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Category: Porsche (Page 23 of 24)

AT THE SHOWS: Porsche Cayman World Premiere and Porsche 911 Carrera 4 North American Premiere at LA

Los Angeles. Porsche is celebrating the world premiere of the new Cayman at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. The third generation of the Cayman, which is making its appearance before an international audience at the LA Convention Center, has been re-engineered from the ground up — it is lower and longer, lighter and faster, more efficient and more powerful than ever. The two-seat sport coupé will be launched on the market in two versions: Cayman and Cayman S. A longer wheelbase, wider track and larger wheels enhance the driving performance of the mid-engine sports car to a level without equal in its competitive class.

Delivering more power with even better fuel economy than before, any of two highly efficient flat-six cylinder engines is mounted just in front of the rear axle, surrounded by its lightweight aluminium and steel body. The Cayman is powered by a 2.7-liter engine with 275 hp; with the Sport Chrono package it accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The 3.4-liter engine in the Cayman S produces 325 hp; with PDK and the Sport Chrono package it sprints from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds.

The new Cayman will arrive dealerships in Spring 2013 starting at $52,600 for the Cayman and $63,800 for the Cayman S, not including a destination charge of $950.

In addition to the world premiere of the new Cayman, the 911 Carrera 4 and the Panamera Platinum Edition are celebrating their North American debuts at the show. The Carrera 4 models are distinguished by their prominent broad rear section and a red light strip between the rear lights. The typical Porsche all-wheel drive layout, which emphasizes power to the rear wheels, guarantees maximum driving performance on a wide variety of road surfaces and in all weather conditions. The 911 Carrera 4 was unveiled at the Paris International Motor Show in September and is priced from $91,030, not including a $950 destination charge, and goes on sale early next year.

The Panamera Platinum Edition, available in Panamera and all-wheel-drive Panamera 4 configurations, stands out thanks to subtle, independent design features in platinum silver metallic combined with expanded standard features and exclusive details. The base M.S.R.P for the Panamera Platinum Edition will be $80,500. The Panamera 4 Platinum Edition will have a base M.S.R.P of $84,600. Prices do not include the $975 destination charge. Panamera Platinum Edition models go on sale in January of 2013.

IN HISTORICS: Speed is of the Essence

Historics urges fans to act fast in pursuit of Porsche 911 Speedster

Despite a span of 35 years between Porsche’s original Speedster, the 356, and its 911 namesake, the auctioneer Historics at Brooklands suggests there are signs the ’80s icon is developing a similar aura of adulation that has seen its predecessor become one of the most collectible classic cars.

With its steeply raked, low-cut windscreen and sleek “double-hump” fiberglass cover – paying homage to the 356 and other sports-racers of the 1950s era – the Carrera 911 Speedster stole the show at its public unveiling during the 1988 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Just as the 356 Speedster was introduced on the basis that a lower-cost, simply trimmed, open-top version of the car could sell well in the speed-obsessed American market, Helmuth Bott’s evocative design for the 911 Speedster was equally unequivocal in its desire to adopt an overtly sporting presence.

Although production models were marginally more luxurious than the Frankfurt prototype, with a taller windscreen and roll-up windows, the convertible top was manually-operated and simpler than that of the 911 Cabriolet, with no headliner and thinner insulation used.

Build of the new-generation Speedster began in 1989, with construction capped at just 2,104 Speedsters, all produced in a six month period from January to July.  All were equipped with the Turbo-specification chassis and competition-style brakes with cross-drilled discs and four-piston calipers.

Although 171 cars were fitted with a narrow body, the majority of Speedsters were equipped with Porsche’s striking “Turbo Look” bodywork.

Historics’ 1989 wide bodied 3.2 litre model is presented in metallic Zermatt silver with a full claret red leather interior and matching soft top.  A right hand drive, UK specification car, it’s fitted with a five speed manual gearbox, 16” Fuchs alloy wheels, stainless steel exhaust and electric sports seats.

With the 911 Speedster the last Porsche model produced at the old factory in Stuttgart; a fact that along with its rakish lines and limited production numbers ensured it became a highly collectible car from the outset, Historics is expecting offers in the region of £62,000 to £76,000 at Brooklands on Saturday 24th November.

