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Porsche 356 A 1600 Super Convertible D

Cabriolet, 1959

Highlights

Numbers-matching 1600 Super — Chassis 86219 retains its original engine and transmission, with 38,897 miles showing on the odometer.
Rare factory specification including Ruby Red paint, chrome Rudge knock-off wheels, reclining seats with headrests, electric clock, and Becker Europa radio.
Rare early-production detail with aluminum door wedges, with chassis 86219 noted as the latest known Convertible D retaining this feature.

This 1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D is chassis 86219, an April 1959 example finished in its factory-listed Ruby Red and equipped with a number of particularly desirable period options. The Convertible D occupied a unique place in the evolution of the 356, succeeding the Speedster while retaining much of its lightweight, open-air character and adding greater everyday usability. Built for Porsche by Karosseriewerke Drauz in Heilbronn, just 1,331 examples were produced during the single 1959 model year.

According to the Convertible D Registry, chassis 86219 was originally fitted with engine no. 83701, a Type 616/2 1600 Super flat-four, along with transmission no. 23536.

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The vehicle in detail

Factory equipment recorded for 86219 includes chrome Rudge knock-off wheels, two reclining seats with a pair of headrests, an electric clock, U.S.-spec bumpers, and a deletion of the conventional aluminum side spears. A Becker Europa radio and antenna were reportedly installed by the dealer. Together, these details give this Convertible D a specification considerably more distinctive than that of a typical example.

The car also retains an interesting transitional feature unique to earlier Convertible Ds. Chassis 86219 is the latest example currently documented by the Convertible D Registry as having the early-style aluminum door wedges fitted to the lock posts. These are believed to have been phased out around mid-to-late April 1959, with later documented examples no longer receiving them.

The Registry entry for 86219 references a Porsche Kardex, factory letter, and original sales receipt, and notes that the car was considered an excellent driver when the information was last submitted. It also records a possible connection to the 1959 New York International Auto Show, although that history has not been independently verified and should be considered unconfirmed.

Produced for only one model year, the Convertible D served as the bridge between the stripped-down 356 Speedster and the later Roadster. Compared with the Speedster, it introduced a taller windshield, improved folding top and roll-up windows while retaining the removable windshield architecture and minimalist character that made Porsche’s early open cars so appealing. Drauz constructed the Convertible D bodies while Porsche offered both 1600 Normal and 1600 Super powerplants, with this example receiving the more desirable Super specification.

With its Ruby Red specification, Super engine, Rudge knock-off wheels, unusual factory equipment and documented early-production details, chassis 86219 represents a particularly interesting example of Porsche’s short-lived 356A Convertible D.

Specifications

Year of construction:	1959
Model:	356 A 1600 Super Convertible D
VIN:	86219 VIN copied
Body:	Cabriolet
Series:	356
Mileage:	38,897 mi
Power:	75 HP
Cylinder capacity:	1.6 Liter
Steering:	left
Transmission:	Manual
Drive:	Rear drive

Fuel:	Gasoline
Interior material:	Leather
Interior color:	Beige
Exterior color:	Red
Manufacturer color code (exterior):	Ruby Red 5702/Reutter 702
Condition:	Accident-free
New / used:	Used car
Ready to drive:	yes
Registered:	yes
Car location:	United States
Elferspot ID:	6242492