Classic Classified: 1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D
From: Hemmings Motor News, December 1983
Price then: $10,200 ($24,800 adjusted for inflation)
Price now: $107,000–$292,000
Approximate dollar difference: $267,200 (assuming No. 1 condition)
Annual rate of return: 7.5%
Porsche: 1959 356A convertible D, cream/black, new paint, engine, top, carpet, tires, shocks, brakes, $14,000 invested, must sacrifice, $10,200.
A special one-year-only model built by coachbuilder Drauz, the 356A Convertible D offered similar styling to the racy, minimalist Speedster but provided a bit more in the way of creature comforts. (Think wind-up windows instead of side curtains and a slightly more comfortable interior.) That didn’t mean it wasn’t a sports car, though, as the slightly taller windscreen was removable and a tonneau cover was available for order. This was still a car for the weekend track warrior.
With an estimated 1331 cars produced, The Convertible D is among the rarest of the standard production 356s. Today, these cars are highly prized by collectors and command appropriately steep prices. For a prospective buyer, this car had a lot to offer for the price, given the platform that could be easily converted into a vintage racer or perhaps a civilized country cruiser. Factoring in the annual return, this car would have been a fantastic investment in terms of both money and enjoyment.
