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1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D

United States Lot # V-000321 Ended 102 Bids & Comments
Bids & Comments

Presentation

This 1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D is one of approximately 1,331 examples manufactured during a single year of production and underwent a refurbishment between 1998 and 2001. The car is powered by a replacement 1.6-liter flat-four paired with a four-speed manual transaxle and has been refinished in Ivory over red leather. Features include a black soft top, 15″ ventilated steel wheels, an AM/FM radio with an auxiliary input, and a Nardi steering wheel. It was acquired by the current owner in 2023 and reportedly received a first in class award at the 2023 Niello Concours at Serrano. This 356A Convertible D is now offered on dealer consignment with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, a tool kit, a tonneau cover, a car cover, the owner’s manual, service records, and a clean California title.
1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D photo 2
Convertible D models were produced between 1958 and 1959 with coachwork contracted to Karosseriewerke Drauz in Heilbronn, Germany, hence the “D” model designation. All 1,331 were sold as 1959 models, and notable differentiations included roll-up side windows and a windshield that was 3″ taller than the Speedster’s. This example came finished from the factory in Ruby Red and was repainted in Ivory during the aforementioned refurbishment in the late 1990s, which involved media blasting and metal repairs. The black soft top is shown above.
1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D photo 3
The 15″ ventilated chrome steel wheels wear chrome hubcaps and were mounted with Kumho tires in 2017. The car was factory equipped with drum brakes at each corner, and the brake fluid was flushed in 2023.
1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D photo 4
The fixed-back bucket seats were reupholstered in red leather during the refurbishment, and replacement squareweave carpets were installed. Three-point seatbelts have been added, and the Blaupunkt AM/FM radio has been modified with an auxiliary input.
1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D photo 5
The wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel frames VDO instrumentation consisting of a central 6k-rpm tachometer, a 120-mph speedometer, and a combination gauge monitoring oil temperature and fuel level. The five-digit odometer was reset to zero at the time of the refurbishment and now shows 6k miles. Total mileage is unknown.
1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D photo 6
The replacement 1.6-liter 616/15 flat-four was sourced from a 1964 356C and rebuilt in 2000. The battery was replaced and an oil change performed in 2023.
1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D photo 7

