Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera Sport Cabriolet

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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 August 1988, this Carrera Sport Cabriolet has had just five owners from new and has been in the current ownership since 1999. With some 86,000 miles on the clock when acquired by the vendor, it has now covered some 113,800 miles and has been used in fine weather only and kept garaged when not in use. Before the vendor bought the car he commissioned an AA inspection which gave it a clean bill of health and any minor issues raised were quickly attended to, including fitting a new clutch at c.89,500 miles (AA report on file).

Said to have proved totally reliable in the current 16-year ownership, it has 9 service stamps in the book up to 85,935 miles in July 1999 with invoices for various services since, the last in July 2014 at 111,068 miles when new rear discs and pads were also fitted. Fitted with a stainless steel exhaust system and retaining its original Blaupunkt radio cassette and all-important underbonnet paper options sticker, it is said to run “sweet as a nut” with an MOT until June 2016.

Looking great in black with a red and black leather interior, it has the desirable G50 gearbox plus the later electrically-operated soft top which functions as it should. The icing on the cake is the distinctive (and transferable) 911 number plate. With all air-cooled 911 prices rising strongly of late, it looks good value at the sensible guide price suggested and could yet prove a very smart investment if present trends continue.