000
- Auction End: Feb 20, 2024 07:42:47PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 6
Comments (19)
Bid in the amount of $105,000
Bid in the amount of $100,356
Bid in the amount of $75,000
additional photos of the original title and mechanical work receipts have been uploaded
@ppalmer. All original and in a very good condition. no pitting or chips.
Bid in the amount of $69,420
How is the glass ?
@drjoe356 go for it - you could feel like a minor German Prince again, only a faster one than before.
@drjoe356 . Please go through the pictures and you'll see internal parts that have been upgraded in order to give more juice.
As the prior steward of #85691, I always felt like a minor German Prince when driving it. Also met a bunch of people whose uncle owned one and took them for rides when they were kids.
A bit curious about the claimed 85 HP as this appears to be a 60 HP "Normal" (badging and tach) vs a 75 HP "Super". My car did just fine with 60 HP. Day-to-day the 60 HP cars were a better drive.
The current owner should consider registering it at convertibledregistry.com .
I planned on restoring the whole car when I bought the car, but all the car guys around me advised me against it. Im glad I kept it the way it is. Honestly , everytime I drive this to any car meet I get a lot of people approaching and commending me for keeping it original. Especially, because you can tell that this is the real deal instead of a reproduction .
@Antiqueguy. you never know when an actual buyer is in the market for a particular / special car, therefore it's always good to have it in the public eye as much as possible.
I don’t see anything wrong with this listing. Maybe the seller will have a lower reserve and maybe some fresh eyes on this beautiful car.
I find it very curious why P Car would list this car, When it was on BAT less than two weeks ago ? Went to 205
What a marvelous collection of photographs!
@Epicmc . All panels on this car are stamped and correct to true to the car. None of the panels or anything else regarding this vehicle is changed or aftermarket. The car was painted at some point under the previous ownership. All restoration done under my ownership has been mechanical. Thank you and good luck
The paint on the passenger door does not quite seem to match is that correct? Or is the door repainted?
Bid in the amount of $50,000
Bid in the amount of $10,000