Category: Porsche (Page 24 of 24)

ONE OWNER since 1979. Strong driver

THIS ONE’S A SPECIAL PIECE. From 1974 to 1977, between the truly classic pre-impact bumper early 911s and the 80s-icon 911SC and Carrera, there was the 911S. It featured a 2.7 liter flat six that many Porsche enthusiasts still consider the finest motor ever dropped in a 911 for its balance of power, light weight and adaptability for race prep. Combined with a no-frills exterior and bare-bones, teutonic interior, it’s a perfect example of what a 70s sports car was all about. Nevertheless, because of US safety and emission requirements at the time, they are often overlooked, which is a shame but also represents excellent value. In truth they are strong running, spirited performers with clean lines and a genuine attitude of sport. The car presented here today is one of the best examples of that. Don’t expect power windows, climate control, electronic driving aids, etc. This is pure get-behind-the-wheel-and-drive motoring that’s sure to put a smile on your face. In addition, this one stands out for having but one owner since 1979.

OVERALL CONDITION
The admiration and ensuing pampering that the car received is evident on first sight. It’s a car that has clearly been garaged since new. As a lifelong Colorado car, there is absolutely no rust anywhere (rust is a common issue with pre-SC 911s, not the case here). No pitting anywhere. Rubber trim is excellent as is the brightwork and glass. Doors fit perfectly and gaps are excellent all around. Inside, it’s fresh with very little wear. The cloth and leatherette have held up “extremely well” according to a notable upholsterer. There is very little fading, which is unusual for a Colorado car, where the sun shines 300 days a year. Seats are firm and very comfortable, there are no tears or matting in the fabric. The dash has a couple cracks, but given the unique color, we followed the advice to leave it alone and keep it original. All controls and instruments work properly, including the power sunroof. There is an aftermarket AC unit that could use a charge. It blows cool but not cold. It honestly doesn’t get used that much anyway. Ventilation is excellent with the rear pop-out windows (I never quite understood why those and fly windows were eliminated). Tires are near new and the Fuchs wheels are bright and unblemished with very little curb rash. The car’s aesthetic appeal is unmistakable, but its real beauty is in its freshly serviced (120K scheduled maintenance) drivetrain.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
I’ve said it before. 911s are made to be driven. By today’s standards, 165 horsepower is ho-hum, but put it over the rear wheels of a lightweight car with a low center of gravity and just try not to grin. Like any 911, this one is loads of fun to drive. Put your foot in it and its sports 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 2.7 liter motor is very strong and responsive. Shifts are crisp and firm. Suspension is tight and steering is precise. This is truly a car that exemplifies what a “sports” car is meant to be. Sporting. Combined with timeless looks, excellent reliability and relatively low cost-of-ownership, it’s a car that delivers pure driving pleasure.

Exceptional driver with excellent history

THIS ONE’S A SPECIAL PIECE. The early 80s were supposed to be the end of the line for the 911, but their popularity remained as strong as ever 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. As a 1989, it is among the last of the classic 911s and Cabriolet with factory tail to boot. These were and still are cars made to be driven—some daily. And while the mileage isn’t exceptionally low, they are the right miles for a 22-year old 911. While all 911s can be considered special, this one is just a little more so for having been serviced at Brumos Porsche, a legend in Le Mans and ALMS motorsports. It has all the right stuff including books, tools, records, etc. and something that is becoming increasingly hard, if not impossible, to find: the original window sticker. It’s a car that’s been enjoyed but never abused with an excellent history that is a story of three friends that admired the car and would only pass it on to another friend; hence, the latest owner has known the car since new.

OVERALL CONDITION
The admiration and ensuing pampering that the car received is evident on first sight. The paint is glossy and shows absolutely no fading or burning from the Florida sun. It’s a car that has clearly been garaged since new. There is no rust anywhere and only minor touch-up along the front bumper. No pitting anywhere else. Rubber trim is excellent as is the glass. Doors fit perfectly and gaps are excellent all around. Inside, it’s fresh with no wear, no cracks and no dinginess or yellowing that is typical of linen interiors after several years. Top is near perfect with clear window and no scuffs, nicks, or fraying. The car’s aesthetic appeal is unmistakable, but its real beauty is in its drivetrain.

