FOR SALE
Update: Available for $299,500 on 07/19/2024 on Hemmings
- 1959 Porsche 356 Convertible D
- 1600 Flat Four
- VIN #86444
- 66,420 miles
- Metallic Silver
- Mint Condition
Do not be fooled by the cold alphanumerics of its model name: The Porsche 356 A 1600 Convertible D by Drauz is a completely charming variant of the pivotal mid-century German sports car, and among the most rare, collectable and drivable. It also came about at an important juncture in the evolution of Porsche’s model lineup. Today’s collectors love the driving dynamics of a car that was made to go rallying.
Porsche’s simple, purpose-driven 356 Speedster, designed to bolster the marque’s motorsports credibility, had exceeded all expectations on the racetrack—but it was perhaps a bit too bare-bones to ever be widely marketable, and it was phased out in 1958. The 356 B Roadster that would arrive for 1960 offered similar styling, but with an added dose of luxury. In the interim, Porsche commissioned coachbuilder Drauz of Heilbronn, Germany to create a special run of cars to fill the gap. The new car added such amenities that are very useful for the “rally” crowd, as in wind-up door glass in place of side curtains, a 2” taller windshield, a much better top with mega headroom, and a more luxurious interior with cushioned seats make for a much more comfortable and useable car for travel.
Porsche sales literature described the new Convertible D as “a dynamic car of beautiful proportions. Extra light and low in design for competition and pleasure driving.” Built only for 1959, just 1,331 examples of the 356 A Convertible D were produced for worldwide markets. Today, the A cars are the rage in the 356 World and this being the last year in a Roadster/Speedster format perhaps make it one of the most sought after and rare by many Porsche enthusiasts. It just does everything you want in a “Speedster” and so much more. These last “A” Roadster Convertible D’s may one day eclipse the almighty Speedster as “the” car to have.
There were 4144 Speedsters built between 1955-1959, 2902 Roadsters between 1960-1962. Compare those numbers to the ultra-rare 1331 Convertible D’s ever built. The comfortable seats, roomy top and convenience of the rollup windows combine to make this roadster the no-brainer pick for a car to DRIVE on any type of longer duration trip or rally.
Completed on the 2nd of June 1959, this US-specification Convertible D most likely passed through the important New York based distributor Max Hoffman on the way to its first owner, whose name we do not have. The ownership history starts with a Patricia M. Yuhas of Martinsville NJ in May 1972 – then sold to a Charles S. Totaro of Boonton, NJ on 7-26-85. Thomas J. Miller appears to be the next owner, who passed it on in late 2000 to Greg Bozzani who brought the car to California for restoration. The Bozzani Family is synonymous with VW & Porsche as one of the earliest dealers (1962) in Southern CA. The Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, note that it was finished in the very attractive combination of Silver Metallic (5706) over Black – Leatherette. It was further equipped with Outer Rear View Mirror – Drivers Side, US Bumpers, Sealed-Beam Headlights & Continental Tires.
Over 80 pages of receipts and notes, encompassing over $90K spent by Greg Bozzani and his team of craftsman accompany this vehicle. This Convertible D was comprehensively restored to a very high standard. Mechanical work, including attention to its numbers-matching 1600 engine, was performed by Porsche 356 specialist John Wilhout of Wilhout Auto Restorations of Long Beach, CA and John Benton of Benton Performance in Anaheim, CA. Just watch the video and listen to the “music” made at high-rev by this amazing air-cooled machine. During the restoration the car was converted to 12V, making for easy startups even after weeks of sitting.
This stunning rotisserie style restoration was performed over a roughly seven year period of time. Greg Bozzani sold the car to a well known Los Angeles Area Porsche Collector who is a friend of mine. The car has been shown rarely and has been part of a larger collection that is being thinned out. The car has been kept in a climate controlled building since 2017.
Every aspect of this rare Convertible D has been attended to at the highest level or restoration. There are less than 1000 break in miles since the restoration was completed. The car is perfection and needs nothing.
Benefitting from single-year exclusivity, a comprehensive concours scale restoration in its excellent factory colors, and the presence of its numbers-matching 1600 engine & transmission, this Convertible D is truly a rare Porsche 356 to drive, show, and enjoy.
If you are in Southern CA feel free contact us for an opportunity to view this amazing example.
Over 500 large format pictures are available at this link:
https://imageshack.com/a/vwg17/1
Walk-around, starting and driving video:
https://vimeo.com/949336864
- 1959 Porsche 356A
- VIN: 86444
- Build Date: 06-02-59
- Engine #74406 616/1 T2
- Transmission #23682
- Transmission Comment: 59BBAB
- Converted to 12V
- Centennial Mighty Max Gel Battery – January 2023
- 66420 Miles
- Exterior Color: Silver Metallic (5706) / Black Leatherette / Black Top
- Additional Information: 1 – Outer Rear View Mirror – Driver’s Side, Sealed-Beamed Headlights, U.S. Bumpers, Continental Tires
This represents a partial list of receipts that were kept during the restoration.
