1984 Porsche 911

In 1984 Porsche revived the Carrera name, which had been used sporadically since 1953. The flat-six air-cooled engine was enlarged to 3.2 litres and rated at 200 bhp. This was the fifth increase in displacement since 1964’s 1,991 cc engine and was accomplished by combining the Turbo’s 74.4 mm stroke with the SC’s 95 mm bore. The Porsche Carrera 3.2 continued the Porsche tradition of producing high quality 2+2 sports cars with rear engine/ rear wheel drive configuration. It was available in coupe, cabriolet, Targa, lightweight ‘Club Sport’, Supersport and Speedster forms.

Changes from the Porsche 911 SC were many, although styling remained similar. The fuel injection was changed from “K-jetronic” to the new Digital Motor Electronics, or “Motronic “ system with an electronic ignition, leading to more power and better mileage.

Other improvements included thicker brake rotors, and a brake proportioning system from the Porsche 928. Fog lights were moved into the front spoiler and an optional “Turbo Look” package Officially called the M491 Supersport package in the UK) offered the flared wheel arches and improved handling of the Porsche 911 930.

For 1985, the Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera warranty was doubled to two years unlimited mileage on the car, rust warranty increased from seven to 10 years and the power train warranty went up to five years/50,000 miles. A driver’s side power seat was also offered.

In 1986 the Porche 911 3.2 Turbo Carrera was launched and a power hood option was offered on the cabriolet. Porsche found more horsepower for 1987 and improved the cam-chain tensioner and oiling system, solving a problem that dated back to 1963. Most cars now have this update. A new Getrag five-speed transmission proved much better able to handle the extra power, but the new hydraulic clutch would undergo a number of improvements before it was satisfactory.

With the new 964 model on the horizon in 1989, the only significant change was the addition of a bigger 1,050-watt alternator, to cope with the air conditioning and other power equipment. However it proved to have a limited 40,000-mile lifespan, and on failure overcharged the battery.

The most interesting addition in 1989 was a new Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster, very much in the tradition of the original 1950s model. Designer Tony Lapine fitted a lower, raked windshield, cut-down top and a twin “camel-hump” cover which fitted over the awkward minimal top when it was stowed. There was no back seat, no ABS, and it cost as much as the upcoming Carrera 2 cabriolet.

Between 1987 and 1989, the Porsche Carrera 3.2 Club Sport (CS) was sold. This M637 version was lightened and had a number of performance upgrades, and was intended for performance and racing use.

Today, the Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera is sought-after as a 1980s classic. Club Sport, Supersport and Speedster models are all very collectable and demand a premium on price.

Alternative Porsche cars from the era include the earlier Porsche 911 SC, the turbo-charged Porsche 911 930, and the front-engine Porsche 928, 924 and 944. Similar sports cars from other manufacturers include the Aston Martin DBS V8, the Jaguar XJS, the Ferrari 308 GTB and the Maserati Merak SS.