1988 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 3.2 SPORT TARGA

This Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Sport Targa is a stunning example of one of the definitive 1980s sports cars, benefiting from a recent rejuvenation of the bodywork and interior following a period of 10 years in storage. Under the engine cover is the 228bhp 3.2-litre air-cooled flat-six engine, driven through the rear wheels via the five-speed Getrag G50 manual transmission. The odometer shows 107,677 miles, which is well-documented by an outstanding history file.

Specified in vibrant Guards Red and with an interior in Linen leather, this 911 is understood to have been fitted with the optional Bilstein ‘Sport’ shock absorbers, as well as the black lip spoiler at the front and the ‘whale tail’ spoiler at the rear. First registered on 1 August 1988, there are seven previous keepers on the V5C, two of which were the same family.

Having been extracted from long-term storage in September 2019, the car was subsequently treated to a leisurely 15-month programme of refurbishment for the body and paintwork. Metal repairs were made to the kidney bowls, lower rear wheel arches, and rear outer sills. The car was then prepared and repainted along the flanks, front and rear wings, and both front and rear bumpers. New black rubbers were also fitted to give the car a fresh appearance. After the paintwork was completed in a low bake oven environment, the body was given a full machine polish, plus comprehensive detailing and colour waxing.

There are many photos in the gallery below of the ‘before’ and ‘during’ stages, as well as the excellent end result. The vendor says that there is no rust or rot in the floor pans, and that the original inner structures are all un-welded and un-modified. The bulkheads, sills, and wings are all in good order. While there are a few small chips present visible under very close inspection, this is evidently a very well presented 911 Carrera 3.2. It rides on genuine 16-inch Fuchs alloy wheels, which have some small blemishes around the rims, and poorly painted centre petals - so they would benefit from refurbishment to match the quality of the body.

Inside, the original Linen upholstery has been replaced with fresh trim from a tannery in Scotland, with the front seat centres correctly perforated to factory specifications with 12mm spacing and 1.1mm holes in a diamond pattern. The seats have the original style Linen vinyl backings and leather facings. All of the carpets - including the lower side panels and the lower door cards - were also renewed with Linen colour sliver-knit material, edged and backed as per the original items - and those removed from the car are also included in the sale.

The black targa roof panel has been refurbished, with the exterior vinyl in superb order, and the headlining equally impressive. Its folding mechanism also works as it should, making it easier to store when the roof is off. Ahead of the driver is a later three-spoke Porsche steering wheel (with the original factory-supplied steering wheel also part of the sale), and there is also an aftermarket gear knob. The leather gaiter has been refinished to the correct specifications, and covers the factory G50 short shifter that was specified when new on this 911. The vendor reports that the driver’s side mirror mechanism needs attention, the engine bay courtesy light is inoperative, and the rear engine lid struts are weak. However, there are no other known electrical or switchgear foibles.

The last maintenance was carried out in January 2020 at 107,622 miles, when the engine oil and filter were changed, and the brakes were also serviced. There is a great history of regular services as summarised below, and which gives a clear picture as to the mileage accrual over time. While the car was in temperature-controlled storage for 10 years, it was started monthly to keep the motor lubricated and in good running order.

The most recent MOT test was on 31 December 2020 at 107,671 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories or defects. The wheels are fitted with matching Avon tyres, which have sufficient tread; however, they are at least 12 years old with some slight cracking in the sidewalls, so would benefit from renewal.

Accompanying this 911 is a great history file, including a raft of old invoices and receipts, as well as previous MOT certificates tax discs and registration documents. There is also an extract from the Porsche national computer, and Porsche Club GB specification sheet, as well as AA and Experian vehicle check reports. A Porsche parts microfiche film is also present, as well as the complete original book pack, including the stamped maintenance record for the car’s early services, brake fluid changes, and periodical body inspection checks, up to 69,000 miles.

The car comes with an original space-saver spare wheel, Porsche air compressor, tool kit, jack and wheel brace. Also included in the sale is the second steering wheel, later air compressor and later wheel jack. A variety of consumables and spare parts are also included, including a distributor cap, DME relay, and various hoses and seals. There is also a set of 911 monogrammed black velour floor mats, and an XL-size elasticated car cover.

This Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Sport Targa is a very well-presented modern classic, which has been given a full cosmetic rejuvenation following its 10-year slumber, and is now ready for an enthusiast to enjoy as intended. A period-perfect 1980s sports car in its iconic Guards Red and Linen combination, this could be the ideal entry point to classic 911 ownership or a superb addition to an existing Porsche collection.

Summary of service history:

• ROGER CLARKE CARS - 01-08-1988 - SUPPLIED NEW.
• ROGER CLARKE CARS - 25-04-1989 - 8017 MILES SERVICE
• ROGER CLARKE CARS - 10-09-1990 - 18680 MILES SERVICE
• ROGER CLARKE CARS - 12-06-1991 - 27278 MILES SERVICE
• ROGER CLARKE CARS - 20-11-1991 - 27377 MILES SERVICE
• MERLIN PORSCHE NOTTS - 12-03-1993 - 33970 MILES SERVICE
• MERLIN PORSCHE NOTTS - 05-05-1994 - 39382 MILES SERVICE
• EVANS HALSHAW PORSCHE - 19-04-1995 - 44153 MILES SERVICE
• MERLIN PORSCHE NOTTS - 07-05-1996 - 48420 MILES SERVICE
• MERLIN PORSCHE NOTTS - 18-09-1997 - 55143 MILES SERVICE
• PCT PORSCHE B/HAM. - 22-07-1998 - 61835 MILES SERVICE
• PCT PORSCHE B/HAM. - 30-03-1999.  -   67999 MILES SERVICE
• MERLIN PORSCHE NOTTS - 30-11-1999. - 69214 MILES SERVICE
• QUARRY SERVICE GARAGE - 20-10-2000 - 77720 MILES MOT+SERVICE
• BROOKLANDS MOTOR CO - 20-12-2001. - 90233 MILES MOT+SERVICE
• BROOKLANDS MOTOR CO - 26-05-2002 - 92564 MILES MOT+SERVICE
• CD BRAMHALL YORKS. - 19-05-2003 - 93934 MILES MOT+SERVICE
• MVS HUDDERSFIELD - 13-05--2004 - 95396 MILES MOT +OIL SERVICE
• J COOPER OWNER - 07-12-2004. - 97271 MILES SERVICE
• ASPULL HEHICLES - 22-04-2005. - 98381 MILES MOT+ SERVICE
• GARSTANG MOTORS - 06-05-2006. - 102672 MILES MOT
• GARSTANG MOTORS - 26-05-2007. - 105521 MILES MOT+SERVICE
• GARSTANG MOTORS - 24-05-2008. - 106645 MILES MOT+SERVICE
• GARSTANG MOTORS - 02-06-2009. - 107398 MILES MOT+SERVICE
• ENTERED DRY STORAGE IN OCTOBER 2009 AT 107586 MILES UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2019
• CWS VEHICLE M AND R - 10-01-2020. - 107622 MILES OIL SERVICE
• WYNNES GARAGE - 30-12-2020. - 107671 MILES MOT

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