Ferdinand Porsche’s automotive design firm’s badged debut was with the mighty 356 in 1949. Penned by Ferry Porsche, the car was loosely based on the Volkswagen designed by his father, sharing a platform-type chassis design with rear-mounted air-cooled engine and all-independent torsion bar suspension. Frequently updated, the 356 sold well, and performed well, paving the way for the Porsche firm, until 1965 when succeeded by the 912.
Open top cars were always part of the model lineup, but the raw and pure Speedster was replaced by the far more civilized Convertible D in 1958, with larger windscreen, winding side windows, and more comfortable seats.
To mimic is the highest compliment, they say, and with genuine Porsche values skyrocketing, numerous firms popped up over the years to pay homage to the vintage Porsche usually with VW floorpans supporting a 356 Speedster body in fiberglass. One such firm is JPS Motorsports of San Marcos California, builders of 356 Speedsters, but also a Convertible D replica, but built on a tubular steel chassis with power from various sources, a plethora of options, including AC.
The 1959 Porsche 356 Convertible D Replica on offer here, comes from a Southern California collector and enthusiast. Purchased as viewed, the car is powered by a Subaru flat 4-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed manual ‘box. Options include the hood handle, bumper overriders, bumper deco trim and side moldings, shotgun exhaust tips, a vintage speed gear shifter and bumper mounted driving lights with evocative yellow glass. And the ice cold AC option makes the car a delight to drive in all kinds of summer weather.
Finished in a lovely Pastel Blue with matching vinyl interior, the exterior finish remains in excellent condition. The interior is also in very good condition with comfy, blemish-free seats, and good carpet showing some wear around the pedals. Gauges are bright and work perfectly as do all other systems, including the ice-cold AC.
The car starts easily, runs well with exceptional and exhilarating power. Brakes, suspension and steering all work well. The soft top is in very good shape with a clear back window and easy operation.
This is a great replica of a car from a by-gone age, but the modern power, AC and vintage looking stereo, provides modern amenities for a far more useable car.
SOLD
