Numbers Matching Convertible D: 1959 Porsche 356

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Some would argue the Porsche 356 Convertible “D” was one of the rarest Porsches ever made for a full year on a factory assembly line, as just 1,331 are believed to have been built. Basically a more livable version of the Speedster, the “D”-series convertibles represent one of the more desirable models for P-car enthusiasts, and this example here on eBay looks more like like a scale model than the real thing. Said to be numbers-matching with bids approaching $90K, it’s definitely going home with somebody soon. 

The 356 is heavily weathered, with nearly all of its original paint missing. Originally painted “Ruby Red,” the 356’s certificate of authenticity has been ordered and many of the important details verified. Rust is said to be of considerable concern, but the seller notes that “…the original longitudinal appear solid. Doors shut perfectly.” He also notes that it does not appear to have any prior accident damage and has never been repainted, with excellent panel gaps and a tick over 110,000 original miles.

The interior is tattered, and this is the space where some of the key differences between it and the Speedster are noted. Convertible “Ds” had taller windshields, and accordingly a unique soft top to meet the higher mounting points. This car also features traditional wind-up windows (note window winders on the door panel) instead of side curtains, and more comfort features like the standard seats from the coupe with optional headrests, as opposed to the very form-fitting sport buckets found in the Speedster.

According to the seller, “Original numbers-matching engine does not turn over, car has not been started since 1972. All numbers have been verified by Porsche, COA is on order.” More importantly, of the two engine options available, this 356 D has the desirable 1600 “Super” engine (though the holy grail is finding one of the two equipped with the four-cam engine from the factory). The weathered plates indicate long-term storage somewhere in Florida, and while the rust is not insignificant, this is a car that will be worth the cost of restoration.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. sir mike

    What a find…will go way into 6 figures.

    Like 0
    • Dave Wright

      doubtful since the by it now is 99,999. I bet she winds up in an Eastern European restoration shop. Cheapest and best restorations in the world right now.

      Like 0
    • DolphinMember

      This makes that highboy rod look like a bargain.

      Like 1
  2. XJSLord

    My Great Uncle raced one of these in Japan from 1959 to the mid 60s on a military base there. His was blue (I think). I believe still have one of his medals lying around somewhere

    Like 6
  3. Ric Parrish

    Absolutely no interest, we were no substitute for cubic inch V8 guys all the way. Porsches were considered expensive VWs, I never shook that. But then we had a 63 Fury Max Wedge, brand new, still have my 62 Injected Vette, We would have sucked this little thing in our lead injector. I missed the boat on these, one of my buddies got to wheeling and dealing them, he’s retired on his own island off Florida.

    Like 9
    • Rick

      Difference was, these were a drivers car. They could handle.

      Like 9
    • Mike356a

      No substitute for cubic inches?? How about brakes and handling? As seen here! https://youtu.be/9nAx2jtr3K8

      Like 2
      • Steve R

        It’s not surprising the mini van beat the Daytona, muscle cars are nowadays about nostalgia and a certain presence new cars don’t have. I have doubts a stock 356 would put much distance on that same mini van through that course. Like the clip said, technology has come a long way, nothing from that era will shine against today’s offerings.

        Steve R

        Like 2
      • Brian

        Ok, now let’s see 356 vs muscle car. Or 356 vs minivan. I’m not at all convinced a 356 can keep up with a muscle car, not even in autocross. Maybe it could in the 60s. But with modern tires these days… No way!

        And as a lowly Corvair auto-x’er, I’m hardly biased toward muscle cars haha.

        Like 1
    • Bob S

      I presently own several cars in the 400+ hp range, but back in the early 60s, I went through a period where I need more economical cars, and owned several sports cars.
      You would have known which car was the better design between anything made in the US at the time and the average sports car, when you got to your first tight corner on a mountain road.
      Back in the early 60s, these little cars were very respectable performers.
      Bob

      Like 8
      • oops I did it again

        I wrecked many of them during my DUI dazed and confused period

        Like 1
    • Leonard Izbicki

      I have a 62 FI. San Diego area

      Like 0
  4. BobinBexley Bob in BexleyMember

    I got sheepskins for those bun lacerating seats !

