A 1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D, one of only 1,331 produced in a single model year, is now available on Bring a Trailer. This iconic sports car is finished in classic Ivory with a contrasting red leatherette interior and has a rich history dating back to its original sale in New York.
The Convertible D models were produced between 1958 and 1959, with coachwork by Karosseriewerke Drauz in Heilbronn, Germany. Known for its taller windshield and roll-up side windows, this model stands out from the Speedster. The car was initially sold by Hoffman Motor Car Company in September 1959 and later purchased by its second owner in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in April 1961. After years of country touring and participation in Allegheny Region PCA events, it was placed in storage in 2000.
Under previous ownership, the car was relocated to California, where it was acquired by its current owner through Bring a Trailer in August 2020. Since then, the 1.6L flat-four engine, four-speed manual transaxle, and suspension have all been overhauled. The Convertible D comes equipped with a black convertible top, red parade boot, and a Panasonic tri-band radio. This classic Porsche is now listed on dealer consignment with extensive service photos, a Porsche service book, a Driver’s manual, and a clean California title.
The exterior of this Convertible D is finished in Ivory (5704) and features a black convertible top. The car has undergone paintwork under previous ownership, and while it shows some chips, discoloration, and pitting on the chrome bumperettes and moldings, its classic appeal remains intact. Rust is noted in the door bottoms, a common issue for vehicles of this age.
The Porsche sits on Lemmerz 15″ steel wheels with chrome baby moon hubcaps and 165-15″ Pirelli Cinturato radial tires. The braking system, including the master cylinder, brake lines, and wheel cylinders, was overhauled in 2020. Additionally, the suspension received Koni shocks, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride.
Inside, the car features red leatherette upholstery, matching door panels, oatmeal square-weave carpets, and black rubber floor mats. The dash, also in ivory and red, houses green-letter VDO instrumentation, including a 6k-rpm tachometer, a 120-mph speedometer, and gauges for oil temperature and fuel level. The five-digit odometer reads 87k miles, with approximately 400 miles added by the current owner.
The overhauled 1.6-liter flat-four engine, originally rated at 59 horsepower and 81 lb-ft of torque, is paired with Zenith 32 NDIX downdraft carburetors and a dual-outlet exhaust system. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transaxle, which was also overhauled under current ownership.
This 1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of automotive history, with its combination of classic styling, historical significance, and comprehensive recent maintenance.