1988 Porsche 911 3.2 'Commemorative Edition' Cabriolet

The 3.2 Carrera is revered as the ultimate development of the original 911 that first appeared in 1963, being 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 definitive 1980's sports cars. The all-alloy flat-6 engine received a final stretch to 3,164cc, giving torque-rich 231 bhp, enough to propel the lithe and slippery coupé to over 150 mph, with 0-60 mph coming up in 5.6 seconds. All 3.2 Carreras feature galvanised bodies, which together with Porsche's legendary build quality, ensure that these classics are long-lasting.

The car presented here is a special limited-edition, known as a 911 Carrera 3.2 "Commemorative Edition" Cabriolet. In 1988, Porsche built a run of just 875 of these cars to celebrate the production of 250,000 911 models. As far as we can establish, there were only 50 right-hand-drive examples, 30 Coupés, 10 Targas and 10 Cabriolets earmarked for the UK. These sought-after models featured a number of unique features including the Diamond Blue Metallic exterior colour and Silver/Blue leather interior with Ferry Porsche"s signature on the headrests. They also had a comprehensive equipment level as standard including painted wheel centres, sunroof, electric seats, short-shift gear lever, sports suspension, and the luxury carpet option. Being produced in 1988, it means this car has the more user-friendly, G50 5-speed gearbox.

This C16 (UK-supplied) right-hand drive car comes with the distinctive registration of "A911 FRY", the correct option codes (M498) for its type, and a comprehensive history file to help validate its mileage of 87,000. Also present is an original book pack, including a stamped-up service booklet. This really is a splendid example, having been regularly serviced and very well maintained over the years, ensuring it presents and drives like a car which has been used far less. The "Commemorative Edition" is now regarded as the stand-out model of the already much-favoured 3.2 Carrera and, as with all limited production Porsche models, these cars have become very desirable and are rarely available for sale.