Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Targa

Since it's launch in 1964, the Porsche 911 has established itself firmly at the top of the supercar firmament, remaining to this day just about the only 150mph sportscar that can be reliably driven every day. The 3.2 Carrera, produced from 1984 to 1989, is perhaps the most popular of the air-cooled models thanks to its blend of classic good looks, scintillating peformance and relatively low cost of ownership – all subsequent models being more complex machines that need deeper pockets to maintain. 

Visually similar to the outgoing SC, the Carrera was much improved under the skin with bigger brakes and an 80% new flat-six engine that incorporated an effective cam chain tensioner and associated lubrication system that at last addressed a perennial 911 shortcoming. Driving refinement and reliability were improved with a new Bosch Motronics ignition system, the end result being a power hike to 231bhp and 209lb/ft of torque. Quick revving and torquey, it shot to 60mph in 5.4 seconds on its way to a 152mph maximum, speeds that only the Turbo model could have matched in the past.

First registered in October 1986, this Porsche 911 is the popular Targa model with a large removable panel in the roof for topless summer motoring. Supplied new by Dick Lovett of Swindon, it has a good service history with 17 stamps in the book up to 2002 at which point it had covered 116,131 miles (equating to an average service interval of less than 7,000 miles). In 1997 at 85,588 miles it was treated to an engine rebuild with new piston rings, valve guides and seals and a new clutch. In 1990 it was also treated to a good quality respray which still looks smart today.

In the current ownership since 2003, the car has been little used during that time, clocking up only another 5,000 miles so the clock now reads 121,800 miles. Fitted with the optional sports seats in black leather (somewhat worn on the driver’s seat side bolster) it also has the correct Fuchs alloys which are in good condition all round. Said to run and drive well and issued with a fresh MOT before the sale, it comes with a large history file from new including many bills for routine servicing, all its original handbooks and virtually all old MOT certificates to warrant the mileage.