1959 Porsche 356 Convertible D

Porsche put the word out to all its foreign concessionaires, in the summer of 1958,  the now 4-year old rough and ready Speedster that had been created especially with the Western American market in mind was not fairing so well in other parts of the world.

For the model year 1959, Porsche discontinued the Speedster and replaced it with the special one year only Convertible D (D for Drauz, a coachbuilding firm based in Heilbronn). This model had a taller windscreen, a soft top with a larger rear window, and crank-operated side windows. Much softer reclining seats replaced the lightweight bucket seats, along with a more luxurious interior. Concise, correct and to the point. Very Germanic.

Similar in style to the racey Speedster, but with a few more creature comforts, yet still very much a died-in-the-wool sports car, and if the muse inspired, you could easily remove two bolts on the windshield, off it would come and you could take to the track. It is stated that there were only 1,331 Convertible Ds created which puts this little Porsche among the rarest of the standard production 356s.

The Convertible D has the same dash layout as the Speedster, with a cluster of three gauges—the tachometer is centralized and a bit higher than the multi-gauge on the left and speedometer on the right. A bit further right on the dash can be your clock (if you special ordered it). Along with several switches, a lighter  (also if you special ordered it) and ignition switch, that is the entirety of the dash. Spartan, but just what is necessary. And, of course, the door panels have the addition of those helpful roll-up window cranks.

Porsche may have civilized and added some lux items to the 356, but they didn’t remove the spirit of the more basic Speedster. The Convertible D still possesses that wonderful 1600-cc motor and 4-speed gearbox, and all the essence of a Porsche.

Ok, I will admit when you fire up the Convertible D it does not have the sexiest of engine sounds, but don’t let that be disheartening. Add some RPMs and the sound gets much sweeter, and as those RPMS climb your fun intensifies. This open top 356 is not all that light at only 50 odd points shy of 2 tons and not quite 80 HP but those numbers don’t seem to bother the physics of this machine. It doesn’t set the world on fire as far as acceleration, it will take the better part of 14 1/2 seconds to get to 60, but so what, it gives you a little more time to enjoy the ride. Once up to speed you have the pleasure of dancing with a very willing partner. The steering is light and predictable, and you drive it like you would drive any other early Porsche—keeping in mind that there is a lot of weight hanging out behind your rear wheels. Shifting is a bit vague, but you adapt and soon it becomes second nature.

This is an elemental sports car with a bit of posh tossed in to placate the non-western Americans and other less hardy individuals around the world. At that time, you also could have gotten an Alfa Giulietta, an MGA, or a Mercedes 190SL. A couple were less powerful, one was less sporty, all good and pretty cars in their own way, but somehow, at least in my mind, a 356 of that period always wins hands down. It just feels right and does all the things a good sports car should do. Put the Convertible D next to a modern (bloated) supposed sports car and the first thing you notice is how small it is and then you realize that for a true sports car and a true driver that is all you really need.

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