Porsche 911 3.2 Carerra Coupe

Since its 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 regarded by many as the best 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.

Available in coupe, targa and cabriolet guises, it was progressively developed over the course of its six-year production run. The main change came in 1987 with the adoption of a much-improved Getrag five-speed gearbox, the G50, with a smoother change than the notchy 915 transmission that preceded it.

First registered in March 1988, this Carrera was supplied new by Charles Follett of London and has covered some 172,000 miles to date in the hands of 8 owners, the current vendor acquiring it in 2004 when it had 148,000 miles on the clock.

Always well-maintained, it has no fewer than 25 service stamps to date, all at Porsche main dealers or specialists, and was last serviced by Dick Lovett Porsche of Bristol in September 2012 less than 1,000 miles ago. The brakes were also overhauled with new front pads and callipers plus new front shock absorbers, new front wheel bearings and two new tyres at the rear. There are also many bills for additional maintenance items.

Presented in Granite Green (grey) with a leather sports interior, the car is said to be in generally good condition all round apart from the steering wheel which could do with re-covering. Said to drive beautifully, this desirable G50 gearbox car is currently taxed and MOTd and is ready to drive away today. This being the 50th Anniversary of the iconic 911, there will be plenty of celebratory events to attend this summer should the next owner feel inclined to show off his new purchase!