Porsche 356 A 1600 Super Convertible D

The vehicle in detail

According to a copy of its factory Kardex, this Convertible D was sent to the Porsche agent in Dortmund, finished in Ruby Red. According to the owner, it was sold new to an American soldier, who imported the car into the US. The current owner’s father purchased the 356 in 1971, and it has remained in single-family ownership for an amazing 54 years.

Circa 2000, the owner embarked on a meticulous, no-expense-spared restoration by marque specialists in the Seattle area, and under the guidance of model authority Jim Shuh. With attention paid to accuracy, authenticity, and drivability, every component—from the expertly finished coachwork to the properly rebuilt drivetrain—has been addressed with a craftsman’s care. The body shows excellent panel fit, and the correct Ruby Red paintwork is deep, lustrous, and true to period. All chrome, trim, and glass present beautifully, and the interior is trimmed in supple leather with accurate square-weave carpeting and correct instrumentation. One exception was made to the original specification with the addition of a matching folding rear seat.

A correct-type, 1600cc flat-four has been fitted, which at some point was stamped with the original engine number. The engine runs beautifully and is paired to a correct-type 4-speed transaxle. Mechanical systems have been built targeting reliable performance, making this car equally at home on a concours lawn or out on the road, where its light, responsive handling and pure analog feel shine.