1988 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 3.2 SPORT CABRIOLET

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1988 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 3.2 SPORT CABRIOLET

This Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Cabriolet with Sport Equipment is a superb 1980s classic presented in impressive condition and with comprehensive service history. It is powered by the 228bhp 3.2-litre air-cooled flat-six engine, driven through the rear wheels via the desirable five-speed Getrag G50 manual transmission. The car has been enjoyed as intended, and the odometer now shows 167,156 miles from new.

An original right-hand drive C16-code numbers-matching UK car, the option sticker in the warranty booklet shows that this 911 was specified with the factory-fitted ‘Sport’ package, comprising upgraded Bilstein shock absorbers, sport seats, a black lip spoiler at the front and the ‘whale tail’ spoiler at the rear.

First registered in March 1988 and supplied by Dick Lovett Porsche, the clear HPI report with the car confirms that there are seven previous registered keepers on the log book. It has been with the current owner for the last 16 years, and he has cherished the car, covering some 50,000 miles in that time. The car has been used extensively for touring in France and Spain, and has proved to be a very reliable modern classic.

The bodywork presents in excellent condition, and the Guards Red paint was refreshed in places in 2018 so remains in very good order. A review of the photos below shows some very minor stone chips to the lower bumper and wing mirrors, but in general this car’s appearance is very impressive. All of the black plastic and rubber body trims are in good condition, including the front and rear spoilers. It rides on original 16-inch Fuchs wheels, which are in excellent condition, with polished rims and body-coloured centre sections.

There is a small hairline crack in the nearside rear light casing, and a stone chip in one of the headlights, but the other lenses - including the reflector strip - are in great shape. The seller notes that the engine bay strut does not hold up the lid, and the compartment light is faulty. The car’s black fabric hood presents superbly, having been renewed in 2008 by Southbound trimmers in Hampshire together with all door seals – and the frames and electrics have also been replaced or refurbished to ensure the mechanism works as it should.

In the cabin, the electrically adjustable Sport seats are in very good order, having evidently been re-trimmed in the past given their unworn appearance. There is no damage or discolouration to the black leather, the red piping is in great condition throughout. Ahead of the driver is a three-spoke Porsche RS steering wheel, but the original wheel remains with the car. A contemporary Alpine stereo head unit is also fitted, as well as remote central locking and an immobiliser. New carpeting was installed by Southbound trimmers in 2018.

While there is no record of an engine rebuild in the history file, the seller reports that it is currently running very well indeed. Over the last 16 years, he has had the car looked after solely by Porsche specialist Purely 9 in Yateley, Hampshire. The last scheduled maintenance was carried out in June 2019 at 166,673 miles. This consisted of a standard engine oil and filter service, along with inspection of the wheel bearings in particular.

In September 2018, the starter motor was replaced, and it was also seen and serviced by Purely 9 in August 2017 at 165,781 miles and in March 2016 at 163,320 miles. The spark plugs were last renewed in May 2013 at 158,396 miles. Its headlights have been upgraded to more powerful HID units, which improves visibility when driving at night. The seller notes that the engine oil level gauge does not always work - so dipstick checking is recommended - though the other instruments are fine.

The most recent MOT test was on 19 June 2019 at 166,668 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. Its alloy wheels are fitted with Porsche recommended N-rated Continental SportContact tyres in size 205/55 R16 at the front and 225/50 ZR16 at the rear, which are in good condition with plenty of tread. The front tyres would benefit from replacement on the basis of age, but do not appear to be cracked or perished.

Accompanying the car is the original dark red book wallet, containing the driver’s manual, service directory, and two stamped maintenance records - the original booklet, plus an extra one to continue the history. There are 31 stamps in total, plus a raft of invoices and receipts to support them. Under the boot carpet is a spare-saver spare wheel and tools. The air deflector is also present, as well as the tonneau cover to protect the hood when folded down.

This Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Cabriolet with Sport Equipment is a superb example of one of the era-defining sports cars. Presented in Guards Red with the optional spoilers, it is bursting with 1980s character. The owner has kept the car maintained using the same marque specialist over the last 16 years, and has enjoyed tens of thousands of miles touring around the UK and continental Europe. It is now offered to another enthusiast, who will undoubtedly get just as much delight from being behind the wheel.

Summary of service history: