The impact-bumper era Porsche 911 is a car that generates fond memories for a lot of Porschephiles. They were plentiful and affordable as used sports cars, serving as many enthusiasts’ entry to the brand. As interest increases in what many consider the last of the analog Porsches, values have taken off with the best condition cars now commanding prices approaching six figures.

Wolf and Mare is excited to represent this very original 1988 Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera Targa G50. Purchased by the seller in 2007 at Euroclassics Porsche in Richmond, Virginia and remaining in his possession for 17 years, this exceptional and highly original Porsche 911 has a current Virginia registration, inspection and title in the seller’s name.

The Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera was offered from 1984 to 1989, with production totaling around 70,000 units. Offered in coupe, convertible and Targa body styles, the 3.2 Carrera marked the end of a hiatus for the Carrera nameplate and the introduction of a larger displacement, higher horsepower engine to replace the three-liter engine from the outgoing SC model.

Of note, besides the new engine, is the G50 gearbox introduced for the Carrera in 1987. The G50 replaced the proven — but somewhat balky — 915 transmission from the SC with a new 5-speed Getrag unit featuring a hydraulic clutch, centering spring for the gear lever and an improved shifting feel.

The iconic Targa variant of the 911 debuted in 1965 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and was a novel idea in the world of convertible sports cars. Not a coupe and not a cabriolet, the Targa was designed to be safer than a convertible in a rollover and was named for the storied Sicilian road race where Porsche enjoyed much success. 

This 1988 Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera Targa was purchased in 2007 by the seller— a 20-year Porsche Club of America member — who has enjoyed and preserved the car over the ensuing 17 years of ownership. In that time, only 15,000 miles have been added to the odometer.

Finished in its original color of Guards Red, this 911 Carrera Targa is powered by a 3.2-liter engine producing 217 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Known for its reliability and durability, the 3.2 features oil-fed chain tensioners and Bosch electronic fuel injection. These powerplants are known to last hundreds of thousands of miles. On a turn of the key, the engine on this Carrera starts quickly, with a puff of white smoke on cold start common to air-cooled 911s, and settles into a perfect idle nearly immediately.

On a driving test, the car pulls hard in all gears with no smoke or noises on acceleration or deceleration. The steering is tight, with its characteristic feedback providing excellent feel for the road. The G50 gearbox is well worth the premium paid for its more modern feel, shifting well through all gears with just a hint of notchiness when the car is stone cold.

A sticker on the engine deck lid slam panel notes engine service by the late Porsche factory technician Gene Cook, a well-known and highly regarded Porsche mechanic in the Richmond, Virginia area.

Bodywork on the 3.2 Carrera models was only slightly changed over the outgoing SC models, adding a new front valance that better integrated fog lights into the body. Exterior features of the vehicle on offer include a removable Targa top, fog lights, power mirrors and a “whale tail” rear deck lid spoiler with a body color grill.

This 1988 Carrera Targa is painted in its factory color of Guards Red (paint code L80K) and the finish is believed to be original. Paint meter readings from around the car show between 5-7 mils on all panels, suggesting factory application.

The single-stage paint was treated to a careful correction in preparation for sale and shows beautifully with wonderful shine. A handful of small paint chips are present, with some light pitting on the front hood area but none of the road rash you typically see on impact bumper 911 front ends. This car has clearly been garaged and pampered.

Like the SC, the Carrera utilized a MacPherson strut and torsion bar front suspension with a semi-trailing arm rear suspension. For 1986 and on the anti-roll bars were uprated to 22mm diameter up front and 25mm in the rear. The car on offer wears its factory 6×16” front and 7×16” rear Fuchs wheels, which are in excellent condition. Sumitomo HTR All Season tires with good treat are mounted on all four corners and appear to be dated to late 2014.

Braking is provided by hydraulically assisted discs on all four corners. The front pads and rotors were replaced in 2019 at 75,000 miles and the car brakes and stops as it should with good pedal feel.

The interior of this 1988 911 Carrera is as well-preserved and original as the exterior. Ordered with a partial leather interior in all black, the seats have no cracks or splits and show minimal creasing. The seats are comfortable, supportive and soft. The dashboard is in excellent condition — with no cracks or peeling surfaces — and was fitted in period with a high-end McIntosh stereo system from the 1990s which is still operational. Apparently the original owner was quite an audiophile!

Visible through the optional, and now expensive to acquire, extended hub leather four spoke steering wheel are fully functional gauges with clear lenses and bright needles. The mechanical odometer shows just over 83,000 original miles.

The removable Targa top is in good condition, but does exhibit some evidence of its being stored folded. Its soft black headlining is in good shape with no tears.

A front trunk holds an original space-saver spare wheel with tire, tool roll and factory jack and lined with removable carpet as ordered from the factory.

Service records dating back to 2008 document regular oil changes, chassis lubrication and maintenance. Recent service items include all new fuel lines, new body-side Targa top seals, door seals and gear shift bushings in 2020.

With its blend of analog performance and modern touches, this investment-grade G-body 911 represents the most evolved instance of the original Porsche 911 platform before it was significantly updated for the 964-generation.

Its wonderful original condition could easily enable preservation class entry to regional concours events, and very strong placing in factory stock categories. When not being shown, it’s a wonderful day tripper or long-distance tourer.

If you’re interested in acquiring this vehicle, contact us.