1986 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Coupe

This is a very clean well-optioned and well-maintained 2-owner Carrera Coupe that has been in California from new. It is a great color combination (Prussian blue over blue leather) and has sport seats, full leather interior, headlight washers, and vintage 7” and 8” BBS modular alloy wheels.

This car is in Modesto, CA

The Model

The Carrera 3.2 occupies a unique place among 911’s thanks to its unique blend of classic 911 traits and more modern technology. As such, they are in many senses the ultimate usable classic 911 and have accordingly enjoyed renewed interest from enthusiasts (and increased values as well). Included among these traits are the instantly recognizable 911 styling cues, air-cooled engine, Fuchs alloy wheels, and torsion bar suspension. However, with the addition of electronic fuel injection, a galvanized body shell for improved rust resistance, and various electrical accessories, the cars run cleaner, perform better, last longer, and are easier to use in the modern world than older examples. Nevertheless, the electronic components are quite simple, making these the last of the cars that can be consistently maintained by the DIYer not owning computer diagnostic tools. While Carrera 3.2’s were built in great numbers, they are old enough and usable enough that nice examples have become increasingly difficult to find. This variety of factors has led to noticeable appreciation of values in recent years, and the fundamental appeal and decreasing numbers of specimen means that this trend is very likely to continue in the future.

History

This particular example was sold new in San Francisco, California on the 18th of October, 1985, and has always been in California. Its first owner kept the car until 2003, when its current owner purchased it. Prior to the vanity plate now on the car, this car previously wore its original blue license plates. The current owner has used the car extremely sparingly, keeping it garaged and covered without fail. The car was maintained to high standards by its original owner, and comes with receipts back to 2001, when the car had 162,000 miles. Since then, much work has been performed at great expense, including gearbox rebuild at 163,765 miles at a cost of $4242.48. The work included 4-5 slider, 5th gear, all synchros, new clutch, clutch fork and return spring, rear engine seal, transmission seal, and resurfaced flywheel. The car received a suspension rebuild at 167,474 miles at a cost of $4111.20, to include new Koni shock absorbers front and rear, new torsion bars, new sway bar bushings, new control arm bushings (front and rear), and a four wheel alignment and other work associated with setting the suspension up. Four new Yokohama tires were fitted 168,325 miles at a cost of $802.98, and the brake fluid changed and oil changed several times since then as well, most recently a few hundred miles ago. The car has been driven less than 1000 miles since 2003.

Condition

The car is in very fine cosmetic condition, and makes an excellent impression overall. The car was repainted in its original color some years ago to very good standards and shows a few minor signs of aging and use, but nothing that detracts too significantly from the car’s presentation. There is light chipping to the frontal areas of the car from normal use, and a handful of small blemishes. The bottom edge of the rear valence is a little bit scraped and there is a small amount of corrosion near the right sunroof drain hole. The trim is in excellent shape overall, and the wheels are in nice shape, with light aging only. The tires are in excellent shape and have about 5,000 miles on them. The headlamps are in good shape, though the right fog lamp has a crack in it. Close inspection reveals superficial cracks in the turn signal lenses as well. The glass is in great shape overall. The car was originally fitted with a rear wiper, which has been removed, though there is a hole in the grille still.

The interior is also extremely nice, with light wear in selected areas only. The car is fitted with Porsche rubber-backed over mats, which show some wear, but the carpets beneath are excellent. The seats are in excellent shape throughout, with light wear only to the driver’s bolster. The remaining leather, which covers the door panels, pulls, and map pocket lids, is excellent as well, and the dashboard is free of cracking, though it displays mild warping. The instruments and switches are in excellent shape, and the instruments are free of the fading that afflicts cars that are ordinarily parked outdoors, indicating that this car has been garaged for the majority of its life. The headliner is original and has a 2″ hole near the left coat hook, as well as a few small tears near the sunroof aperture.

The interior is in excellent shape. The upholstery, carpets, dashboard, switches, and instruments are all in great shape. The leather on the seats shows extremely minimal wear, and a few small cracks in the piping on the driver’s seat. The leather dashboard is free of cracking and warping, and displays only a few minor signs of wear and very slight shrinkage. The instruments and switches are in excellent shape, and the instruments are free of the fading that afflicts cars that are ordinarily parked outdoors, indicating that this car has been garaged for the majority of its life. The stitching on the steering wheel has come out in a few places, though the wheel remains serviceable. A Momo shift knob has been fitted. The headliner is in very good shape, save for a small hole near the left coat hook. The carpets are in great shape and there are rubber backed embroidered Lloyds over mats.

The trunk is original and is tidy. The car is fitted with optional velour type carpet, which is in great shape. The original spare, jack, tools, and compressor are still present. There are no signs of corrosion, as to be expected of a California car. The engine compartment is stock, with no signs of modification or tampering, and is in nice unrestored shape. The original decals still present, right down to the emission control information one on the inside of the engine lid. The various original parts such as the fuse block cover are still in place, and the inner body panels are in great shape. The cadmium plating on the hardware is still present and looks great. There is the normal soiling associated with regular use, but an afternoon spent detailing would go a long way.

The underside of the engine is quite dry, and the car does not leak oil. The underside of the chassis is completely solid, the stampings crisp, and retains its original undercoating reflecting the car’s California history.

The car drives exactly as it should. The chassis is solid and composed, the steering tight, and the brakes effective. The engine makes good power and does not use oil or smoke. Therefore, it is likely that at least the cylinder heads have been rebuilt at some point, although the records to not go far enough back to substantiate this. Having been recently rebuild, the gearbox works very well, rewarding the properly executed shift with great satisfaction. The overall experience is a reminder of why these cars are so legendary: solid, balanced, and above all, communicative. Also of note is that the air conditioner works, although not great, which is to be expected since the systems in these cars were never that good to begin with.

This is a great opportunity to acquire a well-maintained California Carrera 3.2 Coupe in great colors, and with great options. This example is in ideal shape to use and enjoy without fear of spoiling it, while the minor items that require addressing are inexpensive and easy to address, but will prove to be very satisfying to complete for the new owner. The car is very complete, with records to 2001, manual pack with stamped service book and owner’s manual, tool roll with tools, jack, spare, original compressor, and touchup paint.

Vehicle Photos