The Porsche 356 Convertible D is arguably one of the more collectible of the 356 range, and given its limited production and ties to the iconic Speedster, it’s not hard to see why. Harder to see is yourself driving one of these, as they rarely come up for sale and when they do, the price tag is usually sobering. This Convertible D is described as a numbers-matching car equipped with the desirable “Super” engine that pushes out a healthy 75 b.h.p. The most amazing feature, aside from the general condition, is that it retains its original floors and battery box. As suspected, it’s priced accordingly with an ask of $235,000 here on craigslist in Southern California.
The Convertible D, in many ways, could be considered more desirable than a Speedster. After all, it’s just as exclusive but with a smattering of additional creature comforts to make it more enjoyable to drive. At the time, Porsche was taking into account some of the feedback from the Speedster ownership experience that indicated some drivers would prefer working side windows and more comfortable seats in their roadster experience. While we may lament the softening of car culture in terms of what drivers value most, it goes to show you that even a few decades earlier, the desire for greater comfort was a driving force behind decisions about ways to improve landmark models like the iconic Speedster.
The 75 horsepower engine may not sound like much, but it makes a big difference in a car like the 356. The fact that the seller’s vehicle retains not only its original floors but also a numbers-matching drivetrain really does make it an impressive example. Whether he’ll find someone willing to pay the asking price is another story. While I am an armchair expert at best as it relates to 356s, I suspect some enthusiasts will gladly hand over all of the money for a Speedster simply because….well, it’s a Speedster. That’s not to say car collectors don’t know what a Convertible D is, it’s just that the Speedster may be the high-end 356 more collectors want. Just my two cents.
Regardless, this is a striking example that has clearly been loved for many years. The seller reports that there are just three owners before him, with the first two being a father and son. The car originally came with California black plates that were sadly traded in when a new design came out; regardless, the actual registration number remains the same as when it was first sold. The listing claims the Porsche will come with full bumper over-riders, top, tonneau cover, spare tire, handbook, and some records. Overall, it looks like a stunner, and it does come with the must-have COA. Would you pay this number for a real-deal Convertible D?
This Porsche has been on sale at Phil Newey sports cars in La Habra, Calif forever. For most of that time, it was an unrestored mess listed at over $300k. Apparently, they’ve decided to do a little light restoration and finally sell it. This is a very eclectic dealer; kind of a hobbiest with a presence on the boulevard, strange place, but interesting inventory.
If you google Phil Newey sports cars and click on the street view, then rotate the view so you are looking away from the storefront, you will see a 6 wheeled minivan! I’m not sure if this is a real van or a google street view aberration. If it’s real, it belongs on BF
lol
Beautiful car. Owned two… one a rusty hulk turned into a race car, (over 250 hour of welding in a 6 month period), the other tried to move a power pole at 80 plus mph and literally bent every single piece of metal on the body. It helped save three 356s. Wished I’d kept the vin numbers on file so I could help the 356 registry account for the cars. There were only about 1,300 or so made.
Euromoto hit the nail on the head..
All that write up and it doesn’t say if it’s a Router or a Karmann built 356. That would make a big difference in the value.
If you can pull in further on the picture the badge behind the front wheels will tell you who built the body.
Danny, I agree completely, but I think you meant Reuter, not Router…
Which builder’s cars are more expensive and why?
Umm… Drauz Karosserie built these bodies, which is why they are called Convertible D’s (D for Drauz). They were not built by either Karmann or Reuter. I’ve owned one of these cars for over 40 years-