Description

1987 Porsche 911 3.2 Carerra Sport Cabriolet

From long-term ownership; running and driving after 10 years in storage; 97,034 miles

Since its launch in 1964, the Porsche 911 has established itself firmly at the top of the supercar firmament, remaining to this day just about the only 150mph sportscar that can be reliably driven every day.

The 3.2 Carrera, produced from 1984 to 1989, is regarded by many as the best of the air-cooled models thanks to its blend of classic good looks, scintillating peformance and relatively low cost of ownership – all subsequent models being more complex machines that need deeper pockets to maintain.

Visually similar to the outgoing SC, the Carrera was much improved under the skin with bigger brakes and an 80% new flat-six engine that incorporated an effective cam chain tensioner and associated lubrication system that at last addressed a perennial 911 shortcoming. Driving refinement and reliability were improved with a new Bosch Motronics ignition system, the end result being a power hike to 231bhp and 209lb/ft of torque. Quick revving and torquey, it shot to 60mph in 5.4 seconds on its way to a 152mph maximum, speeds that only the Turbo model could have matched in the past.

This 1987 Cabriolet was acquired by the vendor back in 2001 and was enjoyed as part of a sizeable collection until it went into dry storage in 2012. A string of MOTs confirm the mileage of just over 97,000 miles is correct and there are various bills on file which show a replacement DME in 2011 and most recently a new battery which has ensured the car is back up and running. The V5C shows 10 previous keepers.

At some time in its life, it looks to have been converted to a Cabriolet from a Coupe according to its chassis number - a common conversion in period, although we don't know when this took place. The V5C lists the model as a 911 Coupe with body type as a Cabriolet. This is reflected in the very modest estimate.

Having been off the road for ten years or so, it will require recommissioning and sticky brakes aside, has been starting quickly, running nicely and driving around onsite as one would expect. 

The bodywork carries the usual blemishes that nearly 100,000 miles bring, but the bodywork is commendably sound. The vendor advises that the hood mechanism is not working which will need sorting and adds that the car was running just fine when he stopped using it.

This 911 offers huge potential, with sensible miles and a great spec. A bit of minor tidying and a brake overhaul would bring the best out of this charismatic 911.

Bidders are advised that the Chassis number on the V5C shows WP0ZZZ91ZHS203074 whereas the number on the car is WP0ZZZ91ZHS103074, the 12th digit showing 2 on the V5C and 1 on the chassis stamp on the car.

For more information - contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com