FAQ: Porsche 911 3.2 Speedster
What is a Porsche 911 3.2 Speedster?
The 911 3.2 Speedster was a modern interpretation of the pared-back, open-bodied theme last used on the 356 and 356 A platforms between 1954 and 1958. Porsche created the 911 3.2 Speedster to capitalise on the booming late 1980s market for low volume specials. It most notably came with a cut-down and more steeply raked windscreen, a flimsy canvas hood for emergency use, a large body coloured polyurethane ‘double bubble’ moulding behind the seats and single-piece side windows with manual winders.
When was the Porsche 911 3.2 Speedster launched?
The production version of the 911 3.2 Speedster was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1988.
How many examples of the Porsche 911 3.2 Speedster were built?
Porsche built 2104 Speedsters between January and September of 1989 although some sources state 2056 units.
What method of construction did the Porsche 911 3.2 Speedster use?
Like all 911s of this era, the 3.2 Speedster was based around a unitary steel bodyshell.
What engine did the Porsche 911 3.2 Speedster use?
The 911 3.2 Speedster used either a Type 930/20 motor with 231bhp at 5900rpm and 210lb-ft at 4800rpm or a cat-equipped Type 930/25 motor with 217bhp at 5900rpm and 195lb-ft at 4800rpm.
Both engines were all-alloy air-cooled Flat 6 units with a single overhead camshafts per bank, two valves per cylinder and dry-sump lubrication. Displacement was 3164cc.
What gearbox did the Porsche 911 3.2 Speedster use?
The 911 3.2 Speedster came exclusively with Getrag’s five-speed manual Type G50 gearbox.
How many different versions of the Porsche 911 3.2 Speedster were built?
Porsche built two different versions of the 911 3.2 Speedster.
1933 cars were completed with the optional Turbo body (with 129 in right-hand drive).
171 cars were completed with the standard narrow body (with ten in right-hand drive).
What is the most sought after specification for a Porsche 911 3.2 Speedster?
When it comes to normally aspirated 911s of this era, cars built with Turbo equipment are generally worth around 25% more than an otherwise identical narrow-bodied example.
However, in the Speedster’s case, because the narrow-bodied version is comparatively scarce, such cars could conceivably command a premium.
What are the most sought after colours for a Porsche 911 3.2 Speedster?
Dark metallic shades along with silvers and blacks are generally the most sought after colours followed by the more commonly seen whites and reds.
Tastefully configured rarely seen colours and Paint to Sample vehicles will often command a premium.
What are the most sought after optional extras for a Porsche 911 3.2 Speedster?
The most sought after factory-fitted option for a 911 3.2 Speedster is a limited-slip differential.
Sports seats are also quite desirable along with the short shift gear lever while any tasteful customisation work carried out by Porsche Exclusive will normally add value.
Is a Porsche 911 3.2 Speedster reliable?
Porsche 911s are legendary for their mechanical robustness if properly looked after.
Are parts expensive for a Porsche 911 3.2 Speedster?
Certain parts can be expensive, but generally the 911 3.2 Speedster is one of the cheapest cars to run in its price bracket.
Does Porsche still supply parts for the 911 3.2 Speedster?
Yes. Porsche still supplies many parts for the 911 3.2 Speedster.
What should you look for when buying a Porsche 911 3.2 Speedster?
Does the car have its original bodyshell, engine and gearbox (i.e. do the stamped numbers on these components match how the car left the Porsche factory)?
Does the current specification match how the car left the factory in terms of colours and equipment?
Does the car come with its original book pack to include the original stamped service / maintenance record?
Does the car come with its original tool kit and jack?
Does the car come with a documented ownership chain back to when it was new?
Does the car have a service record that shows frequent high quality maintenance without regard to expense?
Does the car come with documentation for major works previously carried out such as a respray, rebuild or restoration?
Is the paint finish consistent across all panels or is it mismatched?
Is the interior upholstery consistent throughout or is it mismatched?
Does the bodyshell show any external signs of corrosion (for example around the headlight bowls, around the bottom of the windscreen, the bases of the A-pillars, the bottoms of the front fenders, the tops and bottoms of the doors, the bottoms of the rear fenders, around where the polyuretane moulding mounts to the body and around the bumper assemblies etc.)?
Does the bodyshell show any internal signs of corrosion (for example around the sills, the floorpan, the suspension mounting points, the various other mounting brackets, in the fuel filler cap recess, underneath the front lid, within the engine bay and the inner nooks and crannies of the wheelarches to include the kidney bowls where the leading section of the inner rear arch meets the B-pillar)?
Does the car show any sign of previously repaired crash damage?
Are the panel gaps consistent?
Do the opening panels lie flush with the fixed body panels?
Does the car sit at an appropriate ride height?
Is the engine, the engine bay and ancillary equipment clean of oil and without corrosion?
Does the engine pull cleanly at all revs, leak oil or emit an unusual amount of smoke?
Is the complete exhaust system to original specification and in good condition?
Do all gears engage cleanly even when cold?
Do the brakes pull clean and straight without any undue noise?
Can you apply full steering lock at low speed without any rubbing or grinding?
Does all the electrical equipment work as it should?
Are the wheels the original items (date-stamped), are they shod with the correct profile tyres from a respected brand and is there plenty of tread (consistent across each axle)?
What is the best way to buy a Porsche 911 3.2 Speedster? Auction, dealer or private seller?
These cars do occasionally come on to the market as private sales and this route is probably the least expensive way into 911 3.2 Speedster ownership. Normally though, this calibre of vehicle is sold at high end dealers or auctions with the former allowing the most involved inspection while the latter may be cheaper in the short-term.
Further Reading:
A historical and technical appraisal
The best hand-picked examples
