One of only 17 Supersport Cabriolets made with right-hand drive
Documented history with only three previous owners from new
Cosmetically restored in 2020
One of the first 911s with the G50 gearbox
Fresh MoT until July 2024
The Appeal
There are few cars as enduringly popular as the Porsche 911. Introduced in 1963 and still going strong, its clean design and rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-six engine won it legions of fans who appreciated its unconventional but clever engineering.
Of course, there’s no consensus as to which era yielded the best 911s but, to many, the 1980s models offer the best combination of styling which is true to the original 1960s design and technology which lives up to modern-day expectations.
The Supersport represents the classic 911 at its most highly developed. The 911 had received several mechanical upgrades for 1984, including a more powerful, higher-displacement engine of 3.2 litres and enlarged disc brakes, but the Supersport took things a step further. Taking its lead from the turbocharged Porsche 930, it was outwardly very similar to the 930, with aggressive flared arches and the famous ‘whale tail’ spoiler. While stopping short of the turbocharged engine, performance was aided by the stiffer suspension and more powerful braking system of the 930, as well as the using the 930’s wider wheels.
The Supersport is not only one of the sportiest versions of the 911, it is also among the rarest – only 17 Supersport Cabriolets were ever made in right-hand drive configuration, and the example offered here is one of them. Rarity aside, this car surely counts among the very best classic 911s currently on the market, being a very original car which benefitted from a full cosmetic restoration in 2020. Thus presented, it has real potential to impress the judges in any concours competition, but it’s also an eminently useable car which will happily drive for miles and miles.7.JPG3.99 MB
The History and Paperwork
Originally finished in Grand Prix White with a Plum Red interior and registered E195 YHA, this car was originally sold through Swinford Motors of Stourbridge to Mr. S. Barratt of Trysull, Staffordshire
After a few years, Mr. Barratt sold the Porsche to its second owner, who kept it until 2018
The fourth and present owner acquired the car in August 2021 and has covered a couple of thousand miles in it, but a house move now forces its sale
Sold with a vast file of paperwork which includes the current V5, the original sales invoice, numerous invoices for servicing, maintenance and other work, and all the original Porsche owner’s literature including the service book
There’s nothing like a well-preserved original interior, and rarely does one come across one which is as good as this Porsche’s. The upholstery and carpets are all original and in superb order throughout. At 35 years old, the leather is maturing nicely and slowly developing an attractive patina, while you’d be hard-pushed to know that the carpets aren’t new.
Apart from the condition, what makes it that much more special is the Plum Red colour. While the Grand Prix White exterior colour is not unusual, it is far more common to see it paired with a black interior, and we are inclined to wonder whether the Grand Prix White/Plum Red scheme is unique among the 17 right-hand drive Supersport Cabriolets.
We note that during the 2020 restoration, the door cards were restored. We don’t know the specifics of this work, but we expect that, at the very least, it involved the leather being re-Connolized.
In all other areas, the interior presents exceptionally well. The dash, centre console and steering wheel are all in excellent condition and the dash top really is like new as it has been recovered within the present ownership.
The only deviation from original specification on the whole car is the Blaupunkt radio, which is modern but made in a period style, and is a well-known aftermarket modification among enthusiasts for 1980s Porsches. If, however, you’d prefer to have the car exactly as it left the factory, the original radio will be included in the sale.
Lifting the bonnet reveals a very nice and tidy luggage compartment, which houses a spare wheel in excellent condition and a Porsche-branded tyre inflator which we believe is original to the car.74.JPG3.3 MB
The Exterior
Cosmetically restored in in 2020 for £12,691
Plastic trim fittings completely renewed
Hood replaced at some stage in the past
Resplendent in its original Grand Prix White, this Porsche really does look as good as the day it left the factory. Its present condition is the result of a complete cosmetic restoration to factory specification by Tony Alder Porsche Services in 2020, the total cost of the restoration coming to £12,691.
In addition to the Porsche being painted, all the plastic trim pieces around the bumpers were replaced with new items. The invoice from Tony Alder describes how the car was stripped back to its bare shell before the work began. New rubber seals have been used throughout.
Before being returned to its owner, the Porsche’s electrics were tested for full functionality, so we believe them all to be in working order. Certainly the electric hood and windows go up and down very efficiently. On the subject of the hood, it is clear from its excellent condition that it has been renewed in the past, though we understand it was done some years before the main restoration.
The wide Turbo wheels are in superb condition, with nothing to fault so far as we could see. The lower section of the car benefits from stone-chip protector, and the underside is beautifully clean and sound, with the kidney bowls being free from any build-up of dirt or grime.
As it is, this 911 looks as good as a brand-new car, and it feels like one, too. The panel gaps look spot-on and the doors close snugly with no need for a shove. We very much believe that this car is good enough to be considered for serious concours competitions, and we would expect it to be commended by Porsche experts both for its originality and its condition.14.JPG3.29 MB
The Mechanics
Clutch replaced and engine bay refurbished in 2018
Fresh MoT with no advisories
Last serviced in November 2021
One of the first 911s to have the five-speed G50 gearbox
When you see a car which looks immaculate, it’s tempting to imagine that it doesn’t get driven. That’s not the case with this Porsche, which has been maintained to an impeccable standard for road use. While it has only seen light use in recent years – a look back over the MoT record reveals that it has covered less than 12,000 miles since 2007 – it is impressive to see that it has been MoTed almost every year but has not received an advisory note since 2006.
It has just received a fresh MoT with no advisories, so it’s all ready to be enjoyed for another year. We have seen the car start on the button and drive around with a very strong, robust engine note, so we have no reason to believe it is in anything other than the best of health.
Having been used sparingly, it is evident that the Porsche has required little in the way of mechanical work, but bidders will be interested to note that in 2018 it had a complete clutch replacement, including the slave cylinder, by respected Porsche specialist Vince Decicco. Decicco also comprehensively refurbished the engine bay, giving it a good clean along with the engine and gearbox, replaced the engine sound deadening, refurbished the exhaust system and replaced the heater pipes and engine oil tubes.
This Porsche not only has a lively engine, it is also one of the first Porsches to have received the G50 five-speed gearbox, which gives it a considerable advantage over the earlier four-speeds. Powerful brakes and light-to-the-touch power steering complete the package, giving the driving enthusiast everything they could possibly want.120.JPG3.08 MB
The Summary
The 1980s 911s are celebrated for their blend of classic styling with modern technology, and the Supersports represented the pinnacle of 911 development at the time. If you could have any 911, many people would opt for a Supersports, and this may very well be the finest example to have come onto the market for some time.
Exhibiting both a carefully-maintained cosmetic restoration and a beautifully preserved original interior, it would make a superb show car, but it has been maintained as a reliable driver’s car, too. You’re unlikely to find another example which combines originality, condition and useability to the same extent, so don’t miss this opportunity to make it yours.
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.*
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