1959 Porsche 356A Super Convertible D

Description

Porsche built only 1331 1959 356A Convertible Ds between August 1958 and September 1959.

Less than half are known to exist, with even fewer being Supers. The ‘D’ is basically a

Speedster with a higher windshield, roll-up windows, and more comfortable seats among other

small changes.

One of the problems with purchasing a valuable car that has been restored, is that no matter

how nice it looks, you never know what’s underneath the paint. Even an expert can’t tell you

that. Unless you can see detailed photographic documentation of the entire process, you can’t fully be

comfortable with what you are buying, and can get some nasty surprises down the road. We

have all seen or heard about such cases.

No car is perfect, but that was the goal with this car - to get it as close as possible. It runs and

drives great. It is a museum quality vehicle, and is even more rare because it is a Super. It is a

documented, numbers matching, i.e. engine, tranny, both doors and deck lid, true European

delivery vehicle that came without bumper overriders as required in America. It has a kph

speedometer, which was left that way when it was restored by Palo Alto Speedometers. There is

extensive documentation, including initial delivery and shipping documentation, service

records, older “restoration” invoicing and pictures, etc. that came with the car. It was originally

ordered by a woman in Venezuela who owned it for 23 years. The second owner bought it from

her in 1981, and drove it for 12 years in Venezuela. He then brought it to the U.S. in 1993 and

had it “restored”, and completed in 1994. There are many pictures taken during the process.

He kept it in Miami until he sold it to a collector there in 2013, who apparently never drove it,

because it barely ran when I got it, due to defective carbs. I purchased it in

October 2016, and have undertaken the following total bare metal restoration:

- The original color was 5706 Silver, with red leatherette according to the COA, however,

based on the records it looks like it was changed to black/black during the 1994

“restoration”

- We took it back to the original paint/interior combination, and there is total documentation

and pictures of the entire process from disassembly to bare metal to completion

- New COA-correct red interior in vinyl, with leather seats (my choice) was done by Autos

International

- Both original carbs were totally rebuilt by Carburetor Rescue in Sedona, AZ

- The distributor was totally rebuilt by Carburetor Rescue in California

- New distributor cap, wires and plugs

- Valves adjusted

- Engine sheet metal stripped and painted/powder coated in correct colors with new proper

decals applied

- All engine hardware cleaned and cad-plated where appropriate, including valve covers

- Original wiring harness was removed, cleaned, tested and re-installed

- Brakes gone through, new fluid and all four wheel cylinders replaced

- New rubber floor mats in the interior and boot. Rare tan floor mats available only 1958, 1959

- Trim pieces have been polished if aluminum, and re-chromed if chrome. The hood handle is

an original aluminum one and polished to look as new

- Added chrome wheels and spare with Coker Michelin tires as per the COA. The four original

wheels dated 6/59 come with the car and are in excellent condition

- New top and boot cover from Autos International

- Undercoating was completely refurbished using Wurth materials, including the engine and

trunk compartments, then painted

- Original steering wheel with optional center horn ring completely refurbished

- Has the original Owner’s Manual, the original and rare Convertible D top folding procedure

manual

- Refurbished jack

- An original tool kit case in very good condition with a replacement strap, tyre gauge, pliers,

correct spark plug, spare lug nut, lug wrench, generator pulley wrench, four open end wrenches, and spark plug

wrench

- Every original part possible was maintained and refurbished or original parts sourced where

possible

I am a 48-year member of the Porsche Club of America (PCA), and 11-year member of 356

Registry. I have owned 11 Porsches, with four being 356s - three of which I have had totally

restored. One won multiple class wins in local and national concours, and still is being

campaigned in concours events under new ownership.

The restoration and metal/paint people are available to discuss any facet of the 18-month

restoration of this car.

Accompanying the car is a detailed chronological hardcopy scrapbook of the restoration,

including over 150 pictures, with hundreds more in digital and hardcopy.