1970-1980's 911
Discussion
Hi all PHers
New to posting on here but have been lurking and chuckling to myself for a while at some of the banter etc.
I have always had a fondness for the impact bumper 911 and have seen some recent posts from regular members with Porsche experience with regards to the Carrera 3.2 which I have to say love & have done since the 80's when everybody who was someone seemed to have one.
Obviously the prices (I have kept an eye on them) seem to have seriously risen over the last 2 to 3 years and based on what I have read in classic car mags/forums is obviously set to continue. With the latter in mind I want one before they are out of reach like the pre-IB cars.
I have a budget of mid 20's and would expect to get a fantastic example for that, what I don't want to do is buy a cheap one mid to late teens and then have to throw 10-15k at it to make good.
What is the difference between G50 box and the early one and what else do I need to be aware of?
Many thanks
New to posting on here but have been lurking and chuckling to myself for a while at some of the banter etc.
I have always had a fondness for the impact bumper 911 and have seen some recent posts from regular members with Porsche experience with regards to the Carrera 3.2 which I have to say love & have done since the 80's when everybody who was someone seemed to have one.
Obviously the prices (I have kept an eye on them) seem to have seriously risen over the last 2 to 3 years and based on what I have read in classic car mags/forums is obviously set to continue. With the latter in mind I want one before they are out of reach like the pre-IB cars.
I have a budget of mid 20's and would expect to get a fantastic example for that, what I don't want to do is buy a cheap one mid to late teens and then have to throw 10-15k at it to make good.
What is the difference between G50 box and the early one and what else do I need to be aware of?
Many thanks
Hello & welcome to the site matey.
Great choice in car by the way if you get a nice one and obviously a wise choice.........
The G50 & the earlier 915 box are very different but don't get too hung up on that buy on condition, in other words a mint pre 87 car with 915 is better than a bag of nails 89 car.
Main areas to check out for.
1) B Posts (door latch)
2) Jacking point
3) Sills underneath sill covers
4) Kidney bowls
5) Around headlights
6) underneath rear quarter light windows
7) Around front screen
8) Oil pipes full length of car
9) Heat Exchangers x 2
10)history
All of these cars have had paint so don't get hung up on this either.
Good site is www.impactbumpers.com
Good luck and get the best with the money you have early 20's to 30k will get a cracker.
Great choice in car by the way if you get a nice one and obviously a wise choice.........
The G50 & the earlier 915 box are very different but don't get too hung up on that buy on condition, in other words a mint pre 87 car with 915 is better than a bag of nails 89 car.
Main areas to check out for.
1) B Posts (door latch)
2) Jacking point
3) Sills underneath sill covers
4) Kidney bowls
5) Around headlights
6) underneath rear quarter light windows
7) Around front screen
8) Oil pipes full length of car
9) Heat Exchangers x 2
10)history
All of these cars have had paint so don't get hung up on this either.
Good site is www.impactbumpers.com
Good luck and get the best with the money you have early 20's to 30k will get a cracker.
+1 Buy the best example you can, for the money you have a solid base one and go from there any car can be improved on with time and money. Then enjoy the car 'EVERY MILE IS A SMILE'
Crimp a Length! said:
Hello & welcome to the site matey.
Great choice in car by the way if you get a nice one and obviously a wise choice.........
The G50 & the earlier 915 box are very different but don't get too hung up on that buy on condition, in other words a mint pre 87 car with 915 is better than a bag of nails 89 car.
Main areas to check out for.
1) B Posts (door latch)
2) Jacking point
3) Sills underneath sill covers
4) Kidney bowls
5) Around headlights
6) underneath rear quarter light windows
7) Around front screen
8) Oil pipes full length of car
9) Heat Exchangers x 2
10)history
All of these cars have had paint so don't get hung up on this either.
Good site is www.impactbumpers.com
Good luck and get the best with the money you have early 20's to 30k will get a cracker.
Great choice in car by the way if you get a nice one and obviously a wise choice.........
The G50 & the earlier 915 box are very different but don't get too hung up on that buy on condition, in other words a mint pre 87 car with 915 is better than a bag of nails 89 car.
Main areas to check out for.
1) B Posts (door latch)
2) Jacking point
3) Sills underneath sill covers
4) Kidney bowls
5) Around headlights
6) underneath rear quarter light windows
7) Around front screen
8) Oil pipes full length of car
9) Heat Exchangers x 2
10)history
All of these cars have had paint so don't get hung up on this either.
Good site is www.impactbumpers.com
Good luck and get the best with the money you have early 20's to 30k will get a cracker.
