1959 Porsche 356A 1600 Convertible D
- Engine
- 1.6L flat-four OHV, dual twin-choke carburetors, 60 bhp at 4,800 rpm
- Colour
- Light ivory
A 1959 Porsche 356A 1600 Convertible D with coachwork by Drauz of Heilbronn, chassis 86154, is among just 1,331 produced between August 1958 and September 1959. Delivered new to the United States via the Hoffman Motor Car Company, it has remained stateside throughout its life. Following a comprehensive restoration completed by West Coast Haus specialist Alex Bivens, the car joined the Gildred Collection, where it was regularly exercised on touring rallies including the California Mille and Copperstate 1000. A period engine with performance upgrades is fitted; the original engine accompanies the car.
Ownership
- 2019-08-15Auction saleSold US$135,000
- 1959-03-01 →Factory deliveryHoffman Motor Car Companypartial documentation
US importer that received the car from the Porsche factory; served as the channel for American market delivery.
- → 1995Private saleGregory Warnerpartial documentation
CEO of Kia Motors, based in Huntington Beach, California; initiated a thorough restoration but sold the car before it was finished.
- 1995 →Private saleMari Johnsonpartial documentation
San Francisco-based owner who commissioned specialist Alex Bivens of West Coast Haus to complete the restoration begun by the previous owner.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownLos Angeles-based male ownerpartial documentation
Reportedly kept and used the car for roughly 15 years before selling to Warner; identity not recorded.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownGlenn Schafferpartial documentation
Nevada-based owner; car relocated to that state during his tenure.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownTed Gildredpartial documentation
Acquired the car more than a decade before the sale; it became one of his personal favorites and was regularly exercised on touring events.
Competition
- —California Mille
Car participated in this touring rally during the Gildred ownership period; specific year or years not stated.
- —Copperstate 1000
Car took part in this touring rally during the Gildred ownership period; specific year or years not stated.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
A thorough restoration was started by Gregory Warner but left unfinished when he sold the car in 1995.
Restoration was partial at the point of sale to the next owner.
- —RestorationWest Coast Haus
Restoration initiated by the previous owner was brought to completion by German car specialist Alex Bivens, restoring the car to its original ivory finish.
Commissioned by Mari Johnson of San Francisco following her acquisition of the car in 1995.
- —Modification
A period-correct replacement engine with desirable performance upgrades was fitted; the original engine unit was retained separately and accompanies the car.
Date and installer of the engine swap are not recorded in the catalogue.
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