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 3,200 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 sports 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—in fact better than any I’ve personally had the pleasure to drive. As a lifelong Porsche enthusiast, I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say I’ve driven over a hundred 911s. This car is the nicest driving 911 I’ve come across. There is without question something exceptional, almost magical, in the smooth, seductive power band coming from the 3.2 liter motor, as well as the crisp, quick shifts through all gears in the superb G50 gearbox. It’s a case of a great car becoming that much better from having legendary mechanical attention and expertise in the hands of Brumos Porsche. Add to that the joy of wind-in-your-hair driving and it’s a car that delivers nothing short of pure bliss.

Numbers matching, well documented and loads of fun

The Porsche 914 was developed as a collaboration between Volkswagen and Porsche, where the same car with different engines was marketed by each, respectively (albeit both badged as Porsche in the US). Volkswagen versions featured a 1.7 liter four cylinder, whereas Porsche’s model was powered by a 2.0 liter flat six, the 914/6. In 1973, amid poor sales relative to Volkswagen’s four cyclinder, Porsche replaced the 914/6 with its own flat-four model, the 914 2.0. Despite strong sales during its run from 1970-76, the 914-4 struggled to gain acceptance with Porsche purists. Let’s jump ahead nearly 40 years—in a world of Porsche SUVs and four-door GTs—and the 914—at least the “genuine” 914/6 and 2.0—is not only accepted by purists, it is appreciated for its peppy performance and perfect 50/50 weight distribution stemming from the rear-mid engine layout. That, combined with the low center of gravity from the horizontally opposed motor configuration, results in superb handling that is not only worthy of the Porsche name, but is regarded by many as having road manners equal to or better than any of its contemporaries, which include its stablemates.

This is an outstanding example of the 914 2.0. It has phenomenal history dating back to its delivery in Chicago (although most of its life has been spent here in Sarasota FL). It has an excellent service history with a stack of receipts and a stamped maintenance booklet. Because they were an affordable means of getting into the Porsche driving experience, many 914s were heavily modified as they were passed on, often with gaudy fiberglass body kits and engine swops (including small-block Chevy V8s and even Subaru motors). Not so with this one. It is 90% original. It has the motor and transmission it was born with; all numbers match. The only modifications that were done to this car were to give it a more modern road feel, including a K&N air filter, Z-rated tires, Boxster S brakes, and a Blaupunkt CD player. Nevertheless, original components have been preserved for an easy return to stock, should the new owner want to do so.

OVERALL CONDITION
One look at the car and it’s evident that each of its owners has put a lot of love and attention into preserving the integrity of the 914—honoring the Porsche marque in doing so—while optimizing its true purpose, that is its joy to drive. The Light Ivory paint is rich and shines beautifully with not so much as a speck of rust and no dents, chips or significant scratches. Glass is clear and free of pits, cracks or chips. Interior is beautiful in the typical teutonic simplicity that defined German cars in the ’70s (long-gone). Upholstery is excellent with very little wear. There are no dash cracks or blemishes. Carpets are clean and fresh. All instruments work properly. The drivetrain has been serviced regularly and it shows in its performance. The fuel injection is perfect, with the car firing immediately, running and shifting smoothly and crisply through all gears. Tires (excellent Goodyear Eagle GTs) are near new and are wrapped around the original Empi wheels that are free of curb rash or other blems. This is the perfect example of a car you can drive to a show, collect a trophy and drive around for the rest of the day, just because.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
For all its beauty (in the eye of the beholder, I suppose. The 914 was a car developed under the Nordhoff era for Volkswagen and was a radical styling departure from the Type 34 Karmann Ghia it was meant to replace. Not everyone agreed with Porsche’s design influence but 40+ years after its development, it still looks unique and not at all out of place), this car’s real appeal is in the way it drives. It retains all of its classic feel with the original steering wheel, firm one-piece Corbeau-style seats, big clear instruments, and tufted carpets. The improvements are immediately noticeable. The exhaust note is a little deeper and more menacing from having better breathing from the K&N air intake, while its pep off the line will embarrass 912s and 911Ts and chase down 911Es (or emissions- and DOT-burdened 911s from the mid ’70s). You immediately feel at one with the car, sitting low with all controls ergonomically placed in front of you. Handling is extraordinary. 914s have always been all about handling with their mid-engine layout and low center of gravity. This one is dynamically enhanced with wide tires that offer a rail-like grip. Yet the car always feels light, never cumbersome. Shifts are quick and accurate with no play in the linkage. Braking has been greatly improved. Ride is firm but comfortable. Top out or in, this is a car you can push to the limit; or simply enjoy with the sun on your brow and the wind in your hair. Perfect summer fun either way.

