1985 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 £59,900
A fine example of the Eighties icon, with plenty of history and at least one extremely diligent former owner, says Rob Scorah
AGuards Red 911 was an automotive icon in the Eighties and looking at this one it’s easy to see why. The paintwork retains the deep gloss that made the German sports cars stand out from their competitors. Apparently a previous collector/owner discovered the paint was a few microns too thick on the bonnet and rebuffed the surface so it matched the rest of the car.
The finish remains largely excellent, with only the smallest of imperfections on the roof and front wings, or hair’s-breadth silvering of the black window frame edges. Rubber seals show no signs of perishing or cracks, while rubberised plastic components of the bumpers and spoiler retain their stiffness, shape and deep black colour. They are complemented by very tidy black-centred Fuchs alloys carrying a few small touched-in chips. Tyres are Bridgestones (205/55 front and 225/50 ZR16 rear) with a lot of life left in them.
Structurally, this Porsche appears sound. Common trouble spots such as headlight surrounds and the base of B-pillars are free of rust and the car’s underside is clean.
This car has covered nearly 59,000 miles (with a documented speedo change 4000 miles ago), but they hardly register on the dark blue leather interior. There is light wear to the seat squab and light scratches to the door leather caused by long fingernails perhaps? But seat bolsters are firm, remarkably unscathed and unfaded, while carpets remain in good shape.
With a solid service history – main dealer and specialist all the way – it’s no surprise to find the engine bay clean and totally as it left the factory. There are no signs of overheating or leaks and fluids are of the right colour and at the right level. Components are singularly free of surface corrosion. It’s not quite concours but very respectable.
The flat-six fires up with characteristic clattery 911-ness and settles immediately. As you’d expect from a 911, this red coupé is compliant in traffic but accelerates rapidly when the opportunity arises. You should have no concerns about the motor which runs cool enough and with an oil pressure between three and four bar.
Things become exciting over 4000rpm as the flat-six hits its stride and power heads towards the 228bhp maximum. It doesn’t seem quite as animated as some 911s in that zone but it’s definitely lively.
This 915 gearbox can be recalcitrant if you attempt hasty shifts when it’s cold – especially the two-three change – but is compliant thereafter. There is no whine.
Steering is sensitive and feels alive and the big disc brakes pull the car up straight. There are no clonks from the suspension.
Price-wise, this car slots in with other 911s of similar mileage with good histories. There’s little to suggest you’d suffer buyer’s remorse if you snapped this one up.