1959 Porsche 356 Convertible D

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION

With only 1330 having been made between August 1958 and September 1959, the 356 A Convertible D is among the rarest variants of Porsche’s enduring sports car, and the example being offered for sale here must be one of the most original survivors.

Ordered new via Ritterbacher of Kaiserslautern and registered in January 1959, it was delivered new to the USA and the factory data card shows that its options included reclining seats and the American-spec bumper.

It would remain Stateside for more than 50 years, and in 2001 it was treated to a nut-and-bolt restoration by Porsche 356 specialist Sports Car Factory of Thompson, Ohio. No expense was spared and the history file includes a photographic record of the work, plus extensive invoices. 

A bare-metal respray was carried out, as well as a full mechanical overhaul covering the gearbox, suspension and brakes, and a rebuild of the flat-four engine. The interior was retrimmed and also benefits from new over-mats and a mohair hood, while all of the exterior brightwork was rechromed.

Its final US owner was based in Rhode Island and entered the 356 into the 2009 PorscheFest Concours d’Elegance, which was held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the north-east region of the Porsche Club of North America. Four years later, it was sold to a UK-based owner and has been maintained by renowned independent specialists such as Maxted-Page. 

The front suspension and steering box were rebuilt in 2021 by Williams Crawford, and the following year the same was done to the fuel system. Now presented in immaculate, concours-ready condition, it retains its matching-numbers engine and gearbox, and the doors, bonnet and boot lid all feature their original stamped numbers. 

Looking resplendent in its original colours of Ruby Red with Tan upholstery, there are few more stylish ways to enjoy the summer sun.

MODEL HISTORY  

Launched in 1948, the Porsche 356 was the car that laid the foundation for Porsche’s enduring success. It proved hugely popular with enthusiasts in Europe and North America, and was just as effective on the track as it was on the road. In 1951, Porsche entered the Le Mans 24 Hours for the first time and a 356 driven by French duo of Auguste Veuillet and Edmond Mouche won the 1100cc class. 

When Road and Track magazine tested a 356 in 1952, it called it ‘The Car of Tomorrow’ and said that ‘no car in the history of Road and Track has offered so many different and new driving sensations’.

The basic outline of the 356 remained intact throughout its production run, but there were numerous updates along the way. The capacity of the rear-mounted, air-cooled, flat-four engine was originally 1100cc, but 1300cc and 1500cc variants were soon added. In 1955, the 356 A was introduced with its updated T1 body, and this model also gained the option of a 1600cc engine – plus the high-performance four-cam Carrera unit. 

In 1958, Porsche did a deal with Karosseriewerke Drauz KG – which was based in Heilbronn, near Stuttgart – to build its new Convertible D. Offered with the 1600 and 1600 S engines, but not in Carrera spec, this model could be ordered in red, blue, ivory or silver. Prices in the American market started at $2774. 

The 356 B was introduced in 1960 with a new T5 body style and the Convertible D was eventually replaced by the d’Ieteren-built Roadster. The 1600cc engine was available across all body styles – Coupé, Cabriolet and Roadster – and with various power outputs. The 356 B gained the latest T6 body in 1962, and the final incarnation of this famous model was the 1964 356 C. Porsche also introduced the six-cylinder 911 that year, and production of the 356 came to an end in 1965.