One to Buy: Meissen Blue 1958 Porsche 356 A 1600 Convertible D
Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1954, the Speedster was conceived as a lightweight, back-to-basics iteration of the 356 that would be of particular interest to those customers that wanted to go racing.
However, four years on, even production-based competition cars were becoming increasingly specialised and Porsche decided to drop the Speedster in favour of a slightly more refined machine along a similar Roadster-esque theme.
The resultant 356 Convertible D that arrived in August 1958 bore more than just a pasisng resemblance to the outgoing Speedster, but offered a slightly taller windscreen, wind-up windows, a proper folding canvas roof and standard seats instead of buckets.
Just 1131 examples of the Convertible D were built on the 356 A platform between 1958 and ‘59, a really handsome example of which is currently on offer at the European Collectibles showroom in Costa Mesa, California.
Completed on October 31st 1958, chassis 85670 was configured with the standard 60bhp 1600cc engine and just about our favourite colour scheme for a 356 A: Meissen Blue with Red leather upholstery. The only optional equipment fitted was a set of sealed-beam headlights.
In recent times, chassis 85670, which importantly retains its matching numbers Type 616/1 engine, has been the recipient of much restoration work to include an undercarriage detail and engine tune up by the experts at European Collectibles.
Reprinted below is European Collectibles’ description:
Vin: 85670
Engine Size: 1600 cc
Transmission Type: 4 Speed Manual
Body Style: Convertible
Miles: 3,955
Exterior Paint Color: Meissen Blue
Interior Color and Type: Red Leather
Optional Equipment: Sealed Beam Headlights
Bodywork by Drauz
Matching Number Engine
Completion Date: October 31, 1958
This attractive Porsche 356 A convertible D was the subject of a comprehensive restoration in 2016. During that time, It was refinished in its original color combination of Meissen Blue over a red interior.
Shortly after the restoration was completed it was sold to a Porsche collector who titled it in Alaska, but always kept the car in his collection in San Diego, CA. While there, service and repair work was performed by Wayne Baker's Personalized Autohaus until he retired, then Black Forest Automotive.
Receipts on hand detail a very thorough post-purchase inspection was performed by Baker and many minor details were corrected. Later, after some difficulty with shifting, Baker, rebuilt the gearbox with all new syncros, bearings, and a taller fourth gear. He also replaced the clutch, flywheel and axle boots.
After being purchased by European Collectibles in August 2024, the undercarriage was stripped to bare steel where we found some prior repairs that weren't up to our standards. The metal work was corrected and re-coated to concours standards.
Next, we set about fine-tuning the engine and completely rebuilding the brake system. We are now proud to offer this well-sorted driver that is presented in its very desirable color combination and complete with a matching number engine.