Seller Video

Sold on 10/09/2026 for USD $176,000 to Cars917

Bids & Comments

Oct 9, 2026 · 17:41
I believe there would have been more bids at the end if buyers had been informed that the reserve had already been met.
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:41
I knew the 356 market was "correcting" but not that much!! A "steal deal" at that price and a new very lucky owner.
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:40
Congratulations on a great buy on a rare car! Enjoy!!
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:39
Call the cops..... a steal!
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:39
Congratulations on a great buy on a beautiful rare car!
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:38
What a great deal. Congrats!
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:38
corrected
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:37
so.......... it won't make it at this price?
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:36
Those days are gone.
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:36
200 no less, may even need 250
Cars917 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:36
Bid in the amount of $176,000
Mbrown34994 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:34
Bid in the amount of $175,000
Cars917 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:34
Bid in the amount of $171,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:33
It’s been adjusting for the last year. Good cars still get a premium. This is an older color change with non matching engine. Guessing RNM at $180
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:33
Yes, a perfect driver imho.
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:32
Worth every nickel! The D was elusive in our youth (we had a dozen or so tubs). The D is right up there with some of the Carrera that were up her for auction recently. Fun, drivable and rare as heck. Watching now, no more bids from this old man
prs
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:32
I predict that this car will sell today.
Mbrown34994 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:32
Bid in the amount of $170,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:31
356 market is adjusting
AMGWag Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:31
Bid in the amount of $169,000
prs
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:30
Last week we had a very nice silver/black matching-numbers Convertible D RNM at 187k. It will be interesting to see how high the bidding goes for this car.
Mbrown34994 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:30
Bid in the amount of $168,000
Cars917 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:30
Bid in the amount of $167,000
Mbrown34994 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:28
Bid in the amount of $166,000
ethannnn Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:28
Bid in the amount of $165,000
Mbrown34994 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:26
Bid in the amount of $162,000
ethannnn Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:26
Bid in the amount of $160,000
Mbrown34994 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:24
Bid in the amount of $157,000
ethannnn Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:23
Bid in the amount of $155,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:22
@Pininfarina11 Rogue bad boys as well ;-)
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:22
@Pininfarina11
My apologies, this is true.
Cars917 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:22
Bid in the amount of $151,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:21
not here please, we're here for cars not agendas
ethannnn Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:20
Bid in the amount of $150,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:20
@Ducboy23
Why doe people always assume it’s a “gentleman” buying these cars?
#girlslovecarstoo
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:19
Bid in the amount of $145,000
Mbrown34994 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:18
Bid in the amount of $142,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:18
Bid in the amount of $141,000
Mbrown34994 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:17
Bid in the amount of $140,000
Jensen Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:16
Bid in the amount of $138,000
Mbrown34994 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:16
Bid in the amount of $137,000
Jensen Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:16
Bid in the amount of $136,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:16
Bid in the amount of $135,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:15
Going to take more then that gentlemen
Mbrown34994 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:15
Bid in the amount of $132,000
Lbrezenoff Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:14
Bid in the amount of $131,000
Mbrown34994 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:14
Bid in the amount of $130,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:13
Bid in the amount of $129,000
Lbrezenoff Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:13
Bid in the amount of $127,000
Mbrown34994 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:08
Bid in the amount of $125,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:07
Bid in the amount of $123,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:06
Bid in the amount of $120,000
Mbrown34994 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 17:05
Bid in the amount of $114,000
Lbrezenoff Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 16:49
Bid in the amount of $112,900
19gt2rs Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 16:48
Bid in the amount of $111,356
FantasyJunction (The Seller)
Oct 9, 2026 · 16:41
Coming into the final hour of this auction for this beautiful award winning 356, this is the ideal Porsche for someone who wants to enjoy the Speedster experience without having to take out a second mortgage or tell your kids you are driving their college education.
Fantastic finishes, very fine restoration, and rare Convertible D configuration. A true gem in the legacy of the iconic 356.
