1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D

Introduction & Historical Significance
In the summer of July 1958, Porsche issued a directive to its global network of foreign representatives. The message was clear: while the lightweight, spartan Reutter built 356 Speedster had achieved iconic status in sunny, track-focused regions like Western North America, its bare-bones nature—complete with minimal side weather protection, low windshield, and side curtains—was proving less suitable for daily driving and harsher climates elsewhere in the world. Sales were beginning to plateau.
Porsche’s solution for the 1959 model year was a thoughtfully refined successor: the 356A Convertible D.
Designed to merge the sleek, low-slung aesthetic and athletic purity of the Speedster with the creature comforts and practicality of a true GT touring car, the Convertible D delivered the best of both worlds. To meet increasing production demands while primary coachbuilder Reutter was operating at full capacity, Porsche contracted the respected coachbuilding firm Karosseriewerke Drauz KG of Heilbronn, West Germany, to construct the bodies—hence the designation letter “D”.
Produced for just over a single year between August 1958 and September 1959, the Convertible D remains one of the absolute rarest regular production Porsche models ever created, with only 1,330 examples manufactured before production transitioned to the 356B Roadster in September 1959 when bodywork production was transferred to d'leteren of Brussels.
Key Model Enhancements: Speedster Lines with GT Comfort
In its original promotional literature, Porsche captured the ethos of the Convertible D as a “dynamic car of beautiful proportions. Extra light and low in design for competition and pleasure driving.”
While retaining the classic downward-sloping waistline and iconic silhouetted contours beloved by enthusiasts, the Drauz-built Convertible D introduced critical refinements over the Speedster:
 Improved All-Weather Protection: A redesigned, slightly taller chrome-framed windshield offered superior headroom and better visibility while remaining easily removable for motorsport participation.
 Roll-Up Glass Windows: Replacing the rudimentary plug-in side screens of the Speedster, roll-up glass side windows with wind-up door mechanisms were integrated for effortless operation.
 Upgraded Folding Roof Structure: An enhanced folding steel frame top featuring an extra bow, rain gutters, and an enlarged rear glass window provided drastically superior cabin sealing.
 Elevated Interior Comfort: Replacing the austere Speedster bucket seats, plush coupe-style reclining seats, integrated door pockets, and upgraded cabin trim brought genuine GT touring comfort to the open-top 356.
Chassis Number 85875: Exceptional Originality & Provenance
Offered here is Chassis Number 85875, an extraordinary, collector-grade example of the 356A Convertible D.
Supplied new through Rittersbacher of Kaiserslautern and registered in January 1959, the car was built for export and delivered to its first owner in the United States. Factory documentation and the accompanying Porsche Kardex confirm its factory specifications, options, and early maintenance log, showing initial warranty work performed in early 1959.
Documented Ownership History
1. Mr. R.H. Bower – February 1959 (Warranty record on Kardex)
2. Mr. Leyan Leroy – April 1959 (Warranty record on Kardex)
3. Mr. Mike Pastucha – Purchased late 1969
4. Mr. Charlie Brown (Livonia, MI) – Purchased November 1979
5. Mr. Robert Bluestein (Bloomfield Hills, MI) – Purchased & commissioned restoration works
6. Mr. Tim Csanadi (Rhode Island) – Purchased April 2007
7. Mr. Andy Totten (Sevenoaks, UK) – Purchased August 2013
8. Mr. Jason Woods (Henley-On-Thames, UK) – Purchased June 2014
Restoration work & Mechanical Excellence
While in the care of Robert Bluestein, Chassis 85875 underwent a comprehensive, no-expense-spared, nut-and-bolt bare-metal mechanical and cosmetic restoration by renowned US 356 specialists Sports Car Factory in Thompson, Ohio.
The restoration included:
 A complete bare-metal strip-down and respray in its factory-correct and striking shade of Ruby Red.
 A complete re-trim of the interior in stunning Tan upholstery, accompanied by period-correct coco over-mats.
 Installation of a premium, blemish-free Black Mohair soft top.
 Re-chroming of all exterior brightwork, windshield surround, and trim.
 A full mechanical overhaul encompassing the engine, transmission, suspension, and braking systems.
Since its arrival in the United Kingdom in 2013, the vehicle has been impeccably preserved in concours condition and maintained by leading vintage Porsche specialists, including Maxted-Page of Halstead, Essex.
Matching Numbers
What sets Chassis 85875 apart from nearly every other Convertible D on the market today.
 Matching Numbers: Retains its original factory-installed engine and gearbox, verified against the official Porsche Kardex.
 Original Sheet Metal: The body panels—including the doors, front bonnet, and engine lid—retain their original factory-stamped numbers, confirming exceptional structural integrity throughout its lifetime.
 Correct Period Components: Features correctly dated wheels, original fuel tank, bumper irons, engine compartment trim, hood, and windshield surround,
Competition Use: The windshield can be easily removed.
Accompanying Documentation & Accessories
This 356A Convertible D is offered as a complete, fully documented historic vehicle package:
 Official Porsche Kardex confirming matching numbers and factory spec.
 Original Jack and Tool Kit.
 Original Porsche 356 Owner’s Manual (in English).
 Extensive history file containing a photographic record of the restoration alongside comprehensive service invoices and historical records.

Conclusion
Significantly more comfortable than a bare-bones Speedster, yet far rarer and sleeker than the 356B Roadster that succeeded it in 1960, the Drauz-built 356A Convertible D represents a high-water mark for open-top air-cooled Porsches.
Chassis 85875 stands out as arguably one of the most correct, authentic, and beautifully restored examples in existence. Combining complete matching-numbers integrity, documented continuous history, factory-correct Ruby Red finish, and immediate show readiness, it is a prime candidate for the premier classic car events and most discerning Porsche collections globally.