Much as the 911 Speedster saw its styling born out of the standard 911, so the earliest Porsche Speedster took its cues from the original 356 and in a further fillip to fans of the Porsche marque, Historics has consigned a 1960 Porsche 356B T5 Super Cabriolet to its sale.

Originally supplied to Brumos Porsche Car Corporation in Jacksonville, Florida, the T5 body styled 356B Cabriolet was imported to the UK in 1995, before being given a sympathetic restoration and a new lease of life by marque specialists.

With every attention paid to detail, including an interior re-trim that features the correct carpet weave, Historics is predicting no let-up in love for a model it has sold at each of its first three auctions in 2012, and expects significant interest in its latest consignment, with an estimated sale price of between £40,000 and £50,000.

For more information on Historics at Brooklands next auction on the afternoon of Saturday November 24th, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk.

IN THE NEWS: Porsche Introduces 550-hp Cayenne Turbo S

ATLANTA, Oct. 12, 2012 — The Porsche Cayenne range is now expanded to include a Turbo S model with 550 hp, an increase of 50 hp from the Cayenne Turbo. The new Cayenne Turbo S sport utility vehicle employs advanced active chassis technologies.  These technologies allow it to surpass the driving performance of many sports cars, while preserving the off-road capability, ride comfort and towing ability typical of the Cayenne.

In addition to an increase of 50 horsepower compared to the Cayenne Turbo, the Cayenne Turbo S also benefits from increased engine torque, which is boosted from 516 to 553 pound-feet. This translates into faster acceleration and a higher top speed. The sprint from zero to 60 mph now takes just 4.3 seconds (-0.1 seconds), and the Cayenne Turbo S accelerates to a top track speed of 175 mph (+ 3 mph).

The Cayenne Turbo S is equipped for maximum dynamic performance. Accordingly, it incorporates chassis and drivetrain technologies which are optional on the Cayenne Turbo. More specifically, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), and Power Steering Plus are now standard, in addition to the air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which is already standard on the Cayenne Turbo. PDCC allows for even flatter cornering, improving agility and ride comfort. PTV Plus adds torque vectoring at the rear wheels together with an electronically controlled rear differential lock, which improves traction and therefore offers more agility in a wide range of driving situations. The new Cayenne Turbo S is also equipped with the Sport Chrono package as standard, which includes an analog and digital timer located at the center of the dashboard. The performance display informs the occupants about the total driving time, lap distance covered so far and individual lap times.  It also shows latitudinal and longitudinal acceleration via the TFT display in the instrument cluster.

The exterior of the Cayenne Turbo S lives up to the high standards of a top model. The front air intakes and rear view mirror trim are painted in high-gloss black. The standard 21-inch 911 Turbo II wheels with colored Porsche badges are exclusively tailored for the Cayenne Turbo S; their inside surfaces are painted in high-gloss black. The wheel arch extensions and rear spoiler separation edge are painted in exterior color. The model also features dual twin-tube sport tailpipes in polished Aluminum.

Porsche designers created an exclusive two-tone leather interior package that is available in either Black/Carrera Red or Black/Luxor Beige combinations. They feature an exclusive combination of contrasting colors and pieces that are further accented by deviated stitching throughout. Front and rear seats feature the Porsche Crest embossed on the headrests while the roof is covered in Alcantara® from front to rear. The instrument panel, door, and center console trim showcase the standard Carbon Fiber interior package that further complements the exclusive interior.

The Cayenne Turbo S is scheduled to go on sale in the spring of 2013 and is priced from $146,000not including a $975 destination charge.

Lighter, faster, more agile: the new 2013 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4S

The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 unites the performance and efficiency of the new, seventh-generation of the 911 Carrera with the dynamic benefits of the latest version of the active all-wheel-drive system PTM (Porsche Traction Management). The typical Porsche all- wheel-drive system with focused rear bias in this latest 911 version promises maximum vehicle dynamics on a wide variety of road surfaces and in all weather conditions. The new 911 Carrera 4 models deliver traction and dynamic performance to the fourth power.

The new all-wheel-drive 911 is being launched in four versions – the 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4S, each as Coupé and Cabriolet. They sport the same traits as the rear-wheel drive versions: their lightweight body design, suspension, engines and gearboxes are identical, the only exception being modifications related to the all-wheel-drive. This means that despite a higher level of engine and driving performance, all four models consume significantly less fuel than the previous models; total savings for individual versions are as much as 16 per cent. In addition, the new 911 Carrera 4 is up to 143 lbs. (65 kg) lighter in weight when compared to the previous generation 911 Carrera C4.

