1988 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Cabriolet

3,164cc SOHC Flat 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch LE-Jetronic Fuel Injection
217bhp at 5,900rpm
5-Speed Manual G50 Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Desirable late-production G50-equipped G-Body
*Fabulous monochrome look
*Fewer than 40,000 miles

THE PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 3.2

Starting with the original in 1963, Porsche's 911 line of six-cylinder, rear-engine sports cars have really out-punched their weight class, competing directly with more powerful exotics thanks to their low mass, clever engineering, and superior handling.

First seen in 1984, the Carrera 3.2 was the final iteration of the classic, torsion-bar suspended 911, replaced in the waning days of the 1980s by the radically changed 964. Capable of sub-six-second 0-60 mph times and greater than 150 flat-out, the Carrera 3.2 makes great use of its sonorous and responsive 217 hp boxer six, particularly in combo with the sought-after G50 5-speed gearbox fitted from 1987-on.

True to Porsche's hard-earned reputation for greatness, the Carrera 3.2 delivers raw performance and driving pleasure without sacrificing comfort or usability. Overbuilt, superbly well engineered, and supported by an extensive, global network of dedicated and welcoming Porsche enthusiasts, a Carrera 3.2 represents the ideal point of entry for classic air-cooled 911 ownership.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

From the penultimate model year of the original, albeit much evolved 911, this 1988 Carrera 3.2 benefits from the famously overbuilt G50 transaxle as well as a wonderfully nostalgic, prototypically 1980s black-on-light gray leather color scheme. The car presents as a looked after driver, displaying limited wear commensurate with it's less 40,000 recorded miles, while its cabrio top affords a front-row seat to the air-cooled six's mechanical symphony.

Monochrome 911's are absolute glamour icons of the 1980s exotic car scene, and this beautiful example's black over black center 15" Fuchs wheels perfectly exemplifies the look even the badges are all black. It's sometimes easy to forget how purposefully compact air-cooled 911's are, but at just a hair over 14' from bumper-to-bumper, this Carrera 3.2 cabrio is nearly a half foot shorter than the 996 of a decade later.

Inside, light gray leather complements the deep, dark exterior perfectly, and really hammers home the period grayscale look. Excluding an upgraded stereo head unit and speakers, the cabin retains a factory look down to details such as the distinct diagonal door panel stitching, four-spoke steering wheel, and small-but-useful rear seats.

Hanging out in back is an air-cooled, SOHC-per-bank, 12-valve, fuel-injected boxer six displacing 3.2 liters. Factory rated at 217 hp, these were lightning-quick cars when new, and roughly 5.5-second 0-60 mph times still impress decades later.

Fitted from 1987, the G50 5-speed transaxle was stronger, smoother, and slicker than its type 915 predecessor, and cars equipped with the improved gearbox have long traded hands for a relative premium. This one's fantastic colors, low mileage, and cabrio top only add to its desirability.