Bring A Trailer auction preview: Beautiful restoration awarded 1st in Class 2023 Niello Concours.1959 Porsche 356A Convertible DChassis Number – 86045Engine Number – 710747 (installed)Original Engine – 73193(Per CoA) 
Exterior Color – Cream Interior Color – Red leatherEngine Type –1.6L air-cooled 4-cylinderGearbox – 44 741/2 C 4-Speed manual transaxleCurrent Mileage – 6,238 miles (TMU)

Marque and Model HistoryThe incomparable Porsche legacy began with the lightweight and agile 356. With its timeless beauty, elegant engineering, and versatile performance, the 356 continues to be sought after by enthusiasts seeking a respite from digital screens, computer-controlled ride management, and lane guidance systems found in modern cars.

The “A” version of the 356 came to market during Porsche’s rapid growth cultivating North American markets. Ongoing development of the 356 included the 1600 series engine, named for the 1,582cc engine, which was well suited for the demands of American roads. With air cooled power, manual gearbox, manual steering, and seat of the pants connection to the road, the 356 combines traditional craftsmanship, performance, and build engineering into one of the most rewarding vintage driving experiences.
History of this Car


According to a copy of the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity accompanying this car, this Convertible D was originally finished in Ruby Red and optioned with reclining seats, sealed beam headlights, and Michelin tires. Though earliest ownership is currently not known, a comprehensive restoration was commissioned by the long-term California owner in 1998 and completed in 2001. Restored at “Dawn’s Restoration & Repair”, Sacramento, CA, the first of numerous invoices documenting the restoration begins with disassembly and media blasting for the body shell which was mounted on a dolly for floor and body metal work. The floor pans, battery pan, and suspension stops were removed and new metal installed. The center tunnel was also repaired as needed. Body and paint was completed, a new wire harness was installed, new rubber hood, engine lid, and door seals were installed, brake lines and master cylinder, brake drums machined, underside of dash repainted before wiring was installed, Koni steering damper and Koni Classic shocks installed, interior reupholstered in red leather with new carpet, a set of Pep Products Porsche branded seat belt were installed, and all trim and exterior features replaced or restored as needed. 

In 2000, the restoration was largely complete when the 912 engine currently installed in the car was rebuilt and cosmetically restored including a steel crank, main bearings, rod bearings, pistons and cylinders, valves and seals, new exhaust and a 200mm flywheel, pressure plate, and clutch disc. In 2002 the final invoice was paid to the restoration shop totaling over $60k in services to complete this Convertible D. By 2004 the car was still in modest use by the long-term owner when it was serviced for clutch and shift linkage adjustments with 964 miles on the odometer followed with an oil and filter service by Ted Blake that same year with 2,201 miles indicated. By 2007, with 3,373 miles, a battery maintainer was installed, and an oil and filter service and other adjustments were made. With 4,300 miles recorded in 2009 a new battery was installed and Khumo tires were fitted in 2017. Recent services include: 2021 with 5,422 miles – inspection, replace brake light bulb, electrical draw repaired, radio and generator tested, oil and filter service with valve adjustment.2023 with 5,400 miles – New battery installed, oil and filter change, brake fluid flush, Porsche car cover purchased, and brake system inspection. 

In 2024 Ted Blake installed a Porsche red tip antenna. Under prior ownership for more than 25 years, this 356 was sold to the current California owner in 2o23 who exhibited the car at the 2023 Niello Concours where it was awarded 1st in class. General OverviewToday this Convertible D presents in excellent condition throughout. The paint is glossy and smooth showing only minor signs of age consistent with the show quality finish applied when the restoration was completed 25 years ago. The hood and deck lid have excellent fit, finish, and closure. The doors also have excellent fit and snap shut with confident latching even when gently closed. The exterior trim is consistent with the body and paint presentation, excellent throughout, ready for Porsche club shows or future concours events. The Sekurit and Sigla branded glass and lenses are in excellent condition overall with no notable cracks or scratches including a very nice retractable red-tip antenna and polished Speedster side trim. Chrome trim is also beautifully finished, and the front and rear bumpers are trimmed with round tube bumper guard bars. A black canvas convertible top fits snuggly to the chrome plated windshield frame, manually parking into the rear storage area with ease. A clear rear plastic window and beautifully finished inner liner top bows complete the exceptional visual condition for the top. A set of Kumho 165 R15 front and 195/65 R15 rear radial tires are mounted on Brazilian made chrome wheels with domed wheel covers.

The interior has been restored using high quality red leather for the seating surfaces displaying excellent fit, correct contours, and proper seam lines. The red upholstery displays correct seat pleating, excellent foam padding, and beautifully finished corners, piping, and a set of Porsche branded seat belts. The canvas top appears like new, with little to no signs of wear and correct headliner. The instruments and dash are in excellent condition with clean and clear dial faces, crisp numeric indication and needles, beautiful chrome bezels, a padded dash top, and an under dash mounted Blaupunkt AM/FM radio is in place and getting power, though currently not broadcasting sound. The odometer reads just over 6,000 miles, representative of the miles driven since the restoration was completed in 2002. The dashboard is fronted by a beautifully finished Nardi wood rim steering wheel with a Porsche center crest. Matching red square weave carpet completes the interior to a very high level overall. The front storage compartment is in excellent condition with the correct satin black finishes, fluted black rubber mat, and correct center fill fuel tank. A spare chrome wheel and Kumho tire are secured with a leather strap.

Under the engine lid, the rebuilt 912 engine and engine compartment have been restored with proper finishes and Porsche components. Various hardware, fasteners, and tidy detailing make an accurate and visually pleasing overall engine compartment. Fit and finish are attractive even though light patina has settled over the years since the restoration as completed. The underside remains in excellent condition showing no indication of inclement weather driving since the restoration was completed. Koni classic shock absorbers, correctly welded floors and battery box, excellent finishes to the restored components, suspension mounting points, engine and transmission castings, brakes and various lines are all in excellent condition.

This 356 starts easily, the engine runs smoothly at idle and warms up well on the open road. The added power from the 912 engine pulls strong pull in all gears. The car shifts, runs, and drives with confidence even when encountering rougher road surfaces. With each mile at the wheel, it’s easy to see why well sorted professionally restored 356 Porsches continue to be sought after by collectors who enjoy driving their classic Porsches. Included with this 356 PorscheThis car comes with a Porsche CoA, Porsche branded car cover, a black center-zip tonneau cover, tools and tool roll, a 356 Driver’s Manual, and copies of restoration and service invoices under prior long-term ownership and current ownership.