The most distinct identifying feature of the 911 with all-wheel drive is the wider rear section: compared to the two-wheel drive 911 Carrera models, the rear wheel housings each extend further outward by 22 mm for a total of 44 millimeters, and the rear tires are each ten millimeters wider. The traditional red light band that connects the two taillights on the 911 Carrera C4 has also taken on a new form.

The Coupé and Cabriolet of the 911 Carrera 4 S each have a 3.8-liter rear-mounted boxer engine that produces 400 hp; this enables acceleration to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds (Cabriolet: 4.1 seconds) and a top-track speed of 185 mph (Cabriolet: 183 mph) with a suitable equipment configuration. Fuel consumption values with PDK are EPA estimated at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for both the Coupé and the Cabriolet.

New: all-wheel drive indicator, Porsche Active Safe (PAS), sliding glass sunroof, extended Sport Chrono pack
In the new 911 Carrera 4, an additional menu in the instrument cluster informs the driver how the PTM all-wheel drive is currently distributing engine power. In addition, with the debut of the 911 Carrera all-wheel-drive models Porsche is making the optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) available to the entire model range, which controls distance to traffic ahead and vehicle speed. When ordered with PDK, the ACC system adds the safety function Porsche Active Safe (PAS), which helps to prevent front-end collisions.

In addition, Porsche offers a new sliding glass sunroof as an optional feature for the 911 Carrera Coupé. Driving 911 cars with a manual gearbox and Sport Chrono pack can now be even sportier: In Sport Plus mode, the system automatically double-declutches during downshifts.
The new all-wheel drive models replace a very successful previous generation, of which 34 percent second-generation 997 models where all-wheel-drive. This previous generation launched with one of the greatest development steps in powertrain technology that the 911 ever made: new were the engines with direct fuel injection, Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) gearbox and electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management (PTM). In July 2011, Porsche crowned the model series with the 911 Carrera 4 GTS, whose 3.8-liter engine was boosted to 408 hp.

The new Porsche 911 Carrera with all-wheel-drive will make its first public appearance at the 2012 Paris International Motor Show September 29, 2012. The new 911 models will launch in the US early in 2013. The 2013 911 Carrera 4 will have a base MSRP of $91,030, and the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet base MSRP will be $102,930. The 911 Carrera 4S will have a base MSRP of $105,630 and the Cabriolet will have a base MSRP of $117,530.

IN THE GARAGE: 2007 Porsche Carrera S

997vignette
Breathtaking Peformance in a Civilized Package

 

VIN
Exterior[C9Z] Basalt Black Metallic
InteriorSand Beige Leather
Motor3,824cc H6 rated at 376 bhp (production)
Gearbox6-Speed Manual
Odometer34,647 mi.
Exterior ConditionGood (3)
Interior ConditionExcellent (2+)
DrivetrainExcellent (2+)
BrakingExcellent (2+)
Suspension/RideExcellent (2+)
Tires/wheelsVery Good (2)

OVERALL CONDITION Meticulously maintained 997 with under 35,000 miles and extended transferable Porsche factory warranty through August 2013. Full service history with complete books, tools, umbrella, mats and trunk liner. Minor cosmetic damage to right rear fender (very low-speed single car accident involving a too-tight parking space and a too-close support column). No effect to performance or safety. Tasteful modifications enhance the Carrera S’s already impressive appearance and performance:

  • Genuine Porsche Short Shift Kit
  • Authorized Dealer-Installed Evolution Motorsports air intake
  • APR engine software tuning
  • Techart body-colored headlight trim and washer caps, and custom hood badge
  • Body colored rims and rear deck badge
  • Custom iPhone/iPod stereo integration w charging
  • Powder-coated factory exhaust tips
  • European clear front sidemarkers, Zunsport custom front mesh kit
  • OPTIONS

  • Sport Chrono Package
  • Porsche Communication Management (inc. Nav)
  • Alcantara Roofliner
  • Metallic Paint

  •           

    ON THE BLOCK: Buyers Turn out for Another Strong Sale at Brooklands

    Amidst some speculative recent market results, the heat was on Historics, but with Brooklands bathed in sunshine, the classic and sports car auctioneer again delivered another strong sale.  In total 60 of 103 vehicles were seen away for a sale ratio of 58% and a final sale figure of £1,159,070.

