Description
Our favourite 911 at Paul Stephens? Well, the 911 Carrera 3. 2 is certainly the model that we have sold the most of over the years, and they are hugely popular for good reason, mixing the classic 911 experience with a good dollop or modernity and useability. This prime example is no exception.
Introduced in 1984 to replace the longstanding SC model, and in Porsche’s typically evolutionary fashion, it was visually very similar to the outgoing 911. It also marked the end of the G-Series line, introduced in 1974. Porsche built a staggering 80, 000 911 Carrera 3. 2s between 1983 and 1989. Not bad for a car that was supposed to have been killed off in favour of the front-engined 928. Cue customer outrage and an internal Porsche power struggle, that was resolved in the 911’s favour.
After years of largely incremental power increases, the Carrera 3. 2 introduced a rather more generous horsepower hike: 231bhp at 5900rpm from its 3. 2-litre flat-six, thanks to the 911 Turbo’s crank and longer connecting rods. Torque increased to 209lbs/ ft at 4800rpm. The 911 finally broke the 150mph barrier, albeit only just at 152mph. The Carrera went digital too, with computerised fuel injection and RAM chips that even today can be manipulated to alter the fuelling and ignition.
Early Carrera 3. 2s retained the Type 915 gearbox, but in 1987 the 911 got the gearbox that many would say it really deserved: The Getrag G50, that would go on to serve the 911 through the 964 and 993 ranges. Having said that, here at Paul Stephens, we will robustly defend the Type 915. Ultimately, the best Carrera 3. 2, whether Type 915 or G50 equipped, is the best one that you can afford.
The Carrera 3. 2 also received a much plusher interior, with improved ventilation (always an air-cooled 911 issue), sound insulation and two/ three way electric seats. The deep bolstered ‘Sports’ version is still one of the best thrones that Porsche has ever made.
Simply Red
The definitive 80s Porsche colour? Without a doubt it’s Guards Red, hugely popular with us Brits and the poster car for a generation.
That said, this prime Carrera 3. 2 example, hails from the US, its LHD status a giveaway, of course. Delivered in November 1986 to Porsche Dealer Newport Beach, California, it is one of the last of the Type 915 cars and a very well specified one too, with the popular Sports Pack option, which is to say 16in Fuchs wheels, Bilstein dampers and front and rear wings, although this Carrera has had its rear wing removed at some point for a cleaner, classic look. And unlike most UK specced cars back in 1986, this example has the option of factory air conditioning too, which makes it a much more useable proposition.
Other spec highlights include contrasting grey and cream leather interior, with Sports seats, factory fitted sunroof and cruise control, for those long US highways, or long European autoroutes, useful because following its arrival in the UK in 2014, it has spent the last few years in Spain.
There is a lot to like about this particular Carrera 3. 2, not least its originality. Its mileage currently stands at 66, 200 whilst its Guards Red paint is original and its engine and gearbox remain unopened and are both in peak condition as you might expect from its low mileage. Having spent the majority of its life in warmer climes, the bodywork is in excellent condition too, with no impending repairs. Rust can be a killer on any Porsche of this generation and with the right care, this Carrera 3. 2 can remain in its present condition for the foreseeable future.
On The Road
The full 911 experience with all its quirks, charms and that flat-six soundtrack. There really is nothing quite like it, and it’s a perfect fit on our UK roads and still cuts it as an everyday machine. A YouTube star too, featuring in Porsche Club GB’s latest ‘911 Generations’ video, so click here if you want to see and hear this car in action:
- details above
