1959 Porsche 356A Roadster

The Porsche 356A Convertible D ('D' referring to Drauz, the German coachbuilder that produced the new car's bodywork) was the answer to customers who wanted something more than a bare-bones vehicle. The new car had a higher windshield and wind-up door windows offering enhanced weather protection, as well as fully upholstered seats. They were built using the same 356A styling, chassis, and drivetrain as the Speedsters.

The Convertible D is the rarest of the three versions of Porsche's lightweight open cars equipped with removable chrome-framed windshields. There were around 4,000 356 and 356A Speedsters and 2,653 356B roadsters. Around 1,330 were built of the Convertible D.

This example was purchased by an American doctor who took delivery at the Porsche dealership in Munich, Germany. It is equipped today with a 'twin grille' engine deck lid, versus the majority of convertible Ds, which have the normal 356A 'Single grille' lid. A Drauz advertisement of the period shows the second Convertible D built, for a member of the Porsche family, and it has the twin grille lid. The 'twin grilles' make this a very rare and desirable feature, though it is not known if it was a period installation. It also has an Abarth four-pipe exhaust system.

The car was given a restoration several years ago in its original Ruby Red color. At some point in its life, the original 1600 Super engine was replaced with a replacement engine, built using engine case 65439 and correct 1600 Super components. It is supplied with the front case from the original engine, bearing the number 84390. Recently, the original Zenith carburetors were replaced with Solex carburetors. The original carburetors, manifolds, and air cleaners still remain with the current owner. The current owner acquired the car in 2003 and has participated in the 1,000 mile Colorado Grand on three occasions, completing all trips without any problems.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2013