    As pre-sale publicity predicted, Bentley’s blazed a trail, with the star of the show an R-Type Coupé by Abbott of Farnham, which sold for £100,000.  A 1937 4¼ litre Sports Special sold for £47,500, while a more modern 1992 Bentley Continental Convertible went for over its pre-sale estimate at £49,000.  Including the much talked-about Woolf Barnato 3½ litre Derby Bentley restoration project, which sold for £9,750, all 12 Bentley Lots found new homes.

    Porsche also proved a popular marque as a sun-kissed orange 1971 911S sold for £53,000, a 1964 356SC for £34,000 and an eminently driveable 1984 911 3.2 Carrera Sport went for £14,250.

    Other notable sales included a sought-after Jaguar XK150S Roadster for £70,000 and a Series I 2+2 Coupe Jaguar E-type for £21,750, while the Sunbeam Tiger continues to prove a popular pick amongst competition enthusiasts, as £34,000 was sufficient for an online bidder to buy a 1965 FIA Appendix K Rally car.

    Meanwhile, Historics’ regular Helen Chamberlain – renowned Sky Television presenter and poker player extraordinaire* – added to the 1949 26-seater Albion Victor bus purchased at Historics’ October sale, by driving away with a 1985 Audi Quattro and 1956 Chevrolet Two-Ten Sedan.

    Commenting on Historics’ ninth sale to date, Auction Director Edward Bridger-Stille, remarked; “this was our third successive £1million plus sale, and shows that our all-inclusive set-up is the correct approach to a competitive market.

    “In what is in increasingly crowded auction calendar, it’s encouraging to see so many people continuing to turn to Historics to satisfy their classic car curiosity, and we’re already looking forward to another balmy day at Brooklands for our next sale on September 1st”, he concluded.

    For more information on Historics at Brooklands next auction on the afternoon of Saturday September 1st, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk.

    IN THE NEWS: Porsche Leipzig Concludes Best Year in the Company’s History

    • Over 90,000 vehicles were built by the Porsche factory in Leipzig in 2011 – an increase of 47% over the previous year
    • Three-shift operation has started successfully to meet high demand
    • Factory is expanding further ahead of beginning to build the new ‘Cajun’

    The Porsche factory in Leipzig is celebrating its best year in its history. From January to December 2011, 93,838 new Porsche vehicles rolled off the production line in the German state of Saxony; 62,004 examples of the all-wheel drive Cayenne and 31,834 of the four door Panamera Gran Turismo.

    “We were able to increase production in Leipzig by 47 per cent compared with the year before and are showing an increase also in 2012, following the record performance in 2011,” explained Wolfgang Leimgruber, Member of the Executive Board Production and Logistics of Porsche AG. In addition, more than 2,400 customers collected their Porsche personally in Leipzig last year and took advantage of the opportunity to try out the facility’s own circuit and challenging off-road course.

    “Porsche Leipzig is a success story that began in 2002 with the inauguration of the factory on a greenfield site, with new chapters being added continuously ever since. 900 employees are now busy putting top quality Panameras and Cayennes on the road. To meet the high demand, we are introducing a third shift from the end of January 2012,” added Leimgruber. With the new production sequence, a total of 500 vehicles will roll off the production line.

    “The coming year starts with the task of converting the team to the three-shift operation and adapting our lean logistics system and other business areas to the increased output. The factory is also gearing up for a new model line,” said Siegfried Bülow, President and Chief Executive Officer of Porsche Leipzig GmbH. “We are expanding the factory to handle production of the ‘Cajun’. The outlook is for growth in Leipzig.”

    Porsche is investing more than 500 million Euro in developing its Saxony location, which will become a fully fledged factory with its own paint shop and body assembly by 2013. An additional 1,000 jobs are being created at Leipzig for the ‘Cajun’ project. Recruiting and training new personnel is an important item on the 2012 agenda.

