1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

Description

The Porsche 911's legacy was cemented in the mid-1980s with two significant developments: the introduction of the highly anticipated Cabriolet in 1983 and the replacement of the 911SC with the more powerful 3.2-liter Carrera in 1984. These models (1981-1989) represented the pinnacle of Porsche's original 911 design, offering a perfect blend of classic appeal and modern performance.

The 3.2-liter Carrera retained the 911's hallmark features: precise, direct steering, exceptional braking, and the distinctive, raspy exhaust note of its air-cooled flat-six engine. This all-alloy powerplant was enlarged to 3,164 cc, producing a robust 217 horsepower in 1987. This increase in power allowed the aerodynamic coupe to achieve a top speed exceeding 150 mph and accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds per Car and Driver magazine.

Throughout the mid-80s, Porsche continuously refined the 3.2-liter Carrera. Notable improvements included integrated fog lights in 1984 and an updated interior in 1986. A significant enhancement came in 1987 with the introduction of the more user-friendly G50 transmission, which was fitted to all cars built from September 1986 onward. The combination of both old and new marks the mid-1980s Carrera 3.2 as the most accessible, yet classic, generation of the timeless Porsche 911.

Highlights 

• Finished in Grand Prix White (P5) with a Black (V9) soft top over a Lipstick Red (HA) full leather interior 

• 3.2-liter M930/25 air-cooled flat-six rated at 217 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque 

• G50 five-speed manual transaxle 

• Well optioned from the factory with the following additional equipment: 

  • 139 - Heated Seat Left 

  • 158 - Standard Radio 

  • 220 - Limited Slip Differential 

  • 286 - Heavy-Duty Windshield Cleaning 

  • 288 - Headlight Washers 

  • 340 - Heated Seat Right 

  • 348 - Wheel Centers, Grand Prix White 

  • 395 - Forged Alloy Wheels 

  • 424 - CD Shelf Center Console 

  • 437 - Full Power Seat-Left 

  • 438 - Full Power Seat-Right 

  • 439 - Power Operated Top 

  • 454 - Cruise Control 

  • 490 - HI-FI Sound Pkg w/Speakers 

  • 533 - Alarm System 

  • 975 - Luggage Compartment Blk Velour 

• Benefits from an oil and filter change in June 2024 at 72,453 miles 

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report 

Features 

• Fuchs 16-inch alloy wheels 

• Fully integrated electronic ignition and fuel injection (DME) 

• Oil cooler, front 

• Four-wheel independent torsion bar and suspension with stabilizer bars, front and rear 

• Welded unitized body 

• Four-wheel vented disc brakes, power-assisted 

• Pressure-cast light alloy wheels 

• Electrically adjustable and heated outside rearview mirrors 

• 90 Amp alternator 

• Brake pad wear indicator light 

• Upshift indicator light 

• Fog lights, front 

• Anti-theft device for wheels 

• Windshield with graduated tint 

• Halogen headlights 

• Headlight washers 

• Rack and pinion steering 

• Inertia-reel 3-point seat belts, front, and lap belts, rear 

• Reclining bucket seats 

• Leather-covered steering wheel 

• Transistorized tachometer 

• Trip odometer 

• Two vanity mirrors 

• Quartz clock 

• Alpine cassette stereo 

• Power windows 

• Tinted glass all around 

• Deep cut carpeting 

• Electric windshield wiper with intermittent wipe cycle 

• Air conditioning 

• Automatic antenna 

• Rear speakers balance control 

Known Imperfections 

• Driver’s-side door seal is worn at bottom, above runner panel 

• A/C needs to be recharged 

• Carpet is worn below the clutch pedal  

Included  

• Tools 

• Spare tire 

• Boot cover 

• Original carpet mats 

• Five CD changer and stereo power amp in boot 

Ownership History

The accompanying clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet shows previous registration history in Florida, Illinois, New York, and Ohio. The report also indicates that the car has received regular maintenance from Manhattan Motor Cars Inc. in New York, New York, as well as other licensed Porsche dealers since 2017. The consignor reports acquiring the car in 2022.