    Like 3
  5. Beatnik Bedouin

    Having owned a Convertible D, I am amazed at what they’re going for some 45 years later!

    Like 2
  6. James Dean Waiting

    Hot Damn that’s my car.
    I have been hanging around in A Oklahoma farm with no ride other than an old serrie and ancient horse.

    Someone bring that by so I can get into my rebel state again 😳👀

    Like 2
  7. Michael

    Janis Joplin had a ‘64 356 C. I was almost kicked out of the Rock&Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland for taking a photo when it was there many years ago.
    RIP Janis.

    Like 2
  8. CoolHluke

    It’s awesome that it’s been driven 110,000 smiling fun miles in the past, probably will never happen again after the inevitable restoration…

    Like 3
  9. Jack Quantrill

    This is the queen of “Patina”!

    Like 0
  10. moosie Craig M Bryda

    Looks like something that spent time at the bottom of a lake or pond.

    Like 1
  11. Cargirl

    Until I saw the interior I thought the patina was one of the fake ones that are popping up here and there. But this looks like the real deal if he has the documents he says he has. Great car if it is all that.

    Like 3
  12. steve jay

    Ugliest car ever.Never understood the appeal

    Like 0
  13. Rex Rice

    As an old ex Porsche owner/driver, I’ve somehow arrived at another world where one of these old beaters in bad condition is worth mucho pasos. “Beam me up Scotty! Get me out of here!”

    Like 7
  14. Cargirl

    @Rex Rice

    Did that picture go on your permanent criminal record:)

    Like 4
  15. Richard Hines

    In 1973-4 I had a Speedster in slightly better condition, no major rust, coupe seats, mostly grey primer, except for one red door (it was almost a twin to Harper’s, except the red door was on the passenger side, and it was a ’58). Non matching Normal engine, but matching BBAB trans. I drove it every day, but needed more trunk space, so I sold it for $1200. I made a killing, because I paid $350 for it. I used the cash as the down payment on an excellent 1970 red Challenger R/T 383 convertible, that cost IIRC, $2900. Those were the days.

    Like 8
  16. Fan Belt

    This is nothing more than an overpriced VW.

    Now, if we were talkin’ 911s! Then we’d be talkin’ over priced Corvairs haha!

    Like 1
  17. John

    This is one of those “Finds” that I wish we could put a tracker on so that we could get regular updates on how its doing. I’d love to see someone chronicle the restoration process.

    Like 3
  18. Jonny the Boy

    I’d love to see the exterior kept the way it is- ORIGINAL! And I’d keep the interior as original as reasonable. Those seats would not be nice to sit in!
    And of course, fix any structural issues. And do a full mechanical restoration!
    As for preservation, some Cosmolene in the body cavities, a good undercoating, and linseed oil(?) on the exterior. Don’t forget Porsche Classic motor oil in the engine!

    Like 0
  19. Clay Bryant

    This is truly one of those cars that was “ridden and put away wet”.Other then the paint, if this was put away in 72, they had a hell of a last ride in that cockpit. I have a 59 Chevy wagon that has set out for many moons and it’s interior looks like a museum compared to this. With this being exposed to the media, there should be no excuse whatsoever for “Buyer’s remorse…………”

    Like 0
  20. farmer rob

    I remember driving from sarnia Ontario to a 356 registry meet in Vermont a long time ago….. in my conv. d. my bud followed me in his 2nd gen z 28 that had some bolt on performance mods. we had to pass threw some low mountains, and the camero could not keep up with my 356 around the curvey bits! on the straights he would catch up with me , and then I would leave him again in the next set of curves.i found my bud his own conv d in London Ontario which he restored and later sold. glad I still have mine!

    Like 0

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