Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera Sport Targa

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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 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.

Dating from 1987, this 911 Targa Sport model is an original UK car with the Clubsport extras, sport seats with electric adjustment and low front spoiler. It has covered around 128,000 miles from new and comes with a very good history file to show regular maintenance throughout its life, including evidence of some 26 services plus much other expenditure. It is hard to be sure of the precise mileage because the car had a tacho change in 2004 at around 122,200 miles but has been very little used since.

In 2001 at around 111,000 miles it had an engine rebuild with new timing chain and reprogrammed EPROM so it is in fine mechanical fettle. The current owner bought the car last year from a gentleman who had owned it for nine years but had barely used it. He promptly set about a thorough refurbishment to bring the cosmetics up to the standard of the mechanicals.

To this end the car was treated to a full bare metal repaint which included all new body seals and rubbers, tail light lenses, indicator lenses, window seals, targa roof seal, bumper bellows and seals plus new Porsche badges. A new Dansk stainless steel exhaust was also fitted along with four new tyres, new Bluetooth speakerphone radio and a new set of carpets. The bill for this lot was in excess of £20,000 but the results speak for themselves and the car looks stunning.

Due to other commitments the car has barely been used since the refurbishment was completed and, as is so often the way, life has now taken an unexpected turn. Despite having just invested such a substantial sum into the car (which was meant to be a keeper, hence the attention to detail), the vendor has now been presented with a new business opportunity which means that all his energy and funds have been redirected in a totally new direction and, regrettably, the Porsche has now got to go.

Supplied with the aforementioned history record plus numerous photographs documenting the recent work, this beautifully refurbished air-cooled 911, with its fashionable Targa top, now needs nothing more than a fortunate new owner who can enjoy the car as its present owner intended. Bid vigorously enough and his loss could be your gain.