For the second of my value-911 posts I will move on to the model that followed upon the success of the 911SC. There is little that separates the 3.2 Carrera aesthetically from its predecessor, so for those in love with the design of the G-Series 911 in general either model makes for an excellent option. As the model name implies, the fundamental distinguishing characteristic of these 911s is their 3.2 liter flat-six as an upgrade over the 3.0 liter engine of the SC. Both engines are fantastically reliable when maintained properly and though their overall character may show small differences these two models stand shoulder to shoulder on nearly every 911 enthusiast’s list of cars to own. With the 3.2 Carrera available from 1984-1989, I have purposely chosen an example from the years prior to 1987 as the change to the G50 5-speed transmission for that model year has garnered the later models quite a bit more attention and as such prices can rise dramatically relative to their earlier peers. The particular example we see here, a Guards Red 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa located in California with 42K miles on it, will come at a premium due to its low mileage, but it seemed too nice to pass up and ultimately, even with the higher initial cost, it should stand an excellent chance of maintaining, or even gaining, in value over the course of its ownership.
Tag: 911
Like most enthusiasts, I tend to prefer the smaller, air-cooled Porsche 911s of yesteryear. However, one recent 911 keeps vying for my attention, the 997 series 911 GT3RS. Specifically, when it is painted in Porsche Green, such as this early build car for sale in Rhode Island. With a series of lighter weight components, the GT3RS weighs in 44 pounds less than a standard 997 GT3. The RS would serve as a base for homologation that packed 300 bhp per ton. Just under 2,000 examples were produced, with 413 finding their way stateside.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2007 Porsche 911 GT3RS on eBay
2 CommentsSo long as I am contributing to GCFSB I will never pass up the chance to do a post on a 964 911, especially a black on with the mono block wheels. This is due partially in part to the fact that as I’ve learned more about classic 911’s I’ve become increasingly fond of the 964 as it is largely the first modern 911. Additionally black 964 911’s remind me of the bad guy’s car in the original Beethoven movie and that was the first time I ever saw a Porsche on the big screen. The movie producers were probably trying to make some kind of statement by having a dog killing scumbag drive a black Porsche but that was lost on me, all I saw was a car that I liked. I’ve gone through phases of swearing that 3.2 Carreras and SCs are the “one’s I’d go for” but at this point it has become clear that given my current living situation and driving habits, the 964 would make the most sense. Unfortunately for me, many other Porsche enthusiasts feel the same way and the popularity of these cars is higher than ever. Still, the occasional deal pops up and I think it’s fair to say that despite not ideal mileage, this example is one of those deals.
Click for details:Â 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 on eBay
7 CommentsWe’re going to step into some deeper, and uncharted, waters with this car. The Carrera 4S, and its slimmer sibling the Carrera S, have shown nice increases in value lately as presumably collectors begin to snatch up what they feel will be the most likely examples to show significant long-term appreciation. The example we see here, a Speed Yellow 1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, located in Massachusetts, with a mere 2,330 miles on it, is sure to sit near the top of the pile for any of these cars. The Turbo and RS will always stand within their own sphere of the market, but for what is otherwise a fairly standard car, mileage and color have a significant impact on value and this one has those in spades. The downside, of course, is that you can’t drive it. As in, almost never. That surely will turn some people off, but I would feel pretty confident that the owner of a 911 like this probably can afford something to put to proper use.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe on eBay
2 CommentsWe have featured a decent number of M491-equipped 911s and as the air-cooled market has continued its upward trend we have seen more and more of them pop up for sale. The M491 option package was conceived as a way to provide 911 customers in the US market a performance option that resembled the 930, but retained the standard Carrera’s naturally-aspirated 3.2 liter flat-six. That option package, in appropriate fashion, was dubbed the “Turbo Look” package. It was first made available in 1984 during the 930’s six-year hiatus from the US market and continued to be available, though was selected in far fewer numbers, even once the Turbo returned in 1986. The package included the Turbo’s front and rear spoilers along with its wider rear, complete with 930 suspension, braking, and wheels. Even without the extra power of the Turbo the M491 package was popular among enthusiasts for its superior handling and braking and many of these 911s saw a good deal of track time. It is only in recent years that their collectability has been recognized, but due to their performance focus even fewer of these already rare examples remain in excellent condition. For any prospective 911 owner desiring the appearance, handling, and braking of the Turbo, but without the highly-strung and maintenance intensive turbocharged engine the Turbo-Look Carrera makes for an attractive option. The example we see here comes from the second year of the package’s availability: a Nugget Brown Metallic 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe, located in Los Angeles, with Champagne leather interior and 92,863 miles on it.