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.
The Carrera 3.2 also received a much plusher interior, with improved ventilation (always an air-cooled 911 issue) and 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.
The ultimate and arguably most desirable G-Series 911 is, then, a late G50 equipped Carrera 3.2. Or is it? Well, certainly the market may say so, and the forumists, but here at Paul Stephens, we’ve got more than a lot of time for the earlier 915 equipped car. Indeed, our Dear Leader (that’s Paul) is emphatic when he says that he prefers the 915. Oh, and think about it? When was the last time anyone moaned about the 915, when waxing lyrical about driving a Carrera 2.7 RS? Exactly!
Truth is a good 915 ‘box offers the more authentic classic 911 experience, requiring a more methodical approach to shifting, that’s really, very satisfying to get right. It’s also lighter than the G50 and has shorter gear ratios. The overall effect is a Carrera 3.2 that feels a lot livelier, which is a good thing.
And because the market says that a G50 3.2 is the one to have, they are priced accordingly, making the 915 cars rather more affordable.
ALL WHITE NOW
Which brings us neatly to this competitively priced, Grand Prix White, 1986 Carrera 3.2, which, while we’re talking about the last of things, makes it one of the last 915 3.2s.
Delivered on Jan 3, 1986, via AFN at Falcon Works, Isleworth, a detail which will appeal to Porsche geeks, being Porsche’s spiritual UK home.
The spec is absolutely UK bang on. That being Sports equipped with front and rear spoilers, 16in Fuchs and Bilstein dampers. Grand Prix White is a bonus over the ubiquitous Guards Red of the period. And being a 1986 car, it also benefits from improved ventilation.
Exterior wise, this Carrera isn’t perfect, but the paintwork presents very well indeed. The black rubbers and window surrounds are excellent and the Fuchs, while not refurbed to factory finish, do look very good. Inside it’s a similar story with black leather seats, with dark grey cloth pinstripe inserts, in near perfect condition.
The 3.2-litre flat-six has covered 105,000-miles, is unopened and is clearly in good health. The 915 ‘box is likewise untouched, and equally unabused and has been pronounced as a good any by all that have driven it.
Maintenance and history wise, the original handbook is present and correct and the service book is generously autographed, with a mix of Porsche Centre and Porsche specialist stamps. There’s plenty of other paperwork, to confirm this is a 911 that’s been properly cared for.
It’s even been magazine featured, when in the tenure of Evo journalist and friend of Paul Stephens, Adam Towler. Said issue is present and correct with the history.
ON THE ROAD
To drive? In a word: ‘Strong…’ The engine feels like it’s delivering all its 231bhp and those closer 915 ratios, give it an urgency that the later G50 cars can’t match. The shift? Don’t rush it and don’t expect to suddenly be able to drop two or three gears in a panicky late corner moment. Plan ahead, be smooth and methodical and change down in plenty of time. It’s all part of the classic 911 skill set and driving experience.
IN SUMMARY
In truth we almost kept this one… This, though, is a truly affordable way into Carrera 3.2 ownership. Not perfect, but absolutely sorted and ready to enjoy from the moment it leaves us, with no major expenditure on the horizon. Something of a blank canvas too, although we would say it’s perfect as it is. All it needs is a new owner.