Good luck to all bidders.
Cars917 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 16:40
Bid in the amount of $104,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 16:31
Bid in the amount of $103,000
FantasyJunction (The Seller)
Oct 9, 2026 · 16:09
@john4surf No hinge repairs are evident and the hood opens and closes properly.
Oct 9, 2026 · 15:44
Was there repairs where the hinges connect to the hood? I can’t tell from the photo. Gas jockeys or others usually didn’t know to lift the hood an inch or so to release the hinge before closing the hood. Sadly, tweaks were not uncommon with the 356 series from the beginnings. Thanks. John
Oct 9, 2026 · 15:39
Bid in the amount of $102,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 15:15
Any ideas why the frequency of battery changes?
john4surf Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 14:54
Bid in the amount of $100,000
Lbrezenoff Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 14:51
Bid in the amount of $90,000
john4surf Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 14:50
Bid in the amount of $88,000
Lbrezenoff Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 14:44
Bid in the amount of $84,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 14:28
Bid in the amount of $83,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 14:24
@linderpat That would definitely affect the bidding.
Mbrown34994 Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 13:16
Bid in the amount of $82,500
Oct 9, 2026 · 12:43
which trophy is included? The lady or the hardware ;-) LOL
Goldcars Bid
Oct 9, 2026 · 09:38
Bid in the amount of $82,000
Oct 9, 2026 · 08:08
@FantasyJunction.....these listings are bad for my mental health. I owned 59 D #85867 from 1975 until 2002 when I sold it to John Audette in Oregon because I could not afford the restoration it needed. I have an 84 Carrera Coupe that is great but still miss the D.
FantasyJunction (The Seller)
Oct 9, 2026 · 04:26
Yes @beezzer there will be a lot of people watching and bidding in the final hour, minutes, and seconds of this auction. This is a very rare and desirable Porsche 356 with excellent finishes and wonderful driving manners. Someone is going to get a fantastic Porsche tomorrow morning.
Good luck to all bidders.
Oct 9, 2026 · 00:01
I have a clear mental image of all those with alarms set and fingers poised to hit "enter" at about 1:10 pm tomorrow. No bids since Oct 1 !!! Will be a sleepless night for some....
Oct 8, 2026 · 03:03
Beautifully restored car and the Nadi steering wheel is a nice attraction but not correct for a Convertible D.
FantasyJunction (The Seller)
Oct 7, 2026 · 18:30
The current owner has offered to include this trophy to the winning bidder of this auction.
This “first in class” award was presented to this 356 at the 2023 Niello Concours at Serrano and will be included with the car when delivered to the
next fortunate owner.
FantasyJunction (The Seller)
Oct 6, 2026 · 02:50
Thank you @prs one of the best aspects of this car is the way the restoration has settled over time. Sometimes even a crisp restoration starts to fade a bit after three or four years. Hairline paint cracks or seams unwinding etc. None of those aspects show up on this Porsche.
The paint has a very nice porcelain-like quality to it. Smooth coverage and gloss but very much in harmony with the fit and unity of the body panels. The interior, exterior, and mechanical features are also in harmony when driving. This 356 has a great "feel" to it. Those of you who've experienced a car like this will nod and recall it as a memorable feeling - certain cars just come together and hit that sweet spot. This is one of those cars - well done, properly tended to since the restoration was completed, sustained by the restoration excellence.
It's also important to remember that the Convertible D series is quite rare. Just 1,331 were built, likely with far fewer survivors than the Speedster of which just over 4,100 were produced.
Porsche produced the "D" as an answer to buyers seeking the looks of the Speedster but wanting a bit more comforts in the package. So the "D" used the Speedster body design adding roll up windows, comfortable seats, and a slightly taller windshield. The "D" delivered - essentially a more road-friendly Speedster for those who wanted performance with a bit more comfort.
Today this Convertible D represents a desirable opportunity to acquire a professionally restored and proven award winning example that can be driven and shown with pride.
FantasyJunction (The Seller)
Oct 6, 2026 · 02:48
Thank you @prs one of the best aspects of this car is the way the restoration has settled over time. Sometimes even a crisp restoration starts to fade a bit after three or four years. Hairline paint cracks or seams unwinding etc. None of those aspects show up on this Porsche.
The paint has a very nice porcelain-like quality to it. Smooth coverage and gloss but very much in harmony with the body panels. The unity of the interior, exterior, and mechanical features is also evident when driving the car. It has a great "feel" to it. Those of you who've experienced a car like this will nod and recall it as a memorable experience - certain cars just come together very well. This is one of those cars - well done, properly tended to since the restoration was completed, and sustained by the ongoing restoration excellence.
It's also important to remember that the Convertible D series is quite rare. Just 1,331 were built, likely with far fewer survivors than the Speedster of which just over 4,100 were produced.
Porsche produced the "D" as an answer to buyers seeking the looks of the Speedster but wanting a bit more comforts in the package. So the "D" used the Speedster body design adding roll up windows, comfortable seats, and a slightly taller windshield. The "D" delivered - essentially a more road-friendly Speedster for those who wanted performance with a bit more comfort.
Today this Convertible D represents a desirable opportunity to acquire a professionally restored and proven award winning example that can be driven and shown with pride.
FantasyJunction (The Seller)
Oct 6, 2026 · 02:47
