1959 Porsche 356A 1600 Convertible D, Coachwork by Drauz

Offered from the Ted Gildred Collection
1959 Porsche 356A 1600 Convertible D
Coachwork by Drauz
Chassis no. 86154
Engine no. 741460
1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
Dual Twin-choke Carburetors
60bhp at 4,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Beautifully restored example of the desirable Convertible D
*One of only 1,331 examples made
*Exercised on many tours and rallies
*Accompanied by original engine case

THE 356 CONVERTIBLE D

Although Ferdinand Porsche had established his automotive design consultancy in the early 1930s, his name would not appear on a car until 1949. When it did, it graced one of the all-time greatest sports car: the Porsche 356. Having commenced manufacture with a short run of aluminum-bodied cars built at Gmünd, Porsche began volume production of the steel-bodied 356 coupe at its old base in Stuttgart, at first in premises shared with coachbuilders Reutter and then, from 1955 onwards, in its original factory at Zuffenhausen.

The work of Ferry Porsche, the 356 was based on the Volkswagen designed by his father and, like the immortal 'Beetle', employed a platform-type chassis with a rear-mounted air-cooled engine and an all-independent torsion bar suspension. Regularly revised and updated, Porsche's landmark sports car would remain in production well into the 911-era, the final examples being built in 1965.

Cabriolets had been manufactured right from the start of 356 production, but the first open Porsche to make a significant impact was the Speedster. It was introduced in 1954, following the successful reception in the USA of a batch of 15 special roadsters. With its sales declining, however, the Speedster was dropped in 1958 and replaced by the more civilized Convertible D. The Convertible D differed principally by virtue of its larger windscreen and winding side windows, the latter replacing the Speedster's side screens. Overall, the new car was 3½ inches taller. All in all, the 356A Convertible D was a somewhat more practical car than the Speedster, boasting a more protective windscreen, proper side windows and more comfortable seats while retaining the original's beautiful body lines and downward sloping waistline beloved of Type 356 enthusiasts.

With its preferred coachbuilder Reutter struggling to keep up with the ever-increasing demand, Porsche sub-contracted cabriolet body construction to a number of different coachbuilders. The Convertible D production was undertaken by Drauz of Heilbronn (hence the 'D' suffix) until the restyled Porsche 356B arrived in September 1959, when convertible production transferred to d'Ieteren of Brussels. The 356A Convertible D model remains one of the rarest of Porsche 356 models, with only 1,331 made between August 1958 and September 1959.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This Porsche 356, chassis number 86154, was completed at the Porsche factory in March of 1959, and imported into the United States through the Hoffman Motor Car Company in New York. Finished in a light ivory exterior color, this 356 was delivered with Sealed Beam headlights and US-Specification bumpers for United States importation.

The rare Convertible D is believed to have remained stateside since new and is recorded by the early 1990s to having been owned by Mr. Gregory Warner, CEO of Kia Motors, in Huntington Beach, California. Reportedly, Mr. Warner had purchased the car from a Los Angeles based man, with whom the car had been enjoyed for about 15 years. Mr. Warner would start a comprehensive restoration of the Convertible D, but then sold the car before completing the restoration, in 1995, to a Mari Johnson of San Francisco. Ms. Johnson would then entrust the Porsche with German car specialist Alex Bivens of West Coast Haus, to have the restoration completed. The car later relocated to Nevada, where it was owned by a Mr. Glenn Schaffer.

The sporting and elegant Porsche 356A 1600 Convertible D joined the Gildred Collection more than a decade ago, and has since been toured on many rallies, including the California Mille and Copperstate 1000. A period engine with desirable performance enhancements is fitted, while the original engine is offered with the car. Presented in the same correct Ivory color as when the rolled out of the Drauz coachbuilding works in 1959, the Convertible D looks beautiful and very appropriate for the period. The interior is trimmed in black, and chrome wheels are fitted. Ready for further touring or concours showing, this rare Convertible D was one of Mr. Gildred's favorite cars and will surely be appreciated by the next owner as well.