1986 Porsche 911 Supersport 3.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Absolutely bloody amazing

Faults:

Head temperature sensor was fouled causing a miss-fire when hot.

Emery cloth and carb-cleaner did the job (saved £300!).

Passenger window came out of its runner.

General Comments:

Very involving car to drive.

Heavy steering and the mother of all gear-changes (the box was derived from a 70's Le Mans racer you know!). Very difficult to "heel n toe" due to pedal arrangement.

In the dry it has similar handling characteristics to a slightly understeery 2-Stroke kart: Nice overall grip, a slight push wide on turn-in, followed by a squat and shot out of the turn.

In the wet it's weight distribution does it no real favours: Understeer unless you can get the slip angle right before you reach the apex. If you do its very tricky to keep it all tidy despite feeling every bit of gravel being transmitted through the steering.

Likes a bit of a drink.

Likes rear tyres.

Targa top warns you when you're going over 80 mph.

Build Quality is simply sublime for a car of this age.

To be honest, if you want to get from A to B ASAP this is not the car for you.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st April, 2007

19th Apr 2007, 13:49

You are obviously a racing driver of some sort. Your headline is "absolutely bloody amazing!". But you have given a rather brief, low key account of the car, talking about slip angles, understeer and "heel n toe". You are a funny bunch of individuals when it comes to communication.

29th Aug 2008, 17:32

The 911 Supersport is one of the best classic 911's ever.

The iconic looks for the running costs of a 3.2, then there's the looks - awesome!

0 to 60 5.5

Vmax 158.

9th Sep 2008, 16:06

I have also just purchased a 84 guards red Turbo look. 121,000 Miles.

Transmission total rebuilt seller paid $6200. New headliner and rubber, fresh paint. Her big butt is very sexy. 5 sp Shifts like a dream. This has been a dream car for many years. I am now 40, had the poster in my room at age 16. Now it's in my garage. The only difference is the turbo's have the heavier front tie rods, and 3.3 problematic motor with a stout 4sp trans. I have had the front tie rods upgraded, huge difference. I recommend the turbo tie rods. Purchase price was 22,000 US dollars. If you buy a turbo look call 1800-porsche and have them confirm the VIN # that it was the M491 option code. Many people think they have the turbo because the prior owner slapped on some flares, It's much more than her big hips it's how she rides. Firm and tight.

1986 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe 3.2 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

An experience not to be missed!

Faults:

Nothing major as yet, however the R/R inner CV joint boot has split & needs replacing.

Drivers seat has small split in leather on outer back-rest panel.

General Comments:

A very quick & (so far) very reliable 'super-car'!

Have dreamed of owning one since about the age of 14 (now 43), and was lucky enough to find this low mileage, NZ new example for what I considered a good price compared to other examples at the time.

It has performed superbly thus far. Starts 1st time - every time and has not missed a beat.

Build quality is outstanding, and its easy to see how this model Porsche has gained such a good reputation over the years!

Only gripe so far would be the 915 gearbox fitted to this model. It's notchy, vague, and reminiscent of those that were fitted to bedford trucks of many years ago! Once you learn not to rush gear changes however, it performs just fine.

A true 'classic' super-car well worth the investment!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th April, 2006

23rd Oct 2006, 15:44

Thank you for the comment on shifting. We just purchased one and I have not yet found the right touch. Very helpful!

25th Jan 2009, 02:57

Great to hear you are enjoying your 3.2 Carrera, I have the 1984 model.. great cars to drive, the 915 is a better, lighter and more robust gearbox than the G50, after all it was in the 2.7RS, which are very rare ($$$$) and sought after... after 5 years of owning and driving my girl almost every day, the 915 requires as slow shift, especially from 1 to second, depending on the condition of the synchro, hope this helps... happy and safe Porsche motoring.