1989 Porsche 911 3.2 Super Sports Cabriolet

The 3.2 Carrera is revered as the ultimate development of the original 911 that first appeared in 1963, before being replaced by the 964 series in 1990. These final cars were the most flexible and usable of Butzi Porsche's original design. The all-alloy flat-6 engine, which had been fuel injected since 1971 received a final stretch to 3,164 cc, giving a torquey 231hp, enough to propel the lithe and slippery icon to over 150mph, with 0-60mph coming up in 5.6 seconds. Cars built from September 1986 onward received the more user-friendly G50 gearbox, but all 3.2 Carreras feature galvanized bodies which together with Porsche's legendary build quality ensures that these classics are long-lasting.

The car we present to you here has the distinction of being a Super Sports, a factory option that in 1989 weighed in at around £10,000 more than a standard 3.2 911. The Super Sports offered all the external styling cues of a 911 Turbo without the demanding handling traits of its overpowered sibling. Porsche AG's records of official Super Sports production is sketchy, but according to a well-researched article in the Porsche Post 2010 (August) only eighteen right-hand drive Super Sports cabriolets were made between 1987 and 1989.This 1989 Super Sports cabriolet offers the new owner the opportunity, not only to own a car that is so rare it makes a Ferrari blush, but has the perfect "drivers mileage' of 48,641 miles. The history file contains the original handbooks and a letter of origin from Porsche Cars Great Britain confirming the option codes, including M491 (the all important Super Sports) and G5000 transmission, denoting the highly desirable G50 gearbox. The fully stamped service book is up to date with the last service at 42,449. Under the current vendor's ownership, the car has benefited from regular oil changes and mini-services with receipts on file.

Presented today in largely original condition, with later additions including an alarm,(currently disconnected) and a CD player. The black paintwork gleams, and there are one or two stone chips at the front, inevitable in a car that's 26 years old and easily remedied. The black velour carpeting is in great condition and the Silk Grey leather seats show subtle but contemporary patina. The Fuchs wheels are in great order, and the "Whale Tail" shows good colour without the fading normally seen. The unmarked electric hood works perfectly and a tonneau cover, which was being cleaned at the time of photography, comes with the car. As an added bonus, the vendor has generously included the private registration 911 JXE in the sale.

At the time of consignment the vendor stated that the car languished in his garage, regularly started, run up to temperature and driven short distances, but was rarely enjoyed as designed, vying for attention between its stablemates and the vendor's business commitments. A great opportunity to own a fabulous, head-turning, eighties design icon in a rare colour scheme and one of only a handful of its type in the UK.