    “We are continuing to put a lot of effort into searching for the best skilled workers in the region, Germany and internationally,” Bülow added. This is an emerging trend as many residents of Saxony who in recent years had moved away to work, train and study are returning home. “We are looking in particular for new colleagues in the quality, body assembly and logistics fields. Next year will be busy and exciting and there is cause for celebration.”

    In 2012, Porsche Leipzig celebrates ten years of production and will be staging numerous events on the works premises and in the town.

    IN THE GARAGE: 1983 Porsche 911SC Targa

    Classic original

     

    VINWPOEA0917DS161082
    Exterior[Y7Y] Zermatt Silver
    Interior[912] Can Can Red Full Leather
    Motor3.0 L H6 rated at 172 bhp
    Gearbox[915] 5-Speed Manual
    Odometer93,911 mi.
    Exterior ConditionVery Good (3+)
    Interior ConditionExcellent (2)
    DrivetrainVery Good (3)
    BrakingExcellent (3+)
    Suspension/RideExcellent (2)
    Tires/wheelsVery Good (3+)

    CAN CAN DO! In what was supposed to be the swan song of the venerable 911 in favor of Porsche’s front engined water-cooled models like the 928 and 924 Turbo, Porsche engineers created what was—and for many still is—the best production 911 to date. Despite being in its 14th year at its introduction in 1978, the SC combined reliability, durability and performance that has yet to be surpassed, not just by Porsche but by any marque. As such, the popularity of the 911 and its resulting sales were stronger than ever, outselling its V8 sibling. It’s not hard to see why. They were quick, nimble, reliable and efficient. Nothing that Porsche—or anyone else at the time—could come close to. The car presented here is a perfect example of those attributes. It’s been enjoyed to the limit but well maintained and nicely preserved to keep the car in close to 100% original condition. While all 911s can be considered special, this one is just a little more so for its classic Zermatt Silver paint over very rare Can Can Red leather (perhaps being a $3,500 option added to its rarity). The car is very close to original inside and out. It has all the right stuff including books, tools, records, compressor (albeit aftermarket), all keys, belts, etc. It’s as good as it gets for history: PCA (Porsche Club of America) ownership spanning Colorado and Florida for for all but a few years. As such, it has no concept of rust, yet saw mild enough weather to have been kept properly exercised.

    OVERALL CONDITION
    The first thing we notice about the car is the its striking color combination. The Zermatt Silver paint, while far from perfect, is perfectly original. There are spider webs and crazing patterns in the clearcoat, which is not uncommon for silver metallic paints. With a fresh polish and wax, as it is now, it’s not too noticeable. There is some minor blistering from having worn a black vinyl bra too long and a few rock chips from when it did not. There are minor scuffs and scrapes, with only one noticeable beyond a couple meters (on the top of the passenger side fender near the antenna, pictured below). The bügel (targa bar) wears its original black anodization where others have long faded away or been reanodized. Rubber is like new all around and was clearly kept out of heat and dryness. Inside, we find the gorgeous and rae Can Can Red leather interior that shows very little wear. Controls and instruments all work properly. The targa top is stain-fee and has none of the tears or runs that are often found in the headliner as a result of multiple foldings. The motor, like any 3.0, is a beautiful piece of machinery but one with less than 100,000 miles is exceptionally beautiful. Tires are near-new with excellent (90+% tread). This is a very nice and well preserved example of a classic 911.

    DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
    I’ve said it before. 911s are made to be driven. By today’s standards, 172 horsepower is ho-hum, but put it over the rear wheels of a 3,000 lb. car with a low center of gravity and a set of fat tires and just try not to smile. What’s more, this one is equipped with an aftermarket oil cooler that gives the impression of driving a RoW-spec (204 bhp) car (original parking light has been preserved if new owner chooses to restore to 100% original). Like any 911, it’s loads of fun to drive. Put your foot in it and its seats will hug you. Show it a twisty road and it will dance with you. If you’re feeling a little racy, that’s fine too. The 3.0 liter is considered by many to be the ideal combination of sports and Grand Touring (where later 911s became a little too heavy and cushy for their tastes). Here again, this car demonstrates that well. Everything on it it silky and tight. The motor fires up and pulls strong. Shifting is typical 915: crisp and smooth but requiring some practice to match revs. Steering is very responsive and the road feel is excellent through a tight suspension and excellent tires. Braking is firm and solid. It’s the joy of motoring in a relatively simple form—with Targa top in or out for added wind-in-your-hair exhilaration. This is a car that feels classic but completely fresh and relevant.

