Chassis Number: 86210
Porsche’s 356A is truly the most swoon-worthy production automobile the Stuttgart firm ever created. The D was only produced in 1959 before the model was transformed into the 356B in 1960; at a mere 1,331 manufactured, it is one of the rarest production automobiles to ever don the Porsche badge.
Dennis Collins has a passion for Porsches and had been hunting for a 356A Convertible D for years when this garage find miraculously materialized. Drauz body number 86210 was uncovered with its original engine, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, the original Porsche emblem and a treasure trove of original documents including a California pink slip and transfer slip from 1980, paperwork from its 1976 sale, an old California parking ticket, service records, registration paperwork and old photographs. According to its factory build sheet, this car was purchased new by Pfc. Robert Grygiel of Oneonta, NY, when he was likely stationed in Germany. Its California owner, Clarence Paul Buist III, purchased the car in 1980, as accompanying paperwork can attest.
When Mr. Collins discovered this unbelievable time capsule, it had been stored for many years. The front end had been repaired by Rod Emory, a major Porsche bodywork expert, which actually adds to the cachet of the car. Collins knew what he had when his “Coffee Walk” cameras rolled at the car’s unveiling. He quickly met the asking price and loaded the car on his hauler.
As shown on “Coffee Walk,” this true garage find is robed in Ivory over black leatherette interior offset by sporty concise gauges and a Blaupunkt radio. Chassis 86210 is well-documented and represents a wonderful opportunity to own and enjoy a rare, one-year-only 356A Convertible D.
