This Porsche 911 on offer with Wolf and Mare hails from a time when the future of the marque’s halo vehicle was anything but certain. Many expected Porsche’s new flagship GT car, the 928, would usher in the retirement of the 911. Bucking expectations, the 911 still outsold the big front-engined V8 spaceship from Porsche with the 911SC selling well from 1978-1983.

But various headwinds, not the least of which were environmental, forced Porsche to make changes to the G-body 911 that had been in production since 1974. Fortunately the continued success of the 911, not to mention a general cultural appreciation for this unusual sports car (despite the 928’s feature in Risky Business and Scarface, the 911 was far more often depicted on the silver screen), led the CEO of Porsche to keep the car in the lineup.

1984 brought a new engine: the 3.2 Carrera. The European version of this engine generated 231hp while the North American unit could put out only 207. A more advanced electronic fuel injection system replaced the aging K-Jetronic system leading to increased efficiency and power. Hydraulic timing chain tensioners and an improved oil cooler round out engine improvements. Other upgrades included a better cabin heating system, thicker brake rotors, improved brake balance due to a brake pressure limiter, and new integrated front fog lights. 

The 1984 Porsche 3.2 Carrera is the personal vehicle of Wolf and Mare’s founder. Purchased in January 2017, it is finished in Ruby Red Metallic over Burgundy leather—a striking monochromatic combination very rarely found for sale. The car has had a host of recent repairs, including new oil return tubes, new Targa top seals, instruments rebuilt and cosmetically refreshed by North Hollywood Speedometer and a new fresh air blower to replace an inoperable unit.

Modifications are limited to WEVO engine and transmission mounts and a rare factory extended length 4-spoke steering wheel from a 964-era Carrera.

The odometer was unfortunately inoperable when purchased, but has been repaired and now shows approximately 160,000 miles with the true mileage unknown. Unfortunately the Virginia DMV branded the title as True Mileage Unknown as a result. Cosmetically the car presents well, with some chips in the recently repainted Ruby Red finish, wear on the Targa bar, blemishes on the black-center Fuchs wheels. The interior is clean, however the door pockets have some warping and the heater footwell blowers are inoperable. While the car has factory-installed air conditioning, it does not blow cold. The radio, while period-correct, does not switch on.

The Targa top seals reasonably well with the new body-side seals, but leaks a small amount in a thunderstorm or when pressure washing the car.  Some corrosion is present behind the bumper rubber in a non-visible area of the front fender and the battery box has been treated with a rust encapsulator.

When properly coaxed, this 911 Carrera has strong power and pulls hard as a new 3.2 Carrera should. Shifting is a bit notchy in second gear when cold but smooths out as the transmission warms up. It starts and idles well, with no smoke under acceleration or at idle. Occasionally a puff of smoke can be seen if the car sits for a week or more. There is some slow seepage from the top of the engine, but no significant drips after a hard drive.

This is a very attractive 911 that fetches a lot of looks and attention at car shows and meets in addition to being a very capable and strong driver. There’s not much we like more than a summer sunset drive in a Porsche 911 Targa with the top removed and this car would be a terrific buy for someone looking for a 911 they can drive and enjoy while improving over time.

The car is offered with a current Virginia title currently branded TMU and an antique registration.

This vehicle has been sold, but if you’re interested in acquiring one, our car finding service can help!