    IN THE GARAGE: 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera (964) Targa

    1990 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa
    Fast, fun and fine

     

    VINWP0BB2967LS460559
    Exterior[L80K] Guards Red
    Interior[VN] Black Full Leather
    Motor3.6 L H6 rated at 247+ bhp
    Gearbox5-Speed Manual
    Odometer89,164 mi.
    Exterior ConditionExcellent (2)
    Interior ConditionExcellent (2)
    DrivetrainExcellent (2+)
    BrakingExcellent (2+)
    Suspension/RideExcellent (2)
    Tires/wheelsExcellent (2+)

    A RED SLED ON THE CHRISTMAS LIST! Bridging the gap between the classic “impact bumper” 911s like the SC and Carrera 3.2 and the more modern 993, the 964 is considered by many to be the best of both worlds. It closely resembles the iconic shape that dates back to the 911’s debut in 1964 while incorporating the sleek styling of the modern Porsches. It looks like a more aerodynamic Carrera 3.2 but according to Porsche, the 964 is over 90% new components; therefore it represents a milestone in the 911s history. Yet it naturally maintains the air-cooled motor (now enlarged to 3.6 liters and developing 247 bhp in stock form) and, as in the case of this car, represents the last time a true open-roofed, greenhouse Targa was available in a 911. The car presented today is mostly original with the exception of a resprayed nose (a vinyl bra was left on too long and the paint started to blister), Sony CD player and some very tasteful but potent Rennline modifications including a larger, easier-breathing airbox as well as drilled aluminum pedals and door sills. The result is a 964 that feels very much like a 993 in power and balance.

    OVERALL CONDITION
    The first thing we notice about the car is its paint. With the exception of the aforementioned nose respray, it is original and maintains a respectable gloss and depth. There’s none of the oxidation or clearcoat flaking that is so common with older Guards Red. There is one very small (about the size of a dime) ding in the right rear fender above the wheels arch. Otherwise the car has never seen any accident damage and is is perfectly straight. A tremendous amount of care has been given throughout its ownership to preserve its integrity. The bügel (targa bar) wears its original black anodization where others have long faded away or been reanodized. Rubber is like new all around and was clearly kept out of heat and dryness. Inside, we find a full leather interior that shows very little wear. There is a small crack coming off the driver’s side door lock in the upper door trim. Otherwise the car is free of cracks and only a small bit of warping around the vents on the dash. The leather shows no fading, tears, cracks, or any excessive wear whatsoever. Controls and instruments all work properly including cold AC. Carpets are deep and thick. The targa top is stain-fee and has none of the tears or runs that are often found in the headliner as a result of multiple foldings. The motor, like any 3.6, is a beautiful piece of machinery but one with less than 90,000 miles and fresh service is exceptionally beautiful. There are no valve guide issues, leaks or unusual noises. Its routine maintenance has seen to that. The transmission has also been serviced on schedule and is very solid with smooth linkages up and down through all gears. Factory Cup wheels are shod with near-new Yokohamas that show excellent (90+% tread). This is an exceptionally nice and properly enhanced example of a 964 .

    DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
    I’ve said it before. 911s are made to be driven. Like any 911, this one is loads of fun to drive. Put your foot in it and its seats will hug you. Show it a twisty road and it will dance with you. If you’re feeling a little racy, that’s fine too. The big airbox and sport exhaust work in concert to deliver a symphony of free-flowing power. Everything on it it silky and tight. The 3.6 liter motor fires up and pulls strong while the 5-speed transmission is crisp and sure with so play and no sync issues. Steering is very responsive and the road feel is excellent through a tight suspension and excellent Yokohama tires. Braking is firm and solid. This is a car that feels classic but completely fresh and relevant. In other words, it’s a true 911.

    IN THE GARAGE: 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa

    Beautifully preserved.


