1986 Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera Sport Coupe

PRICE …£68850.00
YEAR 1986
ENGINE 3164cc/6-cyl/OHC/Bosch DME with L-Jetronic fuel injection
POWER 231bhp@5900rpm
TORQUE 209lb ft@4800rpm
MAXIMUM SPEED 152mph
0-60MPH 6.1sec
GEARBOX RWD, five-speed manual
MILEAGE 93,651 miles
MOT New from sale
CHASSIS NUMBER WP0ZZZ91ZGS102351
COLOUR Black (Code A1A1)
INTERIOR Black pinstripe fabric with leather side panels
WIDTH 1775mm
LENGTH 4291mm

BACKGROUND
All Porsches are desirable, of course. But some are more desirable than others. That’s especially true of the 911 Carrera, a designation that signified a car was just that little bit beyond special. The name was first applied in 1954 as Porsche developed more specialised technology, branching away from the original Volkswagen-derived flat-four engine used in the first 356s. A win in the 1953 Carrera Panamericana event in Mexico gave the ideal label - ‘Carrera’ meaning ‘Race’ - and in 1954, the Carrera four-cam racing engine was born. In time, the title came to be applied to the cars themselves, rather than just their motors.

The moniker was passed from the 356 to the 911 when the latter superseded the former in 1964, although it was also used on some purebred racing machines. It made its first 911 appearance on the Carrera RS of 1973, a homologation variant with larger engine, upgraded suspension, better brakes and, most noticeably of all, a prominent ducktail rear spoiler - the birth of what would become a 911 trademark. The Carrera title persisted through the years, getting more strident and potent with every subsequent incarnation. Even the advent of the turbocharged 911s didn’t overshadow the Carrera, which were regarded as somewhat more manageable as they didn’t have the turbo lag and then sudden, often unexpected boost of the blown cars. A Carrera was simply impressively fast and powerful without the need for any turbocharger antics.

The model in the form we have here was introduced during the autumn of 1983, with a 3.2-litre engine. At 3164cc, it was the largest capacity flat-six Porsche engine up to that point. With its electronic fuel injection system, it boasted 231bhp - except in the USA and Japan, where output was reduced to a rather less heady 207bhp - and there were a range of other mechanical upgrades compared to standard 911s. Cosmetically, the cars could be fitted with a polyurethane front spoilers and a flat rear spoiler - the famous whaletail - as options, as was the case with this car. The standard wheels were 15-inch cast alloy ‘telephone design’ items, but 16-inch forged alloy ones, plus that most Porsche of all rims, the Fuchs, could also be had. The interiors were well-equipped, with electric seats being added for the 1985 model year. Which takes us nicely up to 1986, when our car here was produced, incorporating modified suspension with thicker anti-roll bars, a redesigned dashboard, lowered front seats, and, most crucially of all for vain occupants, sliding make-up mirrors in the sun visors. But who wouldn’t look good anyway in a Porsche 911? Especially one like this…

OUR CAR
This Porsche 911 was completed at Zuffenhausen in Stuttgart on 21 February 1986, before making its way over the English Channel and being registered in the UK on 12 March. It was one of 35,571 3.2 Carrera Coupés produced in total, alongside 18,468 Targas and 19,987 Cabriolets. It came in all-over black, giving it a rather menacing and certainly purposeful persona. As you can see from the pictures, it was also treated to the desirable options of a black polyurethane front spoiler lip, and huge rear spoiler with black polyurethane surround. The 16-inch Fuchs alloy wheel option box was also ticked on the order form.

The huge history folder traces much of the car’s life over the years, and also reveals that A911 XUX, as it was previously registered, has had a great deal of money spent on it, receiving proper, conscientious attention as and when needed. In fact, totting up the invoices totals over £50,000 of professional work and parts over the course of the car’s life. The most recent bill dates from August of last year, when the car was serviced, some suspension work was carried out, the clutch cable was adjusted to sort out a high (and squeaky) pedal and the engine bay was steam-cleaned. The bill for all this little lot came to £1279.79. The file also contains a Porsche certificate of authenticity, the original driver’s manual, a booklet on Fuchs wheels, instructions for the Alpine CD/radio, and a CD-ROM of images.

BODYWORK
The condition of this car is quite remarkable for a 35-year old vehicle. While the history doesn’t include any details of a full restoration, we’d imagine this Porsche must have had some paintwork over the years to look this great. It is in exemplary condition. The paintwork is almost completely unmarked, without the usual collection of stonechips that generally decorate the sloping noses of 911s. Even the oft-overlooked front valance is in excellent order, with the polyurethane lip surround completely intact. The bumpers are also unmarked. Given that they’re the prominent energy absorbing type, which are usually quite easily knocked, the absence of even minor scuffing after 93,000 miles is amazing. The panel gaps are even and tight all around. Open the fuel filler cap, and you’ll even find its protective vinyl covering still in place.