Top advice from Crimp.
Go and look at loads of examples and drive a few, no two look, sound or drive the same. There are loads of shows on at this time of year so go along and talk to owners, they generally are really happy to talk to you.
Find out when your next Porsche Owners club meeting is and go along to that and have a chat, they can talk the hind legs of a donkey.
Brilliant cars and ball to own. I said the same as you 8 years ago, lets buy one before they get too expensive. They haven't got there yet but are definitely on the up.
I see that you are based up north somewhere, if not too far from Yorkshire then get in touch, I run the Yorkshire Region of the Porsche club, come along to our big event at Lotherton Hall near Leeds on August 4th. There will be loads of air cooled in attendance.
Go and look at loads of examples and drive a few, no two look, sound or drive the same. There are loads of shows on at this time of year so go along and talk to owners, they generally are really happy to talk to you.
Find out when your next Porsche Owners club meeting is and go along to that and have a chat, they can talk the hind legs of a donkey.
Brilliant cars and ball to own. I said the same as you 8 years ago, lets buy one before they get too expensive. They haven't got there yet but are definitely on the up.
I see that you are based up north somewhere, if not too far from Yorkshire then get in touch, I run the Yorkshire Region of the Porsche club, come along to our big event at Lotherton Hall near Leeds on August 4th. There will be loads of air cooled in attendance.
supersport said:
Top advice from Crimp.
Go and look at loads of examples and drive a few, no two look, sound or drive the same. There are loads of shows on at this time of year so go along and talk to owners, they generally are really happy to talk to you.
Find out when your next Porsche Owners club meeting is and go along to that and have a chat, they can talk the hind legs of a donkey.
Brilliant cars and ball to own. I said the same as you 8 years ago, lets buy one before they get too expensive. They haven't got there yet but are definitely on the up.
I see that you are based up north somewhere, if not too far from Yorkshire then get in touch, I run the Yorkshire Region of the Porsche club, come along to our big event at Lotherton Hall near Leeds on August 4th. There will be loads of air cooled in attendance.
I will be there in the 3.2 looking forward to it Go and look at loads of examples and drive a few, no two look, sound or drive the same. There are loads of shows on at this time of year so go along and talk to owners, they generally are really happy to talk to you.
Find out when your next Porsche Owners club meeting is and go along to that and have a chat, they can talk the hind legs of a donkey.
Brilliant cars and ball to own. I said the same as you 8 years ago, lets buy one before they get too expensive. They haven't got there yet but are definitely on the up.
I see that you are based up north somewhere, if not too far from Yorkshire then get in touch, I run the Yorkshire Region of the Porsche club, come along to our big event at Lotherton Hall near Leeds on August 4th. There will be loads of air cooled in attendance.
My only advice is to get on impact bumpers like crimp says & to drive one. I had one & hated it.
Well hate is maybe too strong a word. This car had had a full nut & bolt restoration & was set up perfect but I still didn't enjoy properly driving it, it's a proper antiquated driving experience! I just couldn't get on with it & didn't enjoy driving it fast, I'd have one for bimbling around in of a summers day but personally I just much prefer the 964/993 driving experience.
Well hate is maybe too strong a word. This car had had a full nut & bolt restoration & was set up perfect but I still didn't enjoy properly driving it, it's a proper antiquated driving experience! I just couldn't get on with it & didn't enjoy driving it fast, I'd have one for bimbling around in of a summers day but personally I just much prefer the 964/993 driving experience.
LaurasOtherHalf said:
My only advice is to get on impact bumpers like crimp says & to drive one. I had one & hated it.
Well hate is maybe too strong a word. This car had had a full nut & bolt restoration & was set up perfect but I still didn't enjoy properly driving it, it's a proper antiquated driving experience! I just couldn't get on with it & didn't enjoy driving it fast, I'd have one for bimbling around in of a summers day but personally I just much prefer the 964/993 driving experience.
+1 Well hate is maybe too strong a word. This car had had a full nut & bolt restoration & was set up perfect but I still didn't enjoy properly driving it, it's a proper antiquated driving experience! I just couldn't get on with it & didn't enjoy driving it fast, I'd have one for bimbling around in of a summers day but personally I just much prefer the 964/993 driving experience.
Sorry to all the fans, but we're all different. I had a mint, low miles 1988 Supersport a few years back, and although it looked the 'dogs', I never really got on with the driving experience.
All I'd add, is get out and drive a few examples as you may love them, but as already said, if you go with one, buy the best example you can possibly afford.
