Offered from the collection of Bernard Fornas
1988 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2-Litre Coupé

• Desirable model with the G50 gearbox
• Delivered new in France
• Known ownership history
• Three owners from new
• All books and tools
• Circa 51,800 kilometres recorded from new

Porsche revived the evocative Carrera name - previously used for the competition orientated versions of the preceding 356 model - for its luxuriously equipped, top-of-the-range 911 in 1973, applying the title to all 911 variants, co-incidentally with the introduction of the 3.2-litre engine, from the start of the 1984 model year. The revived name was part of a major revamp of the long-running 911, now selling better than ever, development of which had slowed while Porsche concentrated on meeting the ever increasing demand.

Although it remained an air-cooled 'flat six', the '3.2' motor was 80% new and incorporated an effective cam chain tensioner and associated lubrication system that at last addressed a perennial 911 shortcoming. An ECU controlled the fuel and ignition systems for the first time on a 911, enabling the engine to be both more powerful and less thirsty. As a result, this enlarged and extensively revised power plant now produced 231bhp, 27 horsepower up on its predecessor, endowing the Carrera with a level of performance approaching that of the original 911 Turbo of 1974, the bald statistics being a 0-60mph time of 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 152mph (244km/h) with 100mph (160km/h) reachable in a breathtaking 13.6 seconds.

No major changes were made to the bodyshell, though there was a new front spoiler with integral fog lamps, while the number of models on offer remained at three: Coupé, Targa, and Cabriolet. In 1987 the Carrera was upgraded with a new five-speed 'G50' gearbox sourced from Getrag, together with an hydraulically operated clutch. Thirty-plus years on, the Carrera 3.2 is now highly sought after and for very good reason, though finding one is not that easy.

This stunning Carrera 3.2 was ordered new by a Mr Jacques Boudet resident in Louveciennes (78) on 18th June 1988. Copies of the bill of sale and the original temporary registration document are on file. The Porsche then passed to a Mr Guy Rocchi before being bought by Mr Fornas in 2017 from Mr Rocchi's daughter, who had inherited the car from her late father. The odometer reading was 49,720 kilometres at time of purchase and currently stands at a little over 51,800 kilometres. Also on file is a detailed and copiously illustrated Rapport d'Expertise from Michel Gicquel, which was commissioned by way of a pre-purchase inspection by Mr Fornas in 2017. This report lists all servicing and maintenance carried out from the time of delivery in 1988 up to August 2015. It concludes: "Vehicle in a rare condition (in original paint) and with a clear history." The Carrera also comes with its Porsche wallet, tool kit, space-saver spare wheel, stamped service book, various instruction manuals, and other historical paperwork. Finished in dark blue with matching interior, this Carrera presents beautifully and feels almost like a new car. A rare opportunity.