Thank you @prs one of the best aspects of this car is the way the restoration has settled over time. Sometimes even a crisp restoration starts to unwind after three or four years. Hairline paint cracks or seams unwinding etc. None of those aspects show up on this Porsche.
The paint has a very nice porcelain-like quality to it. Smooth coverage and gloss but very much in harmony with the body panels. The unity of the interior, exterior, and mechanical features is also evident when driving the car. It has a great "feel" to it. Those of you who've experienced a car like this will nod and recall it as a memorable experience - certain cars just come together very well. This is one of those cars - well done, properly tended to since the restoration was completed, and sustained by the ongoing restoration excellence.
It's also important to remember that the Convertible D series is quite rare. Just 1,331 were built, likely with far fewer survivors than the Speedster of which just over 4,100 were produced.
Porsche produced the "D" as an answer to buyers seeking the looks of the Speedster but wanting a bit more comforts in the package. So the "D" used the Speedster body design adding roll up windows, comfortable seats, and a slightly taller windshield. The "D" delivered - essentially a more road-friendly Speedster for those who wanted performance with a bit more comfort.
Today this Convertible D represents a desirable opportunity to acquire a professionally restored and proven award winning example that can be driven and shown with pride.
prs
Oct 5, 2026 · 18:30
I examined the car in person and here are my general comments. The paint and interior both look very nice. I didn’t see any noticeable flaws or defects. That is a big plus. The car has a number of reproduction parts, including the headlight lenses, side-view mirror, sun visors, rear reflectors (plastic not glass), replacement windshield, Blaupunkt speakers (cloth covering missing), and shine up light. Relatively easy fixes, if one is so inclined. I didn’t examine the trunk or engine. I am not a tool kit expert but I did notice that the slotted screwdriver does not have the circle 7.
It will be interesting to see how this car, with its color change and non-matching numbers engine and transmission, fares in today’s unpredictable marketplace. GLWTA.
Oct 4, 2026 · 22:13
@beezzer : There's still time... 🤞🏻🤞🏻
Oct 4, 2026 · 21:46
@transitguy.....no luck so no bid.
FantasyJunction (The Seller)
Oct 3, 2026 · 19:00
@TheNewf we don’t have photos of the restoration process but we encourage you to view the photos of the undercarriage to see the quality of the workmanship and attention to detail. You are also welcome to visit our showroom in person or schedule a PPI.
Oct 3, 2026 · 14:33
Beautiful! Do you have any photos of the dolly-mounted metal restoration work? Thank you
FantasyJunction (The Seller)
Oct 3, 2026 · 02:21
Here is some additional information on this Porsche, expanding on the auction listing with a bit more on the history of the car, restoration, and more recent services.
As noted in 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 a correct series 356 engine (number 710747 currently installed in the car) was rebuilt and correctly 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 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 by 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 2023 who exhibited the car at the 2023 Niello Concours where it was awarded 1st in class.
47Knuckle Bid
Oct 2, 2026 · 03:57
Bid in the amount of $80,000
144335434ma Bid
Oct 1, 2026 · 21:49
Bid in the amount of $50,000
PeteyJ Bid
Oct 1, 2026 · 16:55
Bid in the amount of $10,000
FantasyJunction (The Seller)
Oct 1, 2026 · 14:48
@VicSkirmants extra points for the win! Right you are. 77605 is the correct transmission number. We should have caught that as well. Thanks for sharing that.
Oct 1, 2026 · 06:53
A friend just called to tell me the trans number is up-side down! It's 77605; I should have caught that.
FredMI Bid
Oct 1, 2026 · 04:47
Bid in the amount of $9,000
Sep 30, 2026 · 18:34
@Seller As I said; #90944 makes no sense. Numbers did not go above 87xxx. April 1964 numbers would be 77xxx to 78xxx.
FantasyJunction (The Seller)
Sep 28, 2026 · 15:13
Thank you for the comments and opening bids on this beautiful Convertible D. For those interested in the numbers here is the breakdown of the CoA factory built numbers and the ones currently in the car:
Engine Number – 710747 (installed)
Original Engine – 73193 (Per CoA)
Gearbox Number – 90944 (installed)
Gearbox Number – 23410 (Per CoA)
@Okjab it's always a possibility that the original engine can be found, but the current owner does not have information about where it might be. @VicSkirmants the gearbox stamping (44 741/2 C) corresponds to a 4-speed manual transaxle based on our research. A comprehensive restoration was performed on this car to a very high level and it shows when viewing it in person. Lots of time perfecting finishes and maintaining factory details but not overdoing it as is sometimes the case when finishes are too glossy or polished. This Porsche is located at our Emeryville, CA showroom where it can be viewed in person or scheduled for a PPI using the "contact seller" button to reach us directly. The button is located at the top of this auction. Much more to share about the history and restoration on this 356. We will do our best to respond to all questions. Good luck to all bidders.
Okjab
Sep 28, 2026 · 08:56
Is there any chance the original engine can be located? Back in the 70's I bought a Convertible D w/o and engine for $150.00 and I had an Orange Speedster I think I bought for $2,500 that ran. Oh how things have changed. I like this D wished it was red.
Okjab Bid
Sep 28, 2026 · 08:26
Bid in the amount of $8,000
Sep 27, 2026 · 07:36
Can't figure out that current trans number. It's an April 1964, but the serial number makes no sense.
PeteyJ Bid
Sep 26, 2026 · 00:53
Bid in the amount of $7,500
russlasvegas Bid
Sep 25, 2026 · 19:07
Bid in the amount of $6,000
PeteyJ Bid
Sep 25, 2026 · 18:43
Bid in the amount of $5,000
PeteyJ
Sep 25, 2026 · 18:39
@squareD exactly my thoughts when I read the description! I love it!
squareD
Sep 25, 2026 · 17:31
Rarely see a 356 go red to ivory. Usually the opposite.
Sep 25, 2026 · 14:48
Beautiful
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Auction link copied
Winning Bid $176,000
SOLD