     

    VINWPOEB0918FS160331
    Exterior[S2V9] Garnet Red Metallic
    Interior[VN] Black Full Leather
    Motor3.2 L H6 rated at 207 bhp
    Gearbox[915] 5-Speed Manual
    Odometer68,911 mi.
    Exterior ConditionExcellent (2)
    Interior ConditionExcellent (2+)
    DrivetrainExcellent (2)
    BrakingExcellent (2+)
    Suspension/RideOutstanding (1)
    Tires/wheelsOutstanding (1)

    IT’S TARGA TIME! As we creep into September, we—or at least those of us in the northern hemisphere—start to see nights getting just a little cooler, the air getting a little more crisp and the light getting a littler more subdued. Soon the colors will be changing and the sun will be warm but not sizzling. It’s a perfect time for motoring which makes it a perfect time for a 911 Carrera 3.2 Targa. Not quite open, but not quite closed. Classic and timeless, the early 80s were supposed to be the end of the line for the 911. Their popularity remained as strong as ever, however and the Carrera 3.2 is the car that ushered in its continuation. It’s not hard to see why. They were quick, nimble, reliable and efficient. Nothing that Porsche—or anyone else at the time—could come close to. The car presented here is a perfect example of those attributes. It’s been gently driven and meticulously maintained to preserve those qualities. While all 911s can be considered special, this one is just a little more so for having been ordered from the factory (code L999) in its rich Garnet Red Metallic paint over Black leather, both of which remain 100% untouched and original. It has all the right stuff including books, tools, records, compressor, colored-crest center caps, etc. and something that is becoming increasingly hard, if not impossible, to find: the original window sticker. It’s as good as it gets for history: well-documented, two PCA (Porsche Club of America) owners and a California/Colorado car for all but three years, so it has no concept of rust.

    OVERALL CONDITION
    The first thing we notice about the car is its paint. It’s dazzling, deep and glossy. The Garnet Red color plays beautifully in varied light, going from a ruby red to a copper. Perhaps even more spectacular is that it is 100% original with no respray and no touch-up. None. Any chips—and there are a few small ones as well as some nicks in the doors—have been left unmolested and without any pretense that it is something other than an original 1985 factory paint job that’s been pampered. Likewise there are some minor door dings, but those have been preserved as well, even though it would be a simple paintless dent job. A tremendous amount of care has been given throughout its ownership to preserve its integrity. The bügel (targa bar) wears its original black anodization where others have long faded away or been reanodized. Rubber is like new all around and was clearly kept out of heat and dryness. Inside, we find a full leather interior that shows no wear. No cracking, no fading, no warping (also common in dry-weather climates). Controls and instruments all work properly. Carpets are deep, thick, and spotless. The targa top is stain-fee and has none of the tears or runs that are often found in the headliner as a result of multiple foldings. The motor, like any 3.2, is a beautiful piece of machinery but one with less than 70,000 miles is exceptionally beautiful. And yes, the mileage is accurate. In the AutoCheck report, there was an odometer check in 1998 that reported a reading of 69,305 miles. The year before, the reading was 33,763. This suggests the car was driven nearly 36,000 miles in one year. Aside from the possibility that in that year the car was used as a city bus, it is beyond imagination that the odometer reading of 69,305 was reported accurately. Having said that, the condition of the drivetrain (along with the rest of the car) and its documented history (see below) quickly debunk any false reporting. There are no valve guide issues, leaks or unusual noises. Its routine maintenance has seen to that. The transmission has also been serviced on schedule and is very solid with smooth linkages up and down through all gears. Tires are near-new German Fuldas with excellent (90+% tread). This is an exceptionally nice and impeccably preserved example of a classic 911.

    DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
    I’ve said it before. 911s are made to be driven. By today’s standards, 207 horsepower is ho-hum, but put it over the rear wheels of a 3,400 lb. car with a low center of gravity and a set of fat tires and just try not to smile. Like any 911, this one is loads of fun to drive. Put your foot in it and its seats will hug you. Show it a twisty road and it will dance with you. If you’re feeling a little racy, that’s fine too. The Carrera 3.2 is considered by many to be the ideal combination of sports and Grand Touring (where later 911s became a little too heavy and cushy for their tastes). Here again, this car demonstrates that well. Everything on it it silky and tight. The 3.2 liter motor fires up and pulls strong while the 915 transmission is crisp and sure with so play and no sync issues typical of higher mileage pre-G50 911s. Steering is very responsive and the road feel is excellent through a tight suspension and excellent Fulda tires. Braking is firm and solid. This is a car that feels classic but completely fresh and relevant. In other words, it’s a true 911.

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