Meissen Blue with Braun interior, Tan German Square Weave carpeting with Black top, Restored, Matching numbers, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, 4-speed manual transmission.

In the Summer of 1958, Porsche sent a letter to all its U.S. representatives, stating that the four-year old pure sports Speedster, which had been designed specifically for the Western markets of the United States, had not been well-received elsewhere. A new model was forthcoming for 1959, and it would be manufactured by Karosseriewerke Drauz. This became the Convertible D, introduced as an interim car to the 356 B Roadster, which was introduced in 1960. The Convertible D would carry Speedster-like design cues, but it would now feature amenities such as a wind-up windows, taller windscreen, roomier top, and more sumptuous interior appointments. Just 1,331 Convertible Ds were built between August 1958 and September 1959. The D is more comfortable than a Speedster and far scarcer than the 356 B Roadster, this has resulted in it being considered by many to be the most enjoyable of the three.

This 1959 Porsche 356A 1600 Convertible D was delivered new to Max Hoffman in New York on April 27, 1959 and shipped to its first registered owner in Santa Barbara, California. It is believed that it stayed in Santa Barbara for many, many years. From circa 1979 to 1989, this 356 was owned by another Santa Barbara resident, Mr. C. Ludford. In 1989, it was purchased by another California 356 enthusiast, Mr. R. Heintz. Once purchased, Mr. Heintz stripped the car to bare metal and had well-known and respected body man Mr. Victor Miles prep and paint the 356 and have a few items re-chromed. The remainder of the 356s chrome was redone by Christiansen Plating in Los Angeles. At this time, the engine, transmission, front trunk compartment, suspension and undercarriage were detailed throughout. Once completed, the entire 356 was undercoated as per factory original, both inside and out. At this time, the transmission case was replaced with a new unit due to a crack in the original case. Once completed, the 356 was taken to well-known upholsterers, Autos International in San Diego for a complete interior, convertible top and tonneau cover. The 356 was reassembled and completed in late 1990. Mr. Heintz showed the 356 at several concours and kept the car until 1996, when it was sold to his good friend, Mr. T. Simms. Mr. Simms owned the car for two or three years at which point it was sold to Mr. B. Casella, San Luis Obispo, California. Mr. Casella cared for the 356 for a number of years prior to selling it to well-known Porsche restorer and racer, Mr. P. Bagley. In 2009, this 356 Convertible D was sold by Mr. Bagley through well-known Porsche broker, Mr. Dirk Layer to is most recent custodian, a resident of Beverly Hills, California.

Shortly after purchase, the 356 Convertible D was used approximately 5,000 miles and without issue. Circa 2012 when driving from LA to Arizona to take part in a vintage rally when the engine started to make noise. It was shut off immediately, a transporter was arranged and the 356 was transported back to Los Angeles. The engine rebuild was entrusted to well-known and respected specialist, Mr. F. Busche at Independent Specialist, Inc., Santa Monica, California. Since the engine rebuild, this 356 has completed approximately two thousand miles being used on a 1,000 miles vintage rally, road tours arrange by The Petersen Checkered Flag 200 members, casual drives to Malibu and several Car and Coffee events. It has received regular servicing by Mr. Busche, Independent Specialist, Inc. and has performed flawlessly. During its most recent ownership, this 356 had a small incident at the owners club and where it hit a garden bird fountain. This necessitated repair of the front bumper and header panel. At this time, it was decided to strip, repair and repaint the entire 356 once again to make sure the paint would match and it was once again concours quality.

This Convertible D is superb throughout and features many custom period details, including headlight grilles, painted to match luggage rack, two sets of seats - Tartan Sport Seats installed as well as the originals in OEM leather, two tonneau covers (one partial and one full cockpit), and dual band Blaupunkt radio and bracket. This Convertible D also includes a host of original period literature and brochures, original owners manual, original spare tire, jack and tool kit. It is ready for immediate road or concours use.

Video walk-around and road test:https://youtu.be/0lfhcxpu2GI