1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa

If you feel like you have seen this car before, you’re not wrong. I have come across it a couple of times recently for sale, though that’s not quite what I mean. When I saw it I didn’t immediately feature it precisely because I thought it looked familiar and I planned to come back to it and see what was up. As it turns out, we’ve featured it before making this somewhat of a revisit.

About 2.5 years ago we featured this Cassis Red Metallic 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa when it was offered for sale by one of our readers. It’s now come back up for sale. I think it is in the hands of a new owner – based on the stated location of the car – and the mileage is up slightly from last time. It now sits at a still very reasonable 72,450. Mostly, I thought it was worth another post because it looks really great!

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa on eBay

Year: 1988
Model: 911 Carrera Targa
Engine: 3.2 liter flat-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 72,450 mi
Price: $49,980 Buy It Now

The late 1980s were banner years for the Porsche 911. These cars retained the classic look with the desirable combination of the 3.2L flat-6 paired with the famous short-shifting G50 transmission. These 911s offered the largest engine displacement and brake size of any normally aspirated G-body 911 to date. The 3.2 liter has proven to be very reliable and a strong runner thanks to upgrades to the timing chain tensioners, oil cooling, fuel system and ignition system (just to name a few). The targa option offers the best of both worlds: a semi-open experience, and a closed car when you are not feeling the need for the open top.

This 911 is offered in the rare and interesting color of Cassis Red that is pleasantly complimented by its burgundy interior. This combination is an eye catcher in the best of ways. The tasteful upgrades produce a nice package that can satisfy the customer looking for a mainly original car with a touch of outlaw. This 911 has a clean Carfax verifying its accident-free history, and is in excellent condition inside and out. Extensive service history shows that this car has been loved and maintained to a high standard. The underside is completely dry, and with new Continental rubber on the attractive 17inch Lindsey Racing wheels, this Targa is ready to drive!

Highlights:

Cassis Red over Burgundy

Rebuilt and freshened targa roof with new front and rear seals

Side windows were aligned with new retaining brackets

Recent compression check/leakdown

New Bilstein struts/shocks, turbo tie rods, Weltmeister steering rack spacer and alignment

Color-matched Momo Prototipo steering wheel (original wheel included)

Classy Lindsey Racing wheels in polished finish (Built from an original set of Fuchs wheels – factory wheels NOT included)

2-owner car

Blaupunkt Monte Carlo radio (original is included)

M&K GT3 style center-exit exhaust (Original is included)

Incredible documentation and service history

Original Window Sticker and Certificate of Authenticity

Factory Options:

Cassis Red Metallic

Partial Leather Front – Burgundy

Radio Reno

Limited Slip Differential

16-Inch Forged Alloy Wheels

Automatic Speed Control

HiFi Sound Package

Cassis Red over Burgundy might at first blush seem like it will be too monotone of a combination. The colors are similar. However, there’s just enough difference between them that they work together to complement and contrast rather than appearing all as one tone. It’s really beautiful. While a seemingly minor thing I love that the Prototipo wheel has a matching Burgundy wrap. It’s a lovely detail that ties everything together (it also happens to be my favorite MOMO wheel so that’s nice too). This was a well presented Targa the first time we featured it and it looks in similarly good condition now.

It’s also well documented with a stack of records including the original window sticker and CoA. This Targa isn’t entirely original with the biggest loss being, I suppose, the lack of original wheels. But much of it is original and even some of the non-original parts like the steering wheel are accompanied by the original piece. Altogether it’s a nice package.

The price is on the higher end of where we see many 3.2 Carreras these days, but it doesn’t strike me as absurd. This does provide us a glimpse into the way the market has changed over the past two years. This Targa is on offer for a slightly lower price than it was offered 2.5 years ago and right now it doesn’t look to be selling. For my money the price may be a little high, but I think you’re getting a wonderful example that’s worth a little bit of a premium.

-Rob