(All Receipts & Notes on the build come with the car)
2005 – 2010
- Restoration Design & Trevors Hammer Works
- Metal Work Parts – Floors – Front Pan etc
- PARTS TOTAL: $4681
2006-09-04
- Kablekonfektion Wochenlanger – Langquaid, Germany
- New Wiring Harness – $758
2009-10-01
- West Coast Classic Restoration – Fullerton, CA
- PartialBody RestorationWork
- $7000
2010-06-24
- West Coast Classic Restoration – Fullerton, CA
- Install Carpet Set – Install Front Seat Cover Set & Padding
- Door Panels Recovered – New Black Vinyl Around Rear of Cabin
- Install Top & Headliner & Pad Kit – Finish Interior
- $5109
Wilhout Auto Restoration Receipts (Detailed Receipts)
2012-11-19 (Wilhout)
- Install Dual Circuit Master Cylinder
- Rear Wheel Cylinders for Brakes
- Replace Front Crossover Brake Lines
- Blast & Tumble 4 Brake Drums & Check
- Rear Axle Seal Kits & Axle Bearing Shims
- Front Axle Seals
- King Pin Rebuild Kit
- Sway Bar Brackets and Drop Sinks
- WR 17.5mm Soort Swaybar Kit
- Front Bump Stops
- R&R Steering Box – Steering Box Reseal Kit
- R&R Front Axle & Spindles, Setup & Align
- Install New Rear Torsion Bar Bushings & Set Ride Height
- Remove Engine for Testing
- Parts: $1903 Labor: $4526 Total: $6429
2013-01-02 (Wilhout)
- See Parts List Pics #D102 D103 D104
- Mechanical Restoration – Remove Engine, Disassemble & Rebuild
- 12V Conversion
- Heads Rebuilt
- R&R Pistons – Check Cylinder & Rod Bearings, Check Cam Wear
- RR Pressure Relief Pistons
- Set Deck Height
- Install Head & Rocker Assemblies
- Flywheel Resurfaced & Balanced/Pressure Plate Assembly
- Fuel Pump Core Rebuild
- NOS Intake & Exhaust Valves
- Zenith Carbs Rebuilt
- Aluminum Oil Cooler
- HD Gland Nut
- 12V Blue Coil
- 12V Gel Battery
- Early Fuel Pump Core – Rebuild Kit
- 12V Generator
- 12V NOS Voltage Regulator
- Heavy Duty 12V Starter
- Engine Cases Cleaned
- Sand & Paint Engine Sheetmetal
- Removed Oil Cooler, Distributor, Sump Plate
- Clean Fuel Tank w/ Phosphoric Acid, Clean & Paint w. Epoxy Primer
- Tach Cable & Speedo Cable (New)
- Blast & Paint Exhaust System
- Sand & Paint Engine Sheetmetal
- Install New Brake Shoes – Check Alignment
- Performed Leakdown Test – All Cylinders under 4% (after rebuild)
- Parts: $4071 Labor: $13907 Total: $18355 (be over $30K today)
2013-05-07
- Final Testing of Mechanicals after Assembly
- Prep Windshield & Other Parts for delivery to Chrome Shop.
- Continue Assembly of Body, Remove Bumpers & Paint Brackets,
- Polish Trim, Replace Rubber, Side Deco Seals.
- Pick up Chrome, Assemble Door Handles, Assemble Windshield
- Frame Parts and Glass and Fit to Car. Install Assorted Parts
- Sublet:
- Lock Repair Service – Chrome Plating Windshield/Door Handles
- Door Tops, Mirror Rod/Grab Handle/Seat Side Hinges
- Autos International Replace Entire Dash
- Parts: (see detailed list picture W03A)
- Parts: $2975 Labor: $14335 Total: $17578
2013-06-20
- R&R Transmission to Reseal
- Front Brake Cylinders Replaced / Rear Hoses & Bleed System
- Prep & Paint New Axle Tubes
- Rear Axle Bearings & Seals
- Replace Axle Tubes ARP Ring Gear Bolts
- Trans Gasket Set
- Parts: $1306 Labor: $4065 Total: $5409
2013-06-28 (Wilhout)
- R&R Engine, Complete Disassemble, Check Case, Polish Crank
- Upgrade Lifters, New Bearings, Replace Early Rods w/ Late Rods,
- Reassemble Run & Test. Install Belts
- Set of OEM Early Main Bearings, STD
- Set of Connecting Rods, Rebuilt and Balanced
- WR58 New Camshaft
- OEM Mag Camshaft Gear (used)
- Gasket Set HD
- Set of Late Lifters, Rebuilt
- Pushrods Late (used)
- Set of Lap Belts (vintage look)
- Parts: $2311 Labor $3722. Total: $6241
2013-12-12 (Wilhout)
- Diagnose Fuel Starvation. Std Pump only .75 PSI
- Worn Dist Drive Gear – Install Electric Fuel Pump
- Clean Idle & Accel Pump Jets
- Lube Brake Pedal Bushings
- Electric Fuel Pump (new)
- Rebuilt OEM Distributor BR18
- Parts: $679 Labor: $275 Total: $1016
TOTAL WILHOIT RESTORATION: $55028 (11-2012 to 06-2013)
BENTON PERFORMANCE RECEIPTS (Transmission Rebuilt, etc)
- Tune Up – Adjust Valves – Adjust Clutch Pedal Freeplay
- Replace Coil – Adjust Carbs – Accel Pump – Distributor Cap
- Condenser & Rotor
- Total: $2626
- Remove Engine & Transmission – Disassemble Transmission
- Inspect & Clean – Synchro Rings – Mainshaft Seal
- Rear Hub Gasket Set – Operating Sleeve – Dog Ring
- Total: $2430
2019-02-27
- Rebuild & Assemble Transmission
- Reinstall Engine & Transmission
- Brake Flush – Adjust Shoes & Wheel Bearings
- Align Front End
- Install Top Seal
- Total: $3937
TOTAL BENTON PERFORMANCE: $8993
TOTAL STODDARD PARTS: $7842
TOTAL RESTORATION RECEIPTS: $89730
(Partial List)