Gregor Wenner
Specialist Consultant
LOT 150 *
1959 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Super Convertible D Coachwork by Drauz Registration no. PSU 892 Chassis no. 86678 Engine no. P84442
Sold for €175,000 inc. premium
Lot 150*
1959 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Super Convertible D
1959 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Super Convertible D
Coachwork by Drauz
Registration no. PSU 892
Chassis no. 86678
Engine no. P84442
Coachwork by Drauz
Registration no. PSU 892
Chassis no. 86678
Engine no. P84442
• One of only 1,331 Porsche 356A Convertible D models
• Desirable 1600 Super model
• Matching numbers (original engine and gearbox)
• Ex-California 'Black Plate' car
• Professionally maintained with no expense spared
• Comprehensive history file
• Complete Engine Rebuild by Prill Porsche Classics
Cabriolets had been manufactured right from the start of 356 production, but the first open Porsche to make a significant impact was the Speedster, introduced in 1954. With its sales declining, the Speedster was dropped in 1958 and replaced by the more civilised Convertible D, which differed principally by virtue of its larger windscreen and winding side windows, the latter replacing the Speedster's side-screens. All in all, the 356A Convertible D was a somewhat more practical and comfortable car than the Speedster, while at the same time retaining the original's beautiful body lines and downward sloping waistline so beloved of Type 356 enthusiasts.
With its preferred coachbuilder Reutter struggling to keep up with the ever increasing demand, Porsche sub-contracted cabriolet body construction to a number of different coachbuilders, Convertible D production being undertaken by Drauz of Heilbronn, hence the 'D' suffix. When the restyled Porsche 356B arrived in September 1959, convertible production transferred to d'Ieteren of Brussels. The 356A Convertible D model is one the rarest of Porsche 356 models, with only 1,331 made between August 1958 and September 1959. It is ironic that those 356 models that were the least expensive 'back in the day' - the Roadster, Speedster and Convertible D - are now some of the most costly.
Originally finished in Silver Metallic (5706), chassis number '86678' was supplied new via Porsche main dealer Georg Rittersbacher in Kaiserslautern, West Germany to a US serviceman stationed there. He took the Porsche back to California (it qualifies as a 'Black Plate' car) where it remained until 1989, winning 1st place concours awards at Fresno, Oakland, Monterey and Santa Cruz (list on file). On arrival in the UK the car underwent a bare-metal respray in the period-correct colour of Ruby Red.
The Porsche has always been well maintained and kept in original condition. From 2006 to 2016, when our vendor bought the car from Taylor & Crawley, renowned marque specialists Maxted-Page & Prill Limited maintained it for a succession of owners in the UK, all of whom seem to have taken a no-expense-spared approach to its upkeep. During this period the interior was fitted with correct square-weave carpet; the underside and interior cavities all fully rust-protected and treated with Waxoyl; and the car regularly serviced and tuned with no expense spared. Since 2016 maintenance has been entrusted to Prill Porsche Classics including a complete engine rebuild. All work carried out is fully documented by the accompanying comprehensive history file of invoices, expired MoTs, UK V5C Registration Certificates and other material. A wonderful opportunity to own a highly original and exceptionally well maintained example of this rare and desirable Porsche classic.
Please note that if this vehicle remains within Belgium the reduced rate of Import VAT at 6% will be charged on the hammer price. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered country's rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
• Desirable 1600 Super model
• Matching numbers (original engine and gearbox)
• Ex-California 'Black Plate' car
• Professionally maintained with no expense spared
• Comprehensive history file
• Complete Engine Rebuild by Prill Porsche Classics
Cabriolets had been manufactured right from the start of 356 production, but the first open Porsche to make a significant impact was the Speedster, introduced in 1954. With its sales declining, the Speedster was dropped in 1958 and replaced by the more civilised Convertible D, which differed principally by virtue of its larger windscreen and winding side windows, the latter replacing the Speedster's side-screens. All in all, the 356A Convertible D was a somewhat more practical and comfortable car than the Speedster, while at the same time retaining the original's beautiful body lines and downward sloping waistline so beloved of Type 356 enthusiasts.
With its preferred coachbuilder Reutter struggling to keep up with the ever increasing demand, Porsche sub-contracted cabriolet body construction to a number of different coachbuilders, Convertible D production being undertaken by Drauz of Heilbronn, hence the 'D' suffix. When the restyled Porsche 356B arrived in September 1959, convertible production transferred to d'Ieteren of Brussels. The 356A Convertible D model is one the rarest of Porsche 356 models, with only 1,331 made between August 1958 and September 1959. It is ironic that those 356 models that were the least expensive 'back in the day' - the Roadster, Speedster and Convertible D - are now some of the most costly.
Originally finished in Silver Metallic (5706), chassis number '86678' was supplied new via Porsche main dealer Georg Rittersbacher in Kaiserslautern, West Germany to a US serviceman stationed there. He took the Porsche back to California (it qualifies as a 'Black Plate' car) where it remained until 1989, winning 1st place concours awards at Fresno, Oakland, Monterey and Santa Cruz (list on file). On arrival in the UK the car underwent a bare-metal respray in the period-correct colour of Ruby Red.
The Porsche has always been well maintained and kept in original condition. From 2006 to 2016, when our vendor bought the car from Taylor & Crawley, renowned marque specialists Maxted-Page & Prill Limited maintained it for a succession of owners in the UK, all of whom seem to have taken a no-expense-spared approach to its upkeep. During this period the interior was fitted with correct square-weave carpet; the underside and interior cavities all fully rust-protected and treated with Waxoyl; and the car regularly serviced and tuned with no expense spared. Since 2016 maintenance has been entrusted to Prill Porsche Classics including a complete engine rebuild. All work carried out is fully documented by the accompanying comprehensive history file of invoices, expired MoTs, UK V5C Registration Certificates and other material. A wonderful opportunity to own a highly original and exceptionally well maintained example of this rare and desirable Porsche classic.
Please note that if this vehicle remains within Belgium the reduced rate of Import VAT at 6% will be charged on the hammer price. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered country's rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
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| * | Import low rate |
| TVA sur les articles importés à un taux préférentiel sur le prix d'adjudication et au taux en vigueur sur la Commission d'achat. Merci de prendre contact avec le département ou les transporteurs que nous recommandons pour plus d'information. VAT on imported items at a reduced rate on hammer price and the prevailing rate on buyer's premium. Please speak to the Department or our recommended shippers for further information. BTW op ingevoerde goederen tegen het verlaagd tarief op de hamerprijs en het geldende tarief op de aankoopprovisie. Neem gerust contact op met het bevoegde departement of onze aanbevolen transporteurs voor verdere informatie. |
