The Convertible D entered production in August 1958 as a more-refined replacement for the Speedster and was produced into September 1959 with bodywork by Karosseriewerke Drauz of Heilbronn, Germany. Styling was distinguished from the Speedster by roll-up windows, a higher windshield with a more-robust frame, a revised rear cowl, and a redesigned soft top with rain gutters and a larger rear window.
This example was repainted in its original shade of Silver Metallic (5706) during refurbishment work performed…
The Convertible D entered production in August 1958 as a more-refined replacement for the Speedster and was produced into September 1959 with bodywork by Karosseriewerke Drauz of Heilbronn, Germany. Styling was distinguished from the Speedster by roll-up windows, a higher windshield with a more-robust frame, a revised rear cowl, and a redesigned soft top with rain gutters and a larger rear window.
This example was repainted in its original shade of Silver Metallic (5706) during refurbishment work performed by Meister Restorations between 2010 and 2014. Welding repairs during the project included replacement of the nose panel, battery box, jack points, and other areas of metal, as well as inspection and corrections to previous repairs of the floors and longitudinals that were performed under prior ownership. A black convertible top from Autos International is said to have been installed in 2004, at which time the top frame was refurbished. A replacement Sigla windshield was fitted in 2022, at which time refurbished front turn signals were installed.
Silver-painted wheels were refinished in 2006 and are wrapped in 165SR15 Michelin XZX tires that were mounted in 2022 at each corner as well as on a spare secured in the front compartment. According to the seller the car has been driven approximately 10 miles since installation of the tires. Hydraulic drum brakes were also refreshed in 2006 with replacement wheel cylinders and a dual-circuit master cylinder. Suspension features Koni shock absorbers all around.
The cabin houses reclinable bucket seats that were rebuilt in 2002 and are trimmed in black leatherette, while matching upholstery covers the door panels, upper dash, and triangular rear panels, the latter of which were unique to early Convertible Ds. Charcoal square-weave carpeting was fitted during the 2010-2014 refurbishment, at which time various other trim pieces were replaced. A replacement black rubber floor mat was installed up front in 2022, and the seller notes that the photos of the car were taken prior to the replacement mat’s installation.
The two-spoke steering wheel was recast and re-plated during the refurbishment and was fitted with a replacement horn ring in 2022. The body-color dash houses VDO instrumentation that was rebuilt in 2002 and includes a tachometer with a 4,500-rpm redline, a 120-mph speedometer, and a combination gauge monitoring oil temperature and fuel level. The speedometer was refreshed again in 2014. The five-digit odometer shows 5,600 miles and is said to have turned over. Approximately 20k miles have been added by the seller.
The flat-four carries serial number P*716542*, which corresponds with an engine originally produced for a 1965 356C, and it was installed in 2006 after being rebuilt by Rainer Cooney Meister Restorations with a Shasta big-bore piston and cylinder kit bringing the displacement to 1,720cc. The crankshaft was ground and balanced at that time, and replacement connecting rods were installed along with second-under main and rod bearings and an RO200 camshaft. The twin Zenith carburetors were also rebuilt at that time. An oil change and a tune-up are said to have been performed by the seller in 2022.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Type 644 four-speed manual transaxle, which is said to have been rebuilt in the 1990s. BBAB gear ratios and number 23265 are shown stamped on the transaxle in the gallery below, the latter of which matches the number listed on the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. The axle seals and boots were replaced during the 2010-2014 refurbishment, at which time the steering box was overhauled. The front suspension system was refreshed in 2006.
The removed engine is included in the sale and is stamped with serial number P*72404*, which matches the number listed on the Porsche Certification of Authenticity shown in the gallery below. The uninstalled engine is also said to have been rebuilt to a displacement of 1,720cc, and the distributor, fuel pump, and oil filter clamp were removed for installation on the replacement engine. The distributor and fuel pump currently present on the uninstalled engine are said to be later units. The seller states that the engine has been in storage since its removal in 2006.
A collection of invoices for service and parts dating back to 1988 accompanies the car and includes invoices from the work performed by Meister Restorations. A notebook with hand-written maintenance and repair notes dating back to the late-1960s is also included in the sale, and a sampling of pages is shown in the gallery below.