Good luck.
PS: Crimp's looks superb and if he decides for any reason in the future to get out of it, I'm sure he won't lose out financially.
He certainly won't lose out financially......
Just been reading "CAR" magazine celebrating 50 yrs of the 911, write up on all the usual suspects (RS's 959's to name a couple of icons)but there is a big write up on the 80's 3.2 Carrera stating its the best classic 911 to buy including supporting comments from Peter Morgan, its the last real 911, with the G50 cars commanding a 5k premium
Anyone betting where the prices are going on these cars then, through the roof no doubt eventually!
Wouldn't mind a Guards Red 3.2 Carrera Sport complete with spoiler and some nice wide 16" fuch wheels!
Must be better than putting money in the bank?
Just been reading "CAR" magazine celebrating 50 yrs of the 911, write up on all the usual suspects (RS's 959's to name a couple of icons)but there is a big write up on the 80's 3.2 Carrera stating its the best classic 911 to buy including supporting comments from Peter Morgan, its the last real 911, with the G50 cars commanding a 5k premium
Anyone betting where the prices are going on these cars then, through the roof no doubt eventually!
Wouldn't mind a Guards Red 3.2 Carrera Sport complete with spoiler and some nice wide 16" fuch wheels!
Must be better than putting money in the bank?
Mr Dead Rate,
Go for it - buy the best you can afford, preferably with a G50 box (but NOT at the expense of body and interior condition). The three most important things to look for (in no particular order) are:- rust, rust and rust...forget BS such as "being galvanised, rust isn't an issue..." it can be and is. If you find a UK market 3.2 Carrera that's had no bodywork done and you can't find any rust, you haven't been looking hard enough! However, from '87 they were cathodic electrocoated, which gives superior corrosion protection to the anodic system used before. But they still rust. On a more positive note, the corrosion has to be pretty serious to affect the structure and minor stuff can wait until you want the lot done.
That's the bad news, the good news is that they are bloody fantastic cars, combining SOME modern creature comforts with the driving experience of an early 911 but with all the vintage feel engineered out. They can still shock unexpecting passengers with their acceleration and will cruise happily at highly illegal speeds. As for the tail-happy reputation, that's yet more BS. Under most conditions, you'd have to be a real tool to loose one.
And one further common misconception - they do not "all need a top end rebuild at 100,000 miles". Mines done 110,000 miles, the engine has never been apart but it neither drips nor burns oil, doesn't smoke (except at start-up) and can still kick a£%e! It all depends on usage and service history - much like any other car, in fact.
I fully understand those that can't get on with them but the only way to find out is to live with one for a while. If you don't like it within a few thousand miles, you probably never will and you'll be able to sell it for more than you paid - if you bought wisely.
Regarding values, I've had mine for four years and ignoring prices quoted, all I can say is that in all honesty I wouldn't sell it for double what I paid for it - THAT'S how much I love my '88 Carrera 3.2!
Go for it - buy the best you can afford, preferably with a G50 box (but NOT at the expense of body and interior condition). The three most important things to look for (in no particular order) are:- rust, rust and rust...forget BS such as "being galvanised, rust isn't an issue..." it can be and is. If you find a UK market 3.2 Carrera that's had no bodywork done and you can't find any rust, you haven't been looking hard enough! However, from '87 they were cathodic electrocoated, which gives superior corrosion protection to the anodic system used before. But they still rust. On a more positive note, the corrosion has to be pretty serious to affect the structure and minor stuff can wait until you want the lot done.
That's the bad news, the good news is that they are bloody fantastic cars, combining SOME modern creature comforts with the driving experience of an early 911 but with all the vintage feel engineered out. They can still shock unexpecting passengers with their acceleration and will cruise happily at highly illegal speeds. As for the tail-happy reputation, that's yet more BS. Under most conditions, you'd have to be a real tool to loose one.
And one further common misconception - they do not "all need a top end rebuild at 100,000 miles". Mines done 110,000 miles, the engine has never been apart but it neither drips nor burns oil, doesn't smoke (except at start-up) and can still kick a£%e! It all depends on usage and service history - much like any other car, in fact.
I fully understand those that can't get on with them but the only way to find out is to live with one for a while. If you don't like it within a few thousand miles, you probably never will and you'll be able to sell it for more than you paid - if you bought wisely.
Regarding values, I've had mine for four years and ignoring prices quoted, all I can say is that in all honesty I wouldn't sell it for double what I paid for it - THAT'S how much I love my '88 Carrera 3.2!
