1987 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 'Wide Body' Convertible

Description

The final iteration for the original shape of Porsche’s iconic sports car, the 3.2 Carrera is now enjoying the recognition it has long deserved, becoming increasingly collectible in recent years. Although the 3.2 was launched in 1984, the 911’s story can be traced back over two decades earlier when the original 901 was unveiled as a replacement for the 356, the name subsequently changed at Peugeot’s insistence. Featuring the same air-cooled, horizontally opposed engine and rear-engined formula as its predecessor, the new 911 employed cutting edge technology such as monocoque construction, fully independent suspension and disc brakes all round, not to mention a five-speed gearbox. Porsche added two cylinders to its “boxer” motor to ensure the new 911 had the power to match its distinctive looks, with excellent acceleration thanks to the weight of the engine over the rear wheels. The idiosyncratic styling has become easily one the most widely recognised sports car shapes ever penned, with only minor cosmetic changes made over the years - most notably the switch to rubber bumpers in 1974. The 911 may have remained outwardly similar for the first twenty-five years but constant development under the skin ensured the Porsche kept pace with its rivals. When the SC gave way to the Carrera 3.2 the latest 911 benefited from a larger, more powerful engine (power was up by 30 horsepower to 231) using the latest Bosch’s latest LE-Jetronic fuel injection and Motoronic 2 DME engine management system. Other changes included a power brake booster and bigger discs, while externally the Carrera sported a new front air dam with integrated fog light lamps and continued to be offered in both Targa and Cabriolet variants. Maximum speed was now just shy of 250 km/h and 0-100 times dropped below 6 seconds, putting the latest 911 firmly in supercar territory. Changes for the 1987 model year included a new five-speed gearbox and hydraulic clutch, electric seats and a power roof as standard on all cabriolets, with just 1,464 of this particular 911 variant built for the ROW markets that year (excluding Japanese/US production). Every 911 is a timeless classic but the Carrera 3.2 arguably offers the best all round package of usable performance, practicality and reliability, combined with the purity of Butzi Porsche’s original shape. A genuine bargain amongst 911s for many years, prices of good 3.2s have been on the move for some time now but they still represent excellent value for money when compared with the earlier small-bumper cars.