Highlights

In excess of £50,000 spent in restoration, servicing and maintenance by the vendor
Highly desirable model as the last of the original 911s
Powerful 3.2-litre engine and the much coveted 915 gearbox

The Appeal

While plans had been underway since 1979 to replace the now ageing 911, Porsche’s then CEO Peter Shutz recognised the unbridled affection drivers had for the rear-engined car.

The rejuvenation of the 911 came in 1984 with the introduction of the Carrera 3.2 which is considered by many Porsche enthusiasts today as the car that offered the perfect compromise between usability and original 911 feel.

Here we have an early Carrera 3.2 which has been subject to extensive restoration and preservation measures by its current owner.

It is a truly fabulous example, the likes of which does not come up for sale too often. Succeeded in 1989 by the 964, Carrera 3.2s such as these are the last 911s with underpinnings that can be traced back to the early ‘60s cars.

If this sounds appealing to you, then this is an excellent opportunity to acquire what is regarded by many as the pinnacle of the original 911 series.

The History and Paperwork

Equipped with optional front and rear spoilers
Imported from Belgium in 1998
Extensive servicing and maintenance records from 1998 to the present
Mostly maintained by Porsche Centre (Reading), Autofarm (Oxford) and Northway (Reading)
Full bare metal respray completed in 2014
Only ever used in dry weather and garage stored
Following about 3 years in storage, the car was professionally recommissioned in 2016
The interior was refurbished in December 2000
MOT valid until August 2023 (No advisories)
Recent service in August 2022, plus £5000 spent resolving small niggles
No evidence of past accident damage
Qualifies for historic status in 2 years which means the vehicle will be tax exempt with MOT's being optional
PLEASE NOTE: The private plate is not included in the sale

The Interior

Interior refurbished in December 2000
Modern Alpine bluetooth stereo, fully hands-free plus premium 4x upgraded Focal speakers
Electric windows, mirrors and sun-moon roof
Includes a stereo and speaker system worth over £2,000

Having been reupholstered some time ago in December 2000, this interior has since weathered in rather nicely with a light patination forming upon the blue leather seats, driving controls and carpeting.

Unlike many small sports cars, this Carrera 3.2 has four seats, all of which look to be in excellent condition. The front seats were retrimmed to a high standard 22 years ago and so almost perfectly match the wear and appearance of those in the rear and the period Securon seat belts are a nice touch.

The dashboard too is in really nice shape and we think it’s fair to say that the Porsche five-dial layout is nothing short of iconic. The vendor informs us that all of the instruments function exactly as they should and we observe that they are clear, legible and in good condition. They do note however that the stereo is not currently connected to the aerial, however the owner plays his Spotify music, radio and podcasts.

The same goes for the switchgear, although the vendor points out that a 1990s immobiliser was once fitted and so the key unit remains in the dash.

Throughout the cabin, the headlining is clean and well supported with a small repair above the passenger door. The vendor informs us that the sunroof seals were replaced and the mechanism re-aligned with genuine components by Porsche Centre in July 2022 at a cost of over £800.

Following the August 2022 MOT, the vendor has also had the steering column spacer replaced as the old unit was becoming loose over time. Also in December 2022, the oil sender, headlamp washer pump, and wiper switch were replaced by Autofarm, and are now fully functioning

Like the seats, the carpets have worn well although to the right-hand side of the clutch pedal, it is wearing a little more heavily. We think this contributes to the aforementioned original feel of the fixtures and fittings.

The Exterior

Full bare metal respray in Slate Blue Metallic, completed in 2014 by a respected classic restoration company, at a value of £15,000
Original 16” forged Fuchs alloy wheels
Front bumper and front wings restored to preserve the vehicle’s originality
Original NOS windscreen fitted during the 2014 restoration
No corrosion to be seen following the restoration (The vendor has photos of the corrosion prior to restoration which was treated along with the front headlamps and lower sills)

When this Porsche was stripped for a bare metal respray, repairs were carried out to the scuttle panel, A pillar and door sills.

The vendor points out that no expense was spared during this process and original features were restored rather than replaced where possible. The front bumper and front wings were painstakingly restored.

The vendor further notes that the rear Heckblende Porsche reflective strip is the original item and the same goes for the front badge and wheel centre caps.

A new old stock windscreen which has the embedded aerial was also fitted at a cost of £1,400 and remains in very good condition. The car apparently sits upon its original 16” factory upgraded Fuchs alloys, which have been restored in 2014. The tyres have plenty of tread and even wear.

The Slate Blue paintwork presents very well and while there are a couple of small stone chips on the lid to the forward luggage compartment, it is generally free from blemishes, straight and devoid from corrosion.

During restoration in 2014 the bonnet seals were replaced with sealant and painted. Although functional and fit for purpose, it could do with some attention, as the paint is not perfect.

The vendor informs us that the car is only ever used in fair weather conditions and is carefully stored which has kept corrosion and paint deterioration at bay.

Back in 2014, it received no fewer than 5 coats of paint which has certainly paid dividends.

The Mechanics

Naturally aspirated, 3.2-litre air-cooled engine
Original 915 gearbox operates well
231 horsepower, 150mph performance

While this car is now 38 years old, it is certainly no slouch and that 3.2-litre flat-six is a particularly healthy example.

Porsche claimed that this engine was 80 percent different to the one sported by the 911 SC and it benefited from the Bosch Motronics system.

After the car was in storage for around 3 years, it was trailered to Northway Porsche in Reading who carefully revived the car, servicing it and checking all the valve guides.

This recommissioning work apparently amounted to about £2,000. It also received a Dansk 91.4104S stainless steel exhaust and heat exchanger system as the original mild steel item had cracked, as is apparently a common occurrence with Porsche’s of this vintage.

The vendor reports that the car starts, runs and drives exceedingly well with no untoward noises, smoke or any engine leaks. The engine performs very strongly without burning any oil and everything under the bonnet looks to be clean and tidy.

The 915 gearbox is regarded as the more challenging unit fitted to the Carrera 3.2 but is preferred by many enthusiasts. It is reported to be original and does require gentle use until at operating temperature.

The owner admits that at times it can be a little “agricultural” in operation but really comes into its own on a challenging section of road.

Summary

Here we have a beautiful example of the revered Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 “G”.

It has been meticulously attended to over the years by the present owner and is likely amongst the smartest examples around today.

Benefitting from sympathetic restoration, careful storage and sparing usage, this is a truly fantastic 911 that we’re sure will provide its next owner great pleasure for years to come.

Notice to bidders

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