Edited by bluesboy on Wednesday 17th July 15:40
I'm with LOH and carcrazy on this.
I can't see if you have driven one or not yet. I'd try before you buy. Lovely old car, but SC or 3.2 is an aquired taste to some.
I agree with other posters that prices are climbing fast for the 3.2, and fair play to that. That brings other varibles into the equation though. 1, IMO a 964 has a far better cabin, and more modern feel and because of the way 3,2 prices are going, possibly now more car for your bucks, 2, Prices of the 3.2 are getting well into (past?) higher mileage 993 values.
I know you wanted a 1970 - 80s 911, but a 993 is a serious bit of quick kit, with old fashion quirks and sublime 911 compared to a 3.2 or earlier in road driving experience IMO.
Just saying that, whilst with the wad in your hand, maybe give the SC, 3.2, the 964 and 993 a go.
I can't see if you have driven one or not yet. I'd try before you buy. Lovely old car, but SC or 3.2 is an aquired taste to some.
I agree with other posters that prices are climbing fast for the 3.2, and fair play to that. That brings other varibles into the equation though. 1, IMO a 964 has a far better cabin, and more modern feel and because of the way 3,2 prices are going, possibly now more car for your bucks, 2, Prices of the 3.2 are getting well into (past?) higher mileage 993 values.
I know you wanted a 1970 - 80s 911, but a 993 is a serious bit of quick kit, with old fashion quirks and sublime 911 compared to a 3.2 or earlier in road driving experience IMO.
Just saying that, whilst with the wad in your hand, maybe give the SC, 3.2, the 964 and 993 a go.
Wozy68 said:
I'm with LOH and carcrazy on this.
I can't see if you have driven one or not yet. I'd try before you buy. Lovely old car, but SC or 3.2 is an aquired taste to some.
I agree with other posters that prices are climbing fast for the 3.2, and fair play to that. That brings other varibles into the equation though. 1, IMO a 964 has a far better cabin, and more modern feel and because of the way 3,2 prices are going, possibly now more car for your bucks, 2, Prices of the 3.2 are getting well into (past?) higher mileage 993 values.
I know you wanted a 1970 - 80s 911, but a 993 is a serious bit of quick kit, with old fashion quirks and sublime 911 compared to a 3.2 or earlier in road driving experience IMO.
Just saying that, whilst with the wad in your hand, maybe give the SC, 3.2, the 964 and 993 a go.
No has to be a 3.2, I have driven one and I like the experience and proper old school feel, torsion bar suspension, no driver aids.I can't see if you have driven one or not yet. I'd try before you buy. Lovely old car, but SC or 3.2 is an aquired taste to some.
I agree with other posters that prices are climbing fast for the 3.2, and fair play to that. That brings other varibles into the equation though. 1, IMO a 964 has a far better cabin, and more modern feel and because of the way 3,2 prices are going, possibly now more car for your bucks, 2, Prices of the 3.2 are getting well into (past?) higher mileage 993 values.
I know you wanted a 1970 - 80s 911, but a 993 is a serious bit of quick kit, with old fashion quirks and sublime 911 compared to a 3.2 or earlier in road driving experience IMO.
Just saying that, whilst with the wad in your hand, maybe give the SC, 3.2, the 964 and 993 a go.
The looks are beautiful too
DeadRate said:
Wozy68 said:
I'm with LOH and carcrazy on this.
I can't see if you have driven one or not yet. I'd try before you buy. Lovely old car, but SC or 3.2 is an aquired taste to some.
I agree with other posters that prices are climbing fast for the 3.2, and fair play to that. That brings other varibles into the equation though. 1, IMO a 964 has a far better cabin, and more modern feel and because of the way 3,2 prices are going, possibly now more car for your bucks, 2, Prices of the 3.2 are getting well into (past?) higher mileage 993 values.
I know you wanted a 1970 - 80s 911, but a 993 is a serious bit of quick kit, with old fashion quirks and sublime 911 compared to a 3.2 or earlier in road driving experience IMO.
Just saying that, whilst with the wad in your hand, maybe give the SC, 3.2, the 964 and 993 a go.
No has to be a 3.2, I have driven one and I like the experience and proper old school feel, torsion bar suspension, no driver aids.I can't see if you have driven one or not yet. I'd try before you buy. Lovely old car, but SC or 3.2 is an aquired taste to some.
I agree with other posters that prices are climbing fast for the 3.2, and fair play to that. That brings other varibles into the equation though. 1, IMO a 964 has a far better cabin, and more modern feel and because of the way 3,2 prices are going, possibly now more car for your bucks, 2, Prices of the 3.2 are getting well into (past?) higher mileage 993 values.
