Whilst Singer is obviously the go-to when it comes to perfected Porsche 911s, there are other companies working on the same goal. One of which is Paul Stephens that creates unique rebodied Porsches.
This particular model started out life as a 911 3.2 Targa from 1988 but was brought to Paul Stephens in 2010 with the goal of transforming it into a 550 Spyder ‘retrospective’. Today, it is a lightweight unique model with an uprated engine and styling to die for.
Weighing in at just 950kg thanks to an aluminium body and with an uprated engine producing 250hp, it is certainly a brilliant driver’s car. Furthermore, the topless design is sure to provide an experience like none other.
Having covered just 13,000 miles from new according to the vendor, it is surely still in great mechanical condition.
History and Paperwork
Originally a Porsche 911 3.2 Targa
First registered in the UK in 1988
Four owners from new
Vendor confirms just 13,000 miles from new
Project undertaken by Paul Stephens in 2010
Project complete in 2012
Currently resides in France
Still UK-registered
Original Porsche service booklet with the car
V5c included
The Interior
Elegant interior design
Great condition upholstery
Wind protection should remain good
Being very much open to the elements, the exterior silver paint of this Porsche Spyder retrospective does blend into the interior. Indeed, the simplistic dashboard is finished in the same aluminium design as the body.
That being said, the comfort and luxury one would expect from a Porsche is still present. Red leather adorns the seats in a wonderful way as well as the door cards and floor. Rubber carpets have been laid down and match the black gear knob and steering wheel.
A quintet of dials form the elegant instrument cluster around which perfectly moulds the dashboard. In fact, simplicity is very much the trend inside this cabin which does its best to draw the driver’s focus out from the cabin to the open road.
Continuing the throwbacks to the iconic 550 Spyder are a number of decals and badges dotted throughout the cabin. Furthermore, the steep windscreen will provide good wind protection despite its short design whilst a rear view mirror mounted to the dashboard is a brilliant yet subtle hint at the model’s muse.
The Exterior
Hand-built aluminium Spyder bodywork
Excellent condition throughout
Nice throwback to the 550 Spyder
Immediately after setting one’s eyes on this creation, they will understand its purpose. Missing the roof with a low-cut, wrap-around windscreen and double bubble rear shelf, it’s clear which model this car harks back to; the mid-1950’s 550 Spyder.
Indeed, the entire car was rebodied between 2010 and 2012 with hand-forged panels made out of aluminium. As a result, this model is truly unique, much like the sports cars of old. Finished in a gorgeous coat of silver paint, the exterior pairs nicely with the aforementioned red leather interior. Furthermore, red accents at the bottom of the doors in true Porsche style help to bring the entire specification together.
Having been fabricated just a decade ago, the car is in stunning visual condition. Indeed, the body panels all look straight despite their artisanal nature whilst the paintwork presents beautifully.
The Mechanics
Original 3.2-litre flat-six engine, 250hp
Perfect mechanical condition
Great driving experience
Just above the rear axle of this 1988 Porsche 911 still sits its original 3.2-litre flat-six engine. However, the powerplant has gone from its standard Targa 230hp output to an uprated 250hp.
Couple this slightly boosted power figure with the car’s dramatic loos of weight and you have an exemplary power-to-weight ratio. Indeed, the car now sits at over 250hp per tonne. As a result, the vendor claims the car is very agile and makes for a superb driving experience. Indeed, the five-speed manual will surely contribute to said fun factor.
During the conversion, the car will have been extensively overhauled. Furthermore, it is reported that the model has covered just 13,000 miles from new. With that in mind, it is in a brilliant mechanical condition as confirmed by the vendor. Therefore, its new owner can expect plenty of fun behind the wheel without any lurking expenses in the near future.
Summary
A gorgeous car featuring unique, hand-crafted aluminium bodywork, this 1988 Porsche 911 Targa presents as a 550 Spyder retrospective thanks to extensive work by Paul Stephens around a decade ago.
Mechanically, the car is in great condition according to the vendor whilst visually it appears almost untouched. Indeed, it has covered just 13,000 miles in its life and is ready to add to that total with its next owner.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders. For more details, email [email protected].
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1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster by Paul Stephens
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