The Porsche 3.2 Carrera is revered as the ultimate development of the original 911 that first appeared in 1963. These final cars (before being replaced by the more complicated 964) were the most flexible and usable of Butzi Porsche's original design. Launched in 1984, and reviving the Carrera name for the first time since 1977, these were the ultimate 1980s sports cars.

The all-alloy flat-six engine, which had been fuel-injected since 1971, received a final stretch to 3,164cc, producing a torque-rich 231bhp - enough to propel the lithe and slippery coupé to over 150mph, with 0-60mph coming up in 5.6 seconds. Cars built from September 1986 onwards were fitted with the more user-friendly G50 Getrag gearbox, but all 3.2 Carreras feature galvanized bodies, which together with Porsche's legendary build quality, ensure that these classics are long-lasting.

Eminently driveable, most clocked up some high mileages during their lifetime, whilst others succumbed to the British weather. Therefore, a good example with decent 'driver’s mileage' is rarely found, especially a late-production car, as most were saving their deposits for the all new 911 964. According to the accompanying Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this fabulous 3.2 Carrera Cabriolet was supplied by Merlin Cambria Porsche of Cardiff on 1st March 1989 in Guards Red with a black power hood. Well optioned to include front electric seats, rear spoiler, sport shock absorbers, an eight-speaker high-fidelity sound system and rarely for a UK cabriolet, air conditioning.

One largely held opinion is that Porsche were somewhat unimaginative when it came to the styling of the 911, however, the interiors of this era of Porsche were slightly mad. No other manufacturer offered such a combination of colours and materials and in our eyes, there is no such thing as a bad period Porsche interior, they're just fabulously retro. The interior of this car, trimmed in the final months of the 1980s, takes you right back. The linen leather seats have pinstriped inserts, the matching linen door cards and soft cream carpeting is simply a delightful place to be - shades on, roof down, music blaring.

The service book evidences that the bulk of the 57,100 miles, was done in the early years, as the main dealer stamps confirm. Covering less than a thousand miles between 1996 and 2013, with minimal miles driven between MOTs, the car was subsequently serviced in 2013 by Northway Porsche and three times by marque specialists, Hexagon of London, from whom our vendor purchased the car in 2020, becoming the fourth owner. We have had the pleasure of selling a number of Porsches from our vendor’s Collection, and he has regretfully acknowledged that the car should be enjoyed as intended, although the 1,000 or so miles he has covered have been a joy. Presented to auction with handbooks, the aforementioned CoA and service book, the advisory-free MOT is valid until July 2025.

A pretty car offering superb value when compared to the same era’s 930 Turbo and special editions.

Further images to follow.