I know you wanted a 1970 - 80s 911, but a 993 is a serious bit of quick kit, with old fashion quirks and sublime 911 compared to a 3.2 or earlier in road driving experience IMO.
Just saying that, whilst with the wad in your hand, maybe give the SC, 3.2, the 964 and 993 a go.
The looks are beautiful too
bluesboy said:
And apart form the gear lever, a 964 cabin is all but identical to a 3.2. Get one fitted with the factory short-shift (I'll look up the option code if you're interested) and even the long lever ceases to be a consideration. Come to think of it, a interior 993 isn't too far removed from a 3.2!
Quite, just the dials etc are a little more modern, but IMO the later cars drive a bit more modern. The OP has now said he he has driven and wants a 3.2 and thats fair enough. It wasn't a dish at the earlier 911s, just food for thought with his budget.
Edited by Wozy68 on Wednesday 17th July 18:58
Lovely cars but as mentioned earlier pay for a PPI if you're not confident. I don't always do that but I tend to know what i'm looking for in the cars I've owned, i'm always willing to view cars for a couple of beers if it helps anybody.........................now there's a thought (Crimp Inspections??) 
Wozy68 said:
It wasn't a dish at the earlier 911s, just food for thought with his budget.
Wasn't taken as such and you make fair comments and valid observations. However, having driven countless 911's both younger and older than my 3.2, despite enjoying every mile in them, it only serves to further convince me that for the true 911 experience, the G50 Carrera 3.2 is peerless. They are truely one of the greatest cars ever built - by anyone, not just Porsche!Edited by Wozy68 on Wednesday 17th July 18:58
bluesboy said:
Wasn't taken as such and you make fair comments and valid observations. However, having driven countless 911's both younger and older than my 3.2, despite enjoying every mile in them, it only serves to further convince me that for the true 911 experience, the G50 Carrera 3.2 is peerless. They are truely one of the greatest cars ever built - by anyone, not just Porsche!
I agree completely. The last of the proper analogue 911's. A better drive than a 964RS imo. graemel said:
bluesboy said:
Wasn't taken as such and you make fair comments and valid observations. However, having driven countless 911's both younger and older than my 3.2, despite enjoying every mile in them, it only serves to further convince me that for the true 911 experience, the G50 Carrera 3.2 is peerless. They are truely one of the greatest cars ever built - by anyone, not just Porsche!
I agree completely. The last of the proper analogue 911's. A better drive than a 964RS imo. Another one here who doesn't get them unfortunately. They drive a bit too old for me and when I had one my daily driver BMW was better at everything apart from looks and noise.
Seemed a bit pointless having a weekend car that was worse than my daily hack.
The air-cooled sweetspot for me is a 964. Original silhouette, proper brakes, steering and ventilation. Old enough yet modern enough.
3.2 carreras are pure porn to look at though and a true icon, so that's what I prefer to do, admire other peoples, but own something else. Only minor gripe on the looks is that the body looks a bit too skinny for the big wing. A ducktail looks better but isn't original or just de-spoilered but I like the front valance so that would cause conflict.
Anyway, OP definitely try them before putting your money in one. Yeah you may not lose anything but it's still hassle that could be avoided by buying the right car first.
Seemed a bit pointless having a weekend car that was worse than my daily hack.
The air-cooled sweetspot for me is a 964. Original silhouette, proper brakes, steering and ventilation. Old enough yet modern enough.
3.2 carreras are pure porn to look at though and a true icon, so that's what I prefer to do, admire other peoples, but own something else. Only minor gripe on the looks is that the body looks a bit too skinny for the big wing. A ducktail looks better but isn't original or just de-spoilered but I like the front valance so that would cause conflict.
Anyway, OP definitely try them before putting your money in one. Yeah you may not lose anything but it's still hassle that could be avoided by buying the right car first.
zero corrosion said:
Do you think this why all the experts are predicting they are the next big thing?
I think so. They are the last 911 to retain the true dna of the 1964 car. I've owned and driven a fair few 911's over the years and a 3.2 is what does it for me. I prefer the G50 gearbox and the larger fresh air vents from I think 86 or 85 on. The only thing I find annoying is the roar of the fresh air motors. The 964 had a sort of rear wheel steer built into the rear railing arms by using large rubber bushes. The 993's rubber mounted rear subframe also gives that rear end rubbery movement over bumps mid corner.
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff