1959 Porsche Convertible D. Amazing Original paperwork!

Here we have 1959 Porsche 356 Convertible D, chassis number 86446, being presented for sale by the estate of a long time Porsche enthusiast. As you can see in the attached photos, 86446 presents itself beautifully following a recent repaint and all new leather interior. The car has been stored in recent years and we understand that the car was driven very little after the restoration. As such, the successful bidder should be prepared to clean the dual zenith carburetors, check the ignition and ensure the dual leading shoe drum brakes function to their liking. As of August 2016, 86446 easily starts and idles but spits and sputters as the butterflies are opened up. The brakes also function but could clearly use some exercise and possibly more to awaken them from their slumber. Driving the car onto a trailer for transport should not be a problem if that is what the successful bidder prefers to do.

Please review the photos carefully because they are key to understanding the cosmetic condition of the car as well as its originality. The estate will provide for pre-purchase inspections and strongly recommends bidders either see this beautiful car themselves or send a qualified agent. The car is located approximately 1 .5 hours from IAH, Houston, Texas.

Many things make this limited production, one-year-only car special, but specifically, 86446 is a two owner car that was driven and enjoyed by her most recent owner for 43 years! As such, paperwork that is usually lost or kept by a succession of owners, has been preserved and is included with the sale. In fact 86466 includes Porsche Factory correspondence, shipping papers, warranty cards and delivery information that set it apart from even other Porsche 356s of the same period.

Provenance and originality are important when considering an investment like a Porsche 356. For Porsche 356s, a Certificate of Authenticity can be obtained, or possibly a “kardex” to assist in determining original engine numbers and other facts about the cars. These are known to occasionally be largely blank or have transcription errors which make it difficult to determine whether or not the car is “matching numbers”. Matching numbers means different things to different people but as can be seen in the attached photos, 86446 still retains 1600cc “normal” engine #74388 that was slid in place by the factory back in 1959. Another photo shows the “10 58” date stamp applied to one of the zenith carburetors which fits in with the proper production sequence of 86446, further demonstrating its originality.

Our friend who drove and enjoyed this car at many club events over the years had it resprayed in its original color, metallic silver, and a new red leather interior installed several years ago prior to parking it. In the intervening years some evidence of body filler has begun to make itself known in the form of cracks under the paint in a few locations. They are hard to see and harder to photograph but are present. We believe the history includes a mishap on the Golden Gate Bridge where the nose and tail were damaged. Body filler and close inspection of the front battery box and engine compartment rear wall still testify to this mishap.

Please call with any questions regarding this beautiful Porsche 356 Convertible D prior to the end of the auction. This car is listed with the intent to sell it and so has a modest reserve. This is a great opportunity for a long time enthusiast to obtain a rare and wonderfully documented car, or a new enthusiast to purchase a car that looks beautiful now with the possibility of taking it to the next level in the future.

On Sep-18-16 at 19:27:44 PDT, seller added the following information:

To answer a couple of questions: 1) we have located the original horn button and installed it since these photos were taken; 2) additional photos are available including one taken during the restoration showing the new floor pans in place immediately following installation.