1959 Porsche 356 Convertible D

356 A T-2 1600 Super Convertible D · Type 616/2, 1,582 cc, 75 hp · Four-speed · Rubinrot (ruby red) over Kunstleder braun (brown leatherette) · 38,897 miles · One of 1,331 · Chassis 86219

A 1959 Porsche 356 A 1600 Super Convertible D, coachwork by Drauz of Heilbronn — the model that replaced the Speedster, 1,331 cars in thirteen months — showing 38,897 miles. The factory Kardex is held with the car, recording Fahrgestell-Nummer (chassis number) 086219, Motor-Nummer (engine number) 83 701, Getriebe-Nummer (gearbox number) 23 536, Zündschloß-Nummer (ignition lock number) K 145 with key 19, Farbe (colour) rubinrot over Polsterung Kunstleder braun (brown leatherette upholstery), acceptance on 17 April 1959 and the Händler (dealer) as Hoffman of New York. The original County Cars Inc. invoice of 20 June 1959 survives at $4,300.00, together with a signed letter of 4 November 1963 running from the first 122 miles. The Sonderausführung (special equipment) line is unusual: chromed centre-lock wheels, reclining seats, head rolls and an electric clock, and the Drauz body plate on the door pillar reads Nr. 86219 to match the chassis. One departure from factory: an electric fuel pump. Disclosed: the 1963 letter relays the selling salesman's claim that the car was shown at the New York Auto Show in the spring of 1959 — a claim recorded four years afterwards, not a factory record and not independently confirmed; the car presents as repainted, refreshed and mechanically sorted and may have been restored, with no record of that work accompanying it; and the mileage is not verified, nothing accompanying the car between July 1963 and the present, so the 38,897 miles is recorded as it reads and is not represented as original mileage.