Fantasy Junction

Description

1958 Porsche 356A Convertible D
s/n 85588, engine no. 704654
Red with Black Interior

The Porsche 356 A Convertible D is a unique development of the legendary Speedster. Produced for the 1959 model year only, the Convertible D retained the cut-down look of the Speedster, but with wind up windows and a more substantial top, it was more comfortable and usable than the Speedster. It was replaced by the 356B Roadster and employed a similar windscreen which was lower than that of the Cabriolet. Consequently, it is an interesting interim car with the aesthetic purity and beauty of the 356A but the enhanced usability of the B Roadster.

This Convertible D was original silver with red interior and has belonged to its current owner since 2006. Prior to that, it was owned for at least 15 years by Bill Schloth, who was for decades the U.S. parts distributor for Porsche and Volkswagen automobiles. He purchased it in New York when it was offered for sale by a repair shop where it had been left as settlement for an unpaid bill. He restored it from from 1991 to 1996 and then sat in storage for about ten years before being recommissioned when the current owner bought it. It also received a repaint to the front of the car when received a minor dent above the bumper and below the trunk lid. At some point in the past, the engine was replaced with a 1963 Super motor.

Cosmetically, it is a nice driver level example. The body is generally very nice, with straight panels and great gaps aside from a slightly irregular gap at the trailing edge of the left front fender where it meets the driver’s door. The fit is also very nice and the car has a nice driver level paintjob with a few swirls and minor marks but excellent presentation overall. The chrome varies from very good to excellent, with some swirls on selected areas such as the headlight rings, license plate light, and side mirror, but excellent presentation elsewhere such as the wheels and windscreen frame. The glass and lights are excellent save for minor delamination at the edge of the front windscreen. The car has Marchal headlamps.

The interior is in good shape, with presentation suggesting a restoration performed some years ago that is holding up well. The retrimmed vinyl seats with contrasting black piping are in good shape and the car has correct square weave carpets and black rubber mats. The carpets are in good shape with some fading but are in good physical condition. The door panels are correctly trimmed and are in good shape. The dashboard and gauges are also in nice shape, consistent with the rest of the interior. The steering wheel has a few chips to the paint and the horn button has some minor crazing.

The engine also has the appearance of having been restored some years ago but is still holding up nicely, with minor soiling but correct general appearance, including Knecht air filters. The engine compartment has been painted red. The front compartment is in good shape, with July 1958 dated spare and leather strap to keep it in place. The fuel tank shows some cosmetic age and the correct rubber mat is still in place, along with the jack. Close inspection of the trunk floor reveals evidence of a prior collision at the front, which was hammered out prior to the repaint. The floor pans and other undercarriage structural elements are excellent aside from one area of corrosion on structural member just below where the left rear torsion bar mounts (often used for jacking).

The car runs and drives well. The engine starts easily and is well-tuned, with good carburetion and power. The chassis and suspension are tight and coherent and the brakes effective and even in their operation. They gearbox has good synchromesh.

This is a great opportunity to acquire an attractively restored nice driver level Convertible D. It runs and drives well, making a it a turnkey example that looks great and would be ideal for the occasional drive or events. It is cosmetically attractive but not so nice as to discourage its new owner from driving it. It comes with Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and miscellaneous invoices from the last ten years or so. A box of used parts resulting from the restoration is also available.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608