1984 Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera

A C16, UK-specification Cabriolet, this example is finished in striking Grand Prix White with contrasting dark blue trim, and was first registered to Jessop Photography with the registration JES50P, and has remained with just one family owner for its 37 years of existence, making it somewhat of a ‘local celebrity’ in its home town.

 With just 55,000 miles on the odometer from new, 7,000 of which have been in the last 30 years, the car has recently been lightly re-commissioned by RH Classics to allow it to see more regular usage without worry, meaning this 3.2 Carrera Cabriolet is ready for the next owner to simply jump in, drop the (still original) top and drive off into the sunset.

Resplendent in Grand Prix White and with the striking period ‘Carrera’ graphics along the side, this is a true ‘time warp’ example of the iconic rear-engined sports car, that has quite clearly been truly cherished by its one-and-only owner.

 Barring the odd stone chip and light usage mark, all of which are largely hidden thanks to the white paintwork, the paint and body of this 3.2 is in miraculous condition, no doubt helped by its (very) limited use for most of its lifetime, and the car was reportedly only used as a ‘summer’ car, which has no doubt paid dividends with its overall condition.

 The folding soft-top is the original factory-fitted item, and other than a few deep creases in both the plastic window and the fabric itself, there is very little sign of any wear, and certainly no reported waterproofing issues, nor any known problems with the roof mechanism itself. 

All four of the factory fitted ‘Fuchs’ wheels (painted in matching Grand Prix White) are in excellent condition, free of any kerb rash or major marking.

Original and unmolested, settling into the cabin of this 1984 911 is like stepping back in time, with minimal electrics, clearly-labelled status gauges, period Panasonic stereo and angled shifter, you could easily be sitting in an 80’s 911 advertisement. 

The interior has stood the test of time fantastically well, and remains in excellent condition throughout. The iconic ‘tombstone’ seats wear only the lightest usage patina and creases to the bases, with no sign of the usual heavy wear to the outer bolsters or any rips, tears or damage.

Up ahead, the dashboard is in excellent condition, with all systems reported to be in full working order with no known faults. The door cards have also survived in fantastic condition, and even the luggage compartment in the front - often referred to as the ‘frunk’ - looks to be have been barely used.

Retaining its original factory-applied Wurth underseal (which is what gives these early 911s their classic ‘Porsche smell’ when warm) the chassis of this 911 is in utterly fantastic condition, showing no signs of the usual corrosion that affects cars of this era.

The engine is typically 911 in its nature, in that simply looking at the unit doesn’t tell us much. However, we can’t see any signs of oil or fluid leaks up top, and everything looks to be in good order from a visual standpoint. Underneath the block also looks to be free of any issues that we can see, with even the exposed exhaust elements only having the slightest ‘bloom’ from usage.

Reportedly in excellent mechanical condition, our photographer has reported no untoward noises or behaviours from the flat-six engine, nor any strange noises from the suspension or drivetrain. Good news all round, then.

The good news keeps coming, as the latest MOT exam - dated 21 April 2021 - shows a clean pass with no advisory items, after initially failing only due to headlight-related issues which were quickly rectified. 

The vendor had recently had the brakes fully overhauled (as shown in the photos).

Included with the car is a historical treasure trove of Porsche memorabilia, documentation and handbooks, including three keys, owners manuals, a book pack, window cleaner and various handbooks. The service handbook is present (stamped up until 1989) and there are numerous invoices for service work and other miscellaneous maintenance carried out. 

There is also a number of MOT certificates present, along with the V5 showing only one former (family) owner on the record.

Our vendor has also advised us of the details of recent work carried out;

"Full Mechanical service

Replaced all fluids

Full brake system overhaul

Dry sump tank removed and flushed, restored and refitted

Replace oil lines and oil cooler

Clean, replate and re-bushed rear suspension

Clean and refresh tin wear in engine bay

Replace a few various shrunk seals

New original equipment tyres all round due to aged rubber

And that the tyres have recently been replaced using original equipment costing over £1000 for the set"

One family owner from new, low mileage and original throughout, these 3.2 Carrera Cabriolets really don’t come much better than this. Cherished and cosseted throughout its lifetime and recently given a light recommissioning, this is a true collector’s item and one not to miss for any Porsche enthusiast, driver or car collector.

Given its incredible condition, mileage and ownership history, we here at The Market estimate a value in the region of £37,000 to £47,000 and expect this to be a popular auction, so be sure you don’t miss out!

This car is being sold from the trade, and is located at The Market’s Abingdon HQ; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.