Excellent driver in special order color

THIS ONE’S A SPECIAL PIECE. The early 80s were supposed to be the end of the line for the 911, but their popularity remained as strong as ever 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. These were and still are cars made to be driven—some daily. And while the mileage isn’t exceptionally low, they are the right miles for a 25-year old 911. 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 striking Meteor Gray Metallic paint over Burgundy leather. It has all the right stuff, including books, tools, service gloves, etc. and something that is becoming increasingly hard, if not impossible, to find: the original window sticker.In addition, it has some unique options including factory Script Delete or “debadging,” which was and continues to be popular amongst autobahners and autobwhannabes to give their car a streamlined, stealth presence. It’s a car that’s been enjoyed but never abused by either of its two owners and its condition—inside-out, going and stopping, reflects the love.

OVERALL CONDITION
The first thing that you’ll notice (and probably already have for reading this far) is that it is GORGEOUS. As you’ll see in the photos, it has that wonderful ability to look different under various lighting conditions, going from a warm gray to a cooler pewter tone indoors or in softer light. It is sultry, handsome, and rich. It is complimented perfectly by the Burgundy full-leather interior and carpets. It turns heads and raises thumbs everywhere it goes and goes it does. The motor is strong and silky while handling is taught and steady. Tires are near new and wheels are pefectly balanced. It’s a great example of what makes the classic 911 an icon and why it lives on as a legend today.

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 2,200 lb. car with a low center of gravity and a set of fat tires and it just try not to smile. Like any 911, this one is loads of fun to drive. Put your foot in it and its sports 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. Track on Sunday; back to work on Monday with just a little less rubber to show for it. 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 works. The AC blows cold, the sunroof opens and closes without a hitch, windows, climate control, seats, everything. There are simply very few cars that can deliver the smiles-per-mile that a classic 911 can and this car does it beautifully.

Concours condition 993.

THE PINNACLE OF AN AUTOMOTIVE ICON For many, the Porsche 993 represents the ultimate 911. They are the last of the air-cooled motors that were the heart and soul of Porsche yet feature the refined comforts of the modern GT cars. The 993 represents the first significant styling change to the 911 since its inception in 1964 and is widely regarded today as an all-time favorite. Its aesthetics, performance, civility, and place in Porsche history ensure that the 993 remains a solid investment and the car presented here is an exceptional example.

OVERALL CONDITION

It’s hard to imagine what it might’ve been like to drive a new Porsche 911 off the showroom floor in 1996, but this car captures much of that thrill 25 years on. The paint and overall body are pristine without so much as one scratch, ding or rock chip. Not one. Rubber and glass are perfect. Interior is fresh and meticulously clean. No cracking, splitting or warping anywhere. The motor could be eaten off of, starts instantly and idles smooth. The love, care and pampering that each of its three owners put into this car is immediately evident. The car radiates it, exhibiting an almost human quality in its confidence. It’s ready for Porsche Parade or your next show, but at its heart it’s pure Porsche and loves to be driven.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

By the looks of its remarkable condition, one would easily think that this is a delicate little garage. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is perhaps the greatest testament to the care the car has received that it looks the way it does while being thoroughly enjoyed. There has been a harmonious relationship with its owners of receiving love and giving plenty in return. It fires right up and goes forth through a strong, smooth power curve coming from the 282 hp air-cooled motor and silky, crisp shifts up and down the 6-speed gearbox. Handling is superb with all-wheel-drive traction and newer BFG G-Force tires. It’s grippy without feeling cumbersome. Braking is excellent, stopping short and straight without any pulsating. It’s a fine example of the 993’s balance of genuine Porsche spirit combined with civilized comfort.