Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 1985 review
Photo: Ermell (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Carrera 3.2 is the sweet spot of air-cooled 911 ownership: the last of the truly analogue 911s before power steering and electronic aids arrived, with the bigger, torquier 3.2-litre engine and Bosch Motronic management that made the car both faster and more tractable than the 911 SC it replaced.
The driving experience is pure classic 911. The flat-six wails towards 6,000rpm, the unassisted steering weights up beautifully, and the rear-engined balance rewards smooth inputs. With 231PS in European trim, 0-60mph takes under six seconds and the top speed is 152mph — properly quick even today.
Buying well means paying for history. Engine rebuilds cost five figures, so a documented top-end rebuild is a plus rather than a worry. Check for accident damage, oil leaks, synchro wear in the 915 gearbox and the condition of the heat exchangers. Galvanised bodies resist rust well, but sills, kidney bowls and the windscreen surround still need inspection.
UK price from: £64,995
Specifications
| Engine | 3.2L air-cooled flat-six petrol (3164cc) |
| Power | 231 PS (228 bhp) @ 5,900 rpm |
| 0-60 mph | 5.9 seconds (approx.) |
| Top speed | 152 mph (245 km/h) |
| Production years | 1984-1989 (Carrera 3.2) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 1,210 kg |
| Fuel economy | ~22 mpg (approx.) |
| Torque | 284 Nm @ 4,800 rpm |
Features
- 3.2-litre air-cooled flat-six (Bosch Motronic)
- 231PS in European specification
- 5-speed manual 915 gearbox
- Fuchs forged alloy wheels
- Sports seats with electric adjustment
- Electric sunroof and windows
- Whale-tail rear spoiler (optional)
- Galvanised body shell
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £79.99 | Four-wheel disc brakes, standard fitment |
| Clutch kit | £449.99 | Sachs or equivalent; gearbox-out job |
| Oil filter | £19.99 | Change with quality oil every 6,000 miles |
| Spark plugs (set of 6) | £29.99 | Correct heat range for the 3.2 engine |
| Front strut inserts (pair) | £199.99 | Restores the classic 911 front-end feel |
| Valve cover gaskets | £39.99 | Cures the classic air-cooled oil weep |
Pros
- Last of the raw, analogue air-cooled 911s
- Strong, tractable engine with real performance
- Galvanised bodies cope well with UK weather
- Blue-chip status — values are well supported
Cons
- Engine rebuilds are very expensive
- 915 gearbox can be notchy when worn
- US-spec cars have less power (207bhp)
- Running costs are Porsche-sized, not VW-sized
