One to Buy: 1 family owned 14,000 mile 1988 Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera Coupe
Thanks to a relentless programme of updates, the G body impact-bumper era 911 was an incredibly well sorted machine by the time production came to an end in 1989.
The final 3.2-litre Carrera produced for the 1984 through 1989 model years had brought in the biggest normally aspirated Flat 6 for the 911 thus far. More and more equipment was then added (electric seats, better audio systems and an alarm, for example), but perhaps the most significant feature added during the course of production was a Getrag G50 gearbox to replace Porsche’s old 915 unit for the 1987 model year.
Porsche offered the 3.2-litre 911 Carrera in Coupe, Targa and Convertible body styles. Beyond that, practically any level of personalisation was possible via the Exclusive department.
Currently on the market at the Canepa showroom in Scotts Valley, California, is a one family owned 911 Carrera Coupe from 1988.
Configured in the handsome but rarely seen combination of Silver Metallic paint with Silver Grey leather upholstery and black carpet, the car was ordered and fastidiously maintained by a Dentist in Los Altos.
Chassis ‘121794’ came optioned with Fuchs alloy wheels, a Blaupunkt Reno stereo, eight-way adjustable electric seats, an electric sunroof and cruise control. It was delivered via Anderson-Behel Porsche / Audi of Santa Clara and has been retained by the same family ever since, accumulating a little under 15,000 miles.
Since acquisition by Canepa, chassis ‘121794’ has been uprated with a factory front spoiler, the factory 7-inch wide Fuchs wheels on the rear were moved to the front, new 9 x 16-inch Fuchs wheels were added to the rear and the 911 was lowered and aligned to factory European specification.
Reprinted below is Canepa’s description:
VIN: WP0AB0918JS121794
14,783 original miles
One family owned since new
California car in time capsule-level condition
Silver Metallic paint over Silver Grey partial leather interior
Extensive service records since new
Includes original window sticker, books, tools, spare wheel/tire
3.2-liter naturally aspirated flat six engine
G50 5-speed manual transmission
Porsche Factory front spoiler
Porsche Factory Fuchs 7x16 front and 9x16 rear wheels
Lowered and aligned to Porsche factory Euro specifications
The birth of the "G Series" 911, which was produced from 1974 until 1989, was the next evolution of the 911 and proved to be an incredible foundation. With the G series reintroducing worldwide classics like the Carrera, which shared the legendary Carrera RS engine, or the 930, the first turbocharged 911 streetcar, there was a bit of everything for everyone. Highly capable as a performance car and equally comfortable on long drives, the G series 911 has proved again that evolution is sometimes a good thing.
1984 marked the rebirth of the 3.2 Carrera name, having last been used by Porsche in 1977. Numerous upgrades were applied to the beloved 911 platform that made it even better to drive than before. A larger 3.2-liter engine, larger brakes, and upgraded fuel and injection system components to name a few. Later models (like this 1988 car) received the upgraded and coveted G50 5-speed transmission, and increased engine power to 217hp.
This 911 Carrera found itself living in the golden sunlight of California for its entire life, first being delivered to Anderson-Behel Porsche/Audi of Santa Clara, California. Optioned with Silver Metallic paint, Silver Grey Partial Leather, Radio “Reno”, 16” forged Fuchs alloy wheels, full 8-way power seat on left and right, cruise control, and an electric sunroof. The original MSRP indicated on the original window sticker is $52,958.00.
The Carrera was purchased by a notable dentist in Los Altos, California, who between him and his family would keep the car for a total of almost 36 years. A fastidious owner, shortly after purchasing the Porsche he put sheep skin seat covers over the Silver Grey leather seats, a large reason why the seats today are in like new condition! Through a large record of receipts of numerous products, you can see how he wanted to treat the car, keeping the Porsche protected by car covers, floor mats, and keeping it in perfect operating condition. The 911 remained stored inside a garage for its entire life.
In the first 10 years of his stewardship, the owner drove the Porsche approximately 12,000 miles after which he would occasionally drive the car over the next 2 decades. Records show that he was very methodical about ensuring the car was registered, smog checked, and in good working order so that he could drive the car when he would like to.
However, as the owner aged, he began to drive the Porsche less and less. This is indicated in the last 26 years of ownership, where the 911 was only driven approximately 2,800 miles. After the owner’s recent passing, the Porsche remained in the family for some time and, after several years, they decided that it was time for a new caretaker to enjoy their father’s prized sports car and stretch its legs.
Canepa acquired the car and after arrival did a thorough inspection inside and out. After some deliberation, Bruce Canepa decided to give the Carrera a tasteful visual update. A Porsche factory front spoiler was installed, the factory 7” Fuchs wheels on the rear were moved to the front and 9x16” Factory Fuchs were added to the rear giving a more aggressive stance. Lastly, the 911 was lowered and aligned to factory European specification, completing the car’s visual update.
The Carrera name carries significant weight with Porsche, used in the early 50s for 4-cam engines and later 911s chosen to carry the moniker. Now in 2024, that name is ever present in Porsche’s DNA and cars like this 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera have carried the name gracefully through time. Now ready for its new caretaker to enjoy to the fullest in whichever manner they feel, this 911 Carrera is guaranteed not to disappoint.
