1959 Porsche 356 A Convertible D
Specifications |
|
| Stock: | P59-720 |
| Current condition: | SHOW-DRIVER |
| Performance: | 1582 cc, flat 4-cylinder engine, 1.6-liter, overhead valve (OHV) |
| Transmission: | 4 speed manual |
| Suspension: | Four-wheel independent suspension |
| Color exterior: | Ruby Red |
| Color interior: | Light Brown |
| Mileage: | 3,213 since restoration |
| Tires: | Pirelli P4 185/65/15 |
| Brakes: | Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes |
| Vin #: | 85720 |
| Engine #: | P*610402* |
| Gearbox #: | 22647 / 644 |
Description
(SOLD)
History
The Porsche 356 A 1600 Super Convertible D is a 2-door convertible/cabriolet-bodied car with a rear positioned engine supplying power to the rear wheels. The 4 cylinder, overhead valve naturally aspirated powerplant has 2 valves per cylinder and a displacement of 1.6 liters. It has two Zenith 32 NDIX carburetors. By 1958 the Speedster model was four years old, and sales were declining. Porsche realized that significant improvements were necessary to attract buyers, despite the market for a “weekend racer”. The Porsche 356A Convertible D was the replacement in 1959, and with Reutter coachworks straining to keep up with the demand, Porsche contracted with the Drauz Company in Heilbronn to manufacture the bodies for the Convertible D (the “D” stood for Karosseriewerke Drauz KG). The new “Convertible D” featured a taller, more practical windshield allowing improved headroom, roll-up glass side-windows and far more supportive seats. The Convertible D model is arguably the rarest production Porsche 356 model ever manufactured for a full year, with just 1,331 produced between August 1958 and September 1959, with a fraction of those (estimated at 300) ordered with the high compression Super engine. Today’s market feels quite differently, and clearly the late Type A Super cars remain the high-water mark for 356 collectability.
Authenticity
