Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2

The vehicle in detail

BACKGROUND

The Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 was 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. Click here to find out why: 915 VS G50

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 and preferably in Guards Red. Which is handy, because that’s exactly what we’ve got here. And it’s a good one…

SIMPLY RED

The definitive 80s Porsche colour? Without a doubt, hugely popular with us Brits and the poster car for a generation.

This particular Carrera 3.2 was delivered on Jan 11, 1989, which for its first owner, must have been a pretty good way to see in the New Year. The supplying dealer was Swinford Motors Official Porsche Centre, Stourbridge, West Midlands.

So, Guards Red and with a black leather interior, it really is the classic Carrera spec. And the G50 gearbox. And like most UK Carrera 3.2s, this one is in Sports spec. That is to say 16in Fuchs wheels, front and rear spoilers, Bilstein dampers. Anything else on the options tick list? Not a lot, really save for sun roof and rear window wiper. Keep it simple, we say.

If you think it looks good in the pictures, just wait until you see this Carrera 3.2 in the metal. It has had a partial body restoration in recent years, including front wings and all body trim and rubbers, including the bumper bellows, which can deteriorate over time. A late Carrera 3.2 it may be, but it’s still 35-years old.

More significantly, though, is the engine rebuild carried out in the last year, by respected air-cooled Porsche specialist, Ninemeister. That’s a weight of any potential buyer’s mind, but actually the work went a lot further than that, as Ninemeister went through the car from front to back de-snagging and rectifying any issues, no matter how small and making modernising improvements, such as Classic Retrofit fuse boards. The invoice amounts to over £30,000 and runs to many pages. The result, is one of the best Carrera 3.2s that we have seen for some time and one that is now entirely future proofed and ready to be used and enjoyed, with no fear of impending costs.

The interior stands up equally well. The red-piped Sports seats are in excellent condition and the standard issue Blaupunkt Toronto head unit is present and correct, so dig out those old tapes.

There is an extensive history file and the original service book is full autographed from day one. Back in the early 2000s it even featured regularly in Classic and Sports Car magazine and a staff project car. Back then it had 60,000-miles on the clock. Now it reads at just 81,000.

ON THE ROAD

It’s every bit as good as you would expect in view of recent expenditure, and a chassis set-up carried out by Center Gravity. 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.

IN SUMMARY

The most popular of the G-Series 911s and for good reason mixing classic 911 motoring with late 80s modernity. Mechanically and bodily, this Carrera 3.2 is second to none. As such, we don’t expect it to be here for long.