Description
The Convertible D was produced between August 1958 and September 1959, the letter ‘D’ signifying Drauz, the German coachbuilder who produced the bodies. The Convertible D was similar to the iconic 356 Speedster but was a more civilised proposition with larger, comfortable seats, wind-up door windows, an all-weather folding roof and a higher windscreen. Only 1, 331 Convertible Ds were built and is consequently one of the rarest of production Porsches.
A copy of the original chassis card on file shows chassis 86018 was completed on the 24th February 1959 and was supplied by (Max) Hoffman of New York. A document written by the long-term US owner states that he purchased the car from the president of a bank in the early 1980’s as a solid, nice-driving and matching numbers example with original body panels and trim and only 56, 291 miles showing on the odometer. He stored the car for some thirty years before embarking on a comprehensive, ground-up restoration to concours standard which was completed in 2015/ 2016.
Experienced Porsche restorers Rapid Line Industries of Joliet, Illinois restored the body which was stripped to the bare tub and rebuilt to factory specification with consistent panel gaps. Works included correct lead work, as Drauz would have produced in period. Finally the coachwork was finished in the car’s original colour of Ivory (paint code 5704).
The engine was rebuilt by Porsche specialist Kurt Hipke of Kurt’s German Autowerks of Illinois at a cost of $15, 000. A letter on file from Kurt states the engine was rebuilt to factory specification and that the motor needed no major work.
The suspension was overhauled with new bushes, shock absorbers and pins and the brakes rebuilt with new lines and master cylinder. The interior and hood were retrimmed by Wayne Buchanan and the rubber trim and weather strips were replaced.
During the restoration it was found the Drauz body number #18 was stamped throughout the car, on the top frame, body trim, body panels and windscreen pillars. The wheels have correct ’59 stamps.
The Porsche Certificate of Authenticity shows the car retains its original numbers including engine, transmission, body and trim.
The car was imported into the UK in 2018 and has since formed part of two prominent British collections. Latterly the Porsche has been maintained by Riverside Performance Engineering of Chessington, Surrey who recently had a new hood cover fabricated and fitted.
This rare Convertible D remains in superb condition and is surely one of the finest examples extant.
Offered for sale with UK registration and a history file and flash drive of photographs that document its extensive restoration.
Inspection welcomed.
