1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D

• VIN 86796
• Engine No. 602762
• Transmission No. 82878
• Porsche Kardex

Delivered on August 6, 1959, to Robert Turano from Rockville Centre, New York. Originally delivered in Ruby Red (5707) with a Brown (B) interior. Factory options include reclining seats, US bumpers, and a luggage rack. “The Mean Green Machine” has had single-family ownership for the last four decades, traveling throughout the 48 contiguous states, most of Canada, and some of Mexico! European Collectibles is proud to present a very well-known Convertible D that King and Carol Clemons owned.

King Clemons developed a strong penchant for Porsche as he would watch several 356s drive by on the streets of Aspen, Colorado. When he returned from service in Germany, Clemons purchased his first 356, a Porsche 356B Roadster. Once a physicist in White Sands, New Mexico, he later opened an insurance company in Grand Junction, Colorado to start a family and begin the story of “Greenie.”

“Greenie” was first spotted while driving his 911L northbound on US 287 where Clemons was forced to detour due to a broken water main and came across a house with 20 Porsche 356s in the backyard and two were Convertible Ds. After negotiating for a month, Clemons finally purchased one of the Convertible Ds and had Bob Hagestad Porsche Audi dealer in Denver (Lakewood), Colorado inspect the mechanical condition and make necessary repairs. Two years later, an exterior body and interior restoration was performed in Grand Junction, Colorado.

In accordance with the history, write-ups by Clemons, and extensive articles written about this 356s driving achievements, this 356 has traveled 974,302 miles. Yes, this is correct! In the 1987 November/December edition of the Excellence Magazine “Running Through the Rockies, Nothing Clicks Like a 356” by Ralph Towers, mentions the 356's early history and its participation in the 356 Registry Holiday. “500,000 and Still Rollin” was a trip that consisted of visiting 23 states and accumulating over 6,000 miles. In 1996 the 356 participated in Gator Fest at the East Coast Holiday, where a 356 door was awarded to the registrant who traveled the furthest distance in a 356. King, his wife, and their co-pilot Rusty a Siberian Husky drove from Fort Collins, Colorado beating the second-place 356 by over 1000 miles. In October 2002, they took off for the Javelina 100 with the Arizona Outlaws from Prescott, Arizona. Throughout their travels, King and his wife have been able to create a network of people who would be able to assist them if they ever needed assistance on the road. “Greenie” has participated in many 356 Registry events, PCA outings, Porsche Parades, SCCA, sponsored and non-sponsored events, raced on the track, and has won several hill climbs!

The paintwork matches the story of the car and exhibits the expected amount of patina consistent with that of a vehicle that has been driven. The exterior is equipped with US bumpers, dual side-view mirrors, and a luggage rack. The decks and soft top frame are matching and have “96” factory stampings. The upholstery is in good condition and features a Clarion radio, factory VDO instrumentation, and a wooden steering wheel. The 5 ½” x 15” chrome wheels are fitted to Yokohama 195 60 R15 tires.

Mechanically powered by a 1600cc flat four-cylinder engine (Type 616/40) producing 90 hp. Power is provided to the rear wheels through a manual 4-speed transmission (Type 741) with a 4-wheel drum braking system. Complete with 356 B owner's manual, date-coded spare tire, and 35 years of written articles about the vehicle's history and distance achievements. An excellent opportunity to acquire a Convertible D to drive and enjoy as is or to restore in the future.