The only brightwork on this otherwise completely black machine is the wheel surrounds bordering the Fuchs five-spoke alloy centres. These are free from kerbing or any other issues. The glossy black Fuchs centres not only match the rest of the paintwork in hue, but they’re also spotless. Tyres are Michelin Pilot Exalto 205/55 ZR16 91Y items at the front, with the rear ones being the same brand and type, albeit 225/50 ZR16 92Ys. These sizes were an optional fitment for 911 3.2 Carreras in 1986. With the tyres date-stamped 2017, they’re in excellent nick, with plenty of tread left, and no damage to the sidewalls.

INTERIOR
The black theme is slightly broken up by the interior - granted, the dark shade is the predominant theme, but there are white pinstripes on the seats, which are black leatherette with fabric faces. As with the exterior, the interior is superbly preserved. There is next to no wear to the cloth, and the only fault of any note is that the driver’s side seat bolster nearest the door has a small patch of repair tape. It’s not especially noticeable unless you’re looking for it; we suspect the seatbelt buckle may have got trapped by the door at some point, and dug into the leatherette.

The carpets are clean and tidy, and lifting them reveals a blue Superlite Dynamat protecting the metal beneath. Aside from a few age marks here and there, the sculptured plastic dashboard is excellent, with all the gauges working and recording healthy readings. That includes the clock - as these cars age, they can stop functioning, but here, the right time is on the right-hand side of the dash whenever you need it. This car has climate control fitted, along with a sunroof - so it’s all sorted for summer and winter. Both are working as they should, as are the electric windows and seats.

While the Porsche certificate of authenticity lists a Blaupunkt Toronto radio cassette player as the in-car entertainment that this car left the factory with, a more modern Alpine CD/radio unit is now fitted. It works as it should, with an impressive sound. An immobiliser system is fitted, which needs to be deactivated by inserting a small plug into the electronic sensor unit; it works first time every go. Up front, the boot area is carpeted and has been kept spick-and-span. There’s a common misconception that rear-engined sports cars such as the 911 don’t offer a lot of luggage room, but with typical German practicality, this Porsche offers quite a lot of usable space, with more behind the front seats of course.

ENGINE AND RUNNING GEAR
Having been steam-cleaned a few months ago, at 93,367 miles, the engine bay is still immaculate after less than 300 miles later. And it really is immaculate too; there’s hardly any oil, grease or grime to be found. Even the results of the recent service can be seen; aside from all the fluids being clean and at the right levels, the red oil filter is spotless, as is the orange air filter surround and the alternator belt. All the wiring and pipework is sound. For those who prize originality, the warning and information stickers on the slam panel are all in place, and look like they could have been applied yesterday.

These 3.2-litre Porsche engines are legendary for their reliability and longevity, and with the 100,000 mark barrier yet to be broken, this one feels strong and eager. It starts first time - after you’ve deactivated the immobiliser of course - and idles even from cold with a steady beat. But a car like this is not made to stand around just posing, and with 231bhp on tap, in a fairly lightweight package, it feels effortless and well-planted under any circumstances, whether doing high speed work or simply pottering around. Select any of the five forward gears via the sportingly notchy stick and the 911 is happy just to take off with great gusto from any pace. It feels expertly sorted – there’s no hesitation or roughness from the engine under acceleration – and this impression is matched by the slick, pinpoint steering that gives great feedback from the road surface below, in addition to the precise handling. All this is complemented by absolutely superb, very positive brakes – designed to stop this Porsche from very high velocities, they have no problems with the usual British pace of motoring.

SUMMARY
If you’re looking for an example of this generation of Porsche 911, then we believe this 1986 Carrera has to be one of the best available. Both cosmetically and mechanically, it’s in wonderful order, with a packed history file testifying to all the care it has received throughout its life - remember, with £50,000 spent on servicing, maintenance and parts, it’s had all the attention it has needed, whenever it has needed it. There is simply nothing that needs doing - except for the new owner to get out and enjoy one of Stuttgart’s finest sporting machines from the air-cooled era. And this is the sort of car where enjoyment comes very, very easily…

While Greenside Cars Ltd has tried to ensure information and assessments are accurate and complete, we are aware that some errors and omissions may occur from time to time. We are not able, therefore, to guarantee the accuracy of information and cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from it. We highly recommend that you examine any vehicle to check the reliability of the information supplied. Please contact us for further details, images, or to arrange a viewing of this Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera Sports Coupe.

PRICE

£68850.00

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YEAR

1986

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ENGINE

3164cc

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MILEAGE

93,651

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