The Convertible D remains among the best looking, rarest and most desirable of convertible Porsches. With added creature comforts over the Speedster, one with a sophisticated eye would argue the aesthetics of the Convertible D are an improvement as well. Built in limited quantity at the end of 356 A production, far fewer Convertible Ds were ordered with the uprated Super engine, as is the case with this car.
In addition to its fantastic overall condition and originality, this Convertible D has an incredible original file of documentation and history from new. Originally ordered by a service member stationed overseas (on behalf of his friend in the states) the correspondence on hand document the original owners preference on color and specification and the ultimate order and price of the car you see here. The file also contains invoices and receipts for the purchase of the car, shipping docs, early registration and invoices throughout the decades.
Completed for delivery in March of 1959, the Porsche was finished in ivory with a black interior and black carpet and weather equipment. The options included Michelin X tires, speakers and an antenna (radio to be dealer installed), a single headrest with hardware on both seats, the taller “coupe” gearing, reclining seats, and US equipment among a handful of other items.
The new Porsche traveled to California where it remained with the original owner, and subsequently his sister, for roughly four and half decades. During this long-term ownership, the car was sparingly used and exceptionally well kept, retaining a high degree of originality. A single outside-only repaint was the most major work performed.
In 2004, the car was discovered by noted Porsche enthusiast Bill Perrone, a collector well known for racing a 550 Spyder and having a go-to original parts supply house in Southern California. Shortly after Perrone’s acquisition of the Convertible D, the car attended the Speedster 50th Anniversary in Monterey where it was displayed. The related ephemera and commemorative book accompany the car today.
Beyond the exterior repaint, this 356 A is best described as a benchmark example of originality. The Convertible D, as Drauz’s first full production efforts with Porsche, has many unique features and differences from the more common Reuter built cars. Among these differences, importantly, are the significant number of items which Drauz stamped with the car’s body number. In addition to this Convertible D retaining its original, numbers-matching engine and gearbox, numerous body panels and components are stamped or marked as well, confirming their originality. Furthermore, the Porsche has correct date matched and/or marked items throughout including wheels, gas tank, sender unit, wipers, mirror and lighting, reflectors, etc.
The 356 remains well sorted mechanically, including a full engine rebuild by Jim Ansite completed toward the end of Perrone’s ownership. The 356, like any great, unrestored example, is a wonderful driver, having covered roughly 2,000 miles in the past few years. The taller “coupe” gearing in combination with the Super specification makes it a comfortable high speed car.
In addition to the aforementioned history file and Speedster Anniversary items, the 356 is complete with the original owners manuals and literature (some specific to the Convertible D), as well as the original toolkit, jack, tonneau, tonneau bag, and headrest and radio as it was delivered.
This is undoubtedly among the very finest, and of the most original Convertible Ds in existence, only enhanced by it’s original spec and great history. For even the pickiest of collectors this 356 will impress.
Please see hagemanmotorcars.com for more photos.
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