Wirral Life May 2022 | Page 80

PORSCHE 3.2L 911 CARRERA by Aidan Fitzsimmons
For this months retro car review we will be looking at a true 80 ’ s icon - the Porsche 3.2L 911 Carrera . This particular vehicle is presented in Guards Red and what makes the vehicle look so retro is that classic whale tale spoiler sitting at the rear of the vehicle . This iconic vehicle still gets hearts beating even though it is 36 years old . Don ’ t be fooled by the rattly sounding VW Beetle engine as this Flat 6 Air Cooled 5 Speed Box can still reach a top speed of 160mph with a staggering 231BHP .
Even to people with the slightest of interest in cars , the 3.2 Carrera is instantly recognisable as a Porsche 911 . For the enthusiasts of a certain generation , the Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera is the 911 , an Icon among Icons . To think back in 1986 this vehicle was up against the mighty Ferrari 328 GTS , Lotus Excel , Lamborghini Jalpa P350 GTS & the Nissan 300 ZX . All of them true 80 ’ s classics but I think it ’ s fair to say the one everyone will remember is the 911 .
With 70,044 examples sold between 1984 and 1989 , the 3.2 Carrera is easily the most successful 911 ever in terms of sales as this came at a time when it was the only 911 in Porsche ’ s range . The eighties was boom time in many of Porsche ’ s biggest markets . It was the era of the yuppie and the 3.2 Carrera quickly became their symbol .
What ’ s it like to drive ? Climb inside this ’ 86 911 Carrera , and you ’ re sliding into nothing less than a race car cockpit . Everything is within very close reach , from the instrument cluster to the gear knob to the pedals . When pressing the clutch down it feels something out of the ordinary and that ’ s before you even start the engine . Do that and the growl of the engine is the final killer pitch that seals the deal . You know you ’ re in for a memorable ride .
This particular model has been fitted with some very desirable upgrades including , Heated Seats , Factory Sunroof , Cruise Control , Original Blaupunkt Stereo / Tape Player .
When the light turns green you slam down the accelerator and go to work on the gear shifter . The steering makes you feel almost like you are driving a gokart , planted , feeling every bump in the road . As for the noises produced , well you couldn ’ t have created a better symphony if you tried . Keep that window down and its sounds a perfect 10 ...
What to Look For ... Rust is the biggest challenge on all 911 ’ s through to 1989 . Start by checking the sills , then the “ kidney bowl ” panels that run up from the back of the sills inside the rear wheelarches just behind the B-post . Bodging is common here and can be very well hidden until inspected up close .
This particular vehicle has the factory sunroof . When checking this area make sure none of the drains are blocked front & rear . If the drains block this can cause rotting to the screen pillars or below the windscreen . Check also the front wings around the lights as this is a common spot for rust that could leave you with a hefty Bill for new wings costing over £ 1000 each . Other common areas to look for are the bottoms of both doors , the front boot floor especially below the battery and the torsion tube where it goes through the chassis legs . Look also for corrosion around these main rot areas , where past repairs are beginning to fail at welded joints .
When looking around the engine look for oil leaks and excessive breathing , plus check on test drive for poor performance and noisy rattling / thrashing . When driving make sure the gears flow easily and not jumping out of gear . This could be signs of the syncromesh failing which will eventually lead to an engine gearbox rebuild . Damp in the vehicle can ruin the alarm & immobiliser system which is common on the 3.2s . This can also affect the ECU again costing over £ 1000 to replace . Whilst looking inside press down on the floor to make sure all carpets are dry and damp free .
What Does Carrera Stand For ? Carrera ( Spanish For “ race ” and “ career ”) The name commemorates the company ’ s success in the Carrera Panamericana race . The following vehicles have been called Caerrera : Porsche 356 , Porsche 904 .
In summary : The 3.2 will leave you feeling excited but exhausted at the same time . It brings back memories of the 80 ’ s and the best era ever in my opinion for retro vehicles . Many thanks to John Smith for lending me this to review , an all time 80 ’ s Classic .
Price : £ 50,000 - £ 90,000
In terms of road handling , what was surely incredibly impressive for the time is not quite up to the standards of what you get today . Which only adds to the charm of this oldie . You never quite forget that it could rear up and bite you , and it keeps you focused . It ’ s a truly seductive feeling .
And I doubt you ’ d ever get sick of it .
80 wirrallife . com