1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Cabriolet

Highlights


• Completely original throughout
• Low Mileage - 37407
• G50 5-speed gearbox
• Just Serviced at Northway Porsche
• Fastidious owners - Only 2 owners from new!

The Background

After a seven year hiatus, the Carrera name returned to the Porsche 911 with the 3.2 filling the shoes of the outgoing SC model. 

The first deliveries were made in 1984 and continued until production finished in 1989. Initial response to the car was positive and became glowing over the model’s life as features were changed or updated. Collectors and enthusiasts today tend to aim for 1987 to 1989 vehicles due to the 5-speed G50 gearbox, and for Cabriolet owners, a powered hood. 

Many perceive the final years of the Carrera 3.2 to be a watershed car with it straddling the lines between classic and modern vehicle dynamics thanks to the minimal intrusion of electronic controls interfering with the driving experience with little compromise needed from an owner that wants to use it daily.

Porsche produced just over 76,000 units in all guises, 19,000 of which are cabriolet but don’t expect to find many for sale. Collectors from around the world snap up good low mileage examples making them a rare sight on the market, last of the run examples like this one are especially difficult to locate, and owners willing to part with them are even tougher to find.

The History 

There is a delightful note signed by the first owner when it came time to sell up making it clear that the only reason for the sale was that he was leaving the country and that the car had been kept stored in an underground car park in London, away from the elements, and any risk of door dings.

After this, a fastidious owner managed to get their hands on the keys and judging by the mileage they kept hold of it as a joy to be experienced. A far way detached from the day to day duties some lesser examples have experienced.

It has spent its life in London, Sussex, and Berkshire and as to be expected with a car of this low mileage has been stored and used in good weather. It has now been decided that the car should continue its story in a new home with another enthusiast. Passers-by stopped in the street to appreciate the car whilst it was being photographed. One told the owner not to let go, explaining that he had previously owned and sold a 3.2 and had regretted seeing it leave his driveway ever since.

Not wanting the car to leave his stewardship needing a thing, a new tonneau cover and hood have just been fitted to the car. It has also received a service, a new battery is will also be fitted before the new owner picks up the car so that they can drive off knowing that not only have they bought a stunning example, but one that can be enjoyed immediately without concern.

The Paperwork 

The maintenance book is filled with either Porsche main agent or Porsche specialist stamps and has just recently come back from Northway Porsche. Accompanying this service book is a thick folder documenting this car’s history, including the note from the gentleman that ordered the car brand new explaining that it has been kept locked away when not in use.

The most recent service with a Porsche main agent was done in June, less than a hundred miles have been travelled since. Northway carried out a full service and brake fluid change as well as a full inspection of the vehicle.

The previous MOT’s along with the V5 is present and will be included in the folder documenting the history of the vehicle, also included are original handbooks and manuals, all in excellent condition.

The Interior 

The black leather (LT) interior matches the black spokes of the sixteen-inch Fuchs wheels on the exterior creating a stunning contrast against the paintwork. The driver’s seat shows very little sign of wear along with the passenger side and rear seats. Every bolster from lower to upper is strong and contains so few marks that they almost appear unused.

The carpeted area matches the condition of the seats with no stains or loss of colour, previous owners have clearly taken a lot of care when using the car, further shown by the as new condition of the gear knob and steering wheel leather. It would be easy to be fooled into thinking this vehicle has received a complete overhaul of the interior, such is the condition, yet everything is original, quickly transporting occupants back to a late 80’s Porsche showroom.

Each dial sprung to life without hesitation on start-up and the roof smoothly lifted away and then returned to the latches, not a single blemish could be seen on the material, the owner advised that the roof is new, clear to see when up above the occupant’s heads. Two keys will be supplied with the vehicle along with the original tools and tyre inflation kit. Importantly, the metal areas behind the carpets in the front boot were in excellent condition, a testament to the previous owners.

The Exterior 

Step up to within an inch of the paintwork and it displays stunning depth, begin to walk around and an undisturbed shine will follow you on a sunny day and glimmer when the clouds appear. Set an eye along each shut line and curve and you will be met with Porsche build quality that has enjoyed dry storage and care throughout its life.

The Slate Grey Metallic (L22D) paintwork gleamed in the sun displaying the variation of hue on offer when moving through shaded areas. All panels were straight and even after thirty two years stone chips were nearly impossible to find without laying on the floor and studying every inch of the front bumper.

Each arch displayed itself as solid and contained a pristine Fuchs dished wheel, looking around the entire lip of each wheel revealed not a single blemish and were wrapped in good rubber. All the original stickers were present and correct, as was the metal stamp showing the VIN number, all matching.

The Mechanics 

It was a hot day when we reached G345 TYF and yet the air cooled flat six idled happily before getting underway. Each gear slotted home true and the hydraulic clutch gave no problems or unexpected weightiness.
Roll a wheel onto tarmac and it becomes immediately clear that every mile ahead will be enjoyable, the suspension didn’t have a single sign of age, as to be expected with such low mileage.

Take the motor up the revs and a chorus begins of flat six power, with this being the age when engines in Porsches were easier to access it is simple to see around the motor and spot all the genuine parts that have not only kept this example pristine, but authentic and original.

The underside of the car was in fantastic condition with some fresh bolts and gasket visible from the recent service work.

The Appeal 

Many of these have covered lots of enjoyable miles or lived their life moving from owner to owner as they are appreciated and then cast aside. This is where G345 TYF stands out, the owner described the car as mint in every way, and after an inspection of the vehicle, you can see why.

Registered on the 1st of August 1989 this must be one of last registered 3.2 Carrera models with Porsche Club GB stating that the last produced cars were made on July 31st 1989. Only two owners have been given the chance to put their name on the logbook since.

Opportunities to own a 3.2 Carrera with low miles and documented history are becoming something of an ever-disappearing gap on a race track. Buyers are looking further and further afield and prices are reflecting the demand. 

Owners love their car and even people with little interest in the automotive world take a second look as the Carrera’s charm impresses itself upon them. Away from the looks and the rarity, there is what really counts, the drive of this machine. Whether you enjoy it roof up or roof down this Porsche really shines and from the first turn of the key to the clutch, gear, and throttle, few sports cars can make you feel as good as this small slice of German engineering.

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1989
  • Make Porsche
  • Model Carrera Cabrio Sport
  • Colour Slate Grey Metallic
  • Odometer 37,407 Miles
  • Engine size 3164
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Trade
  • Location Buckinghamshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
34 bids
  • Sa•••• £59,111 19/08/21
  • Ra•••• £58,611 19/08/21
  • Sa•••• £58,111 19/08/21
  • Ch•••• £57,611 19/08/21
  • Sa•••• £57,111 19/08/21
  • Ch•••• £56,611 19/08/21
  • Ra•••• £56,111 19/08/21
  • Ch•••• £55,611 19/08/21
  • Ra•••• £55,111 19/08/21
  • Ch•••• £54,611 19/08/21
Message C&C Auction Team

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