Although a lesser-known model, this 1958 Porsche 356A 1600 Super Convertible D is one of the rarest non-race-focused 356s to come out of Stuttgart, with just 1,331 examples being produced between August of 1958 and September 1959. Everybody knows about the 356 Speedster, a stripped-out variant that was intended to bring the Porsche’s price down for sale in America- but there were many consumers who weren’t interested in the Speedster’s sparsely padded bucket seats and lack of features but didn’t want to step up to the more expensive 356 Cabriolet- and that’s where the 356 Convertible D comes in. Finished in red, this Convertible D benefits from a number of modifications that turn it from a nice cruiser to a remarkably quick sports car, and it is in stunning condition after a restoration by a marque expert in Northern Italy. One of the changes made to the Convertible D is the addition of a windshield that wraps further around the front of the cabin, which is paired with a more heavily insulated top and roll-up windows. This makes the car far more all-weather capable than a Speedster, which was only equipped with a bare-bones fabric top and slide-in side curtains instead of actual windows.
The interior of this Convertible D looks to be in absolutely beautiful condition and is where the most modifications were made over a Speedster. Finished in rich tan leather, the seats in this 356 are from the more upscale 356s and feature a nice amount of padding, making them a great place to spend time for a long trip. Additionally, the door cards feature nice leather upholstery to match, and unlike a Speedster, there are door pockets, giving you some actual in-cabin storage. The floor and rear parcel shelf are all covered in very correct square weave tan carpet, which is piped around the edges with more tan leather.
When this 356 left the factory, it was fitted with a 1600 Super engine- one of the highest performing street-focused engines of the day, rated at 74 horsepower and 86 lb-ft of torque. Although that may have been enough to make for a reasonably quick car in the late 1950s, by today’s standards, it isn’t much. Since this car was acquired with its matching numbers 1,600cc engine in it, the consignor elected to have that engine removed and rebuilt to use as a display piece, and in its place put a built 2.0-liter flat-4. This new engine is rated at approximately 140 horsepower, making it feel exceptionally quick thanks to its low weight and nice shifting 4-speed manual gearbox. It also sounds fantastic with its Sebring-style exhaust. The original engine is included in the sale if you want to return this car to its original condition.
Outside of the Carrera engined 356s, the Convertible D is the rarest of the 356s and is a perfect blend of unfiltered driving enjoyment and long-distance touring comfort. Thanks to the modifications on this car, it is ready for a drive on your favorite backroads, a classic rally or your local Porsche meet- this car is special enough to do it all.
