Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Supersport

The vehicle in detail

BACKGROUND

The Porsche 911 Carrera 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 model. However, this similarity concealed a number of technical upgrades to ensure that whilst the new 911 still looked like a 911, significant gains had been made in performance and economy. These gains were largely thanks to the new 3.2-litre, flat-six, which saw power increase from the SC’s 204bhp, to 231bhp and with it a top speed of 152mph.

The new Carrera 3.2 sat below the supercar challenging 911 Turbo, yet performance was certainly more than adequate for most thrill seekers. And while the Turbo was the ultimate 80s kid’s bedroom wall, poster car, it was also eye-wateringly expensive for grown-ups, too.

With this in mind, in 1985 Porsche pulled a masterstroke, by launching a new M491 Super Sport Equipment (SSE) option for the standard Carrera, whereby a new car could be specified from the factory, with full Turbo bodywork, brakes and suspension. Known as the Carrera Supersport (SSE). Just 226 RHD examples came to the UK, making this a rare air-cooled 911 today.

The Supersport spec, introduced with the Carrera 3.2, started a trend that has carried on to this day, with 911 S and 4S models benefitting from the ‘widebody’ look.

Unicorn Supersport

Which brings us neatly to this really rather special Stone Grey 1989 SSE. Special? Just check out the mileage? Yes, just 6017-miles, making this possibly one of the, lowest mileage examples around and as close to a showroom example as we’ve seen. A near unique opportunity then?

And if that doesn’t make it desirable enough, as a 1989 example, this 911 is not just the last of the 3.2s, but the last of the G-Series cars, that can be traced back to 1974. As such it benefits from 15-years of development, performance and refinement. Most notably, perhaps, is the G50 five-speed gearbox, which most (but not all) consider a big improvement over the 915 ‘box.

You want more? Well, as much we love those traditional 80s colours – you know Guards Red, Basalt Black, Grand Prix White – Stone Grey is a far a rarer option, and pleasingly subtle too. Likewise the mix of Linen leather and burgundy trim.

History? Delivered on March 1, 1989 from Monarch Porsche, Warwick, this UK spec C16, SSE is completely faithful to its original build and the original owner didn’t hold back, as the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity attests. That is to say three-way adjustable electric Sports seats, Blaupunkt Toronto radio cassette, with eight speaker High Fidelity package, sun roof, top tint windscreen and model designation delete, probably to keep folk guessing.

This SSE has had just two former owners. In 1991, with just 4392-miles under its Fuchs, it entered the private collection of a motor dealer, emerging in 2014 with another 1000-miles on the odometer. Last sold and maintained by Hexagon Classics, it’s current owner has taken the mileage to the current 6017-miles. Needless to say, all this is corroborated in the original service book and Porsche Driver Pack.

ON THE ROAD

Let’s do the Timewarp again! Gripped by Porsche’s best seat in the house, this Supersport 911 doesn’t disappoint, and not just because of the ultra-low miles. The hydraulic clutch and G50 gearbox ensure a clean slice through the gears, and while the 3.2-litre, flat-six might not have a turbo, it’s in no way lacking and response is immediate and strong, as you would expect from 231bhp. Handling and braking are in the Turbo ball park, and the steering is convivial and chatty in that 911 sort of way.