Porsche’s reintroduction of the Carrera moniker in 1984 was a sensation. With a newly developed 3.2 liter engine paired with Bosch fuel injection, the cars developed over 200 bhp. The Type 915 gearbox retained the notchy, vintage feel of the earlier cars. The brake system was treated to larger rear-caliper pistons and a larger brake booster, thicker discs, and valving to limit front wheel lockup. The car weighed in at only 2800 pounds. If you fancied going 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds, this was your car. Today’s example here on eBay is located in Moorpark, California, with spirited bidding currently at $21,875.
Sporting a whale tail, black on black color scheme, and a Targa top, this car’s indicated mileage is only 48,924. Purists may want more than the clean CARFAX provided here as documentation to back up the mileage, but if it proves out, this is a desirable car. We’re told the car’s condition is excellent and the car runs and shifts as it should. That said, the engine bay could use a spiffing. While it retains most of its instruction and specification stickers, age has dulled the finishes here. A few afternoon’s worth of work would bring the business end of this machine into shape for casual shows.
Inside, the stock steering wheel has been replaced with what appears to be a Momo version. The front seats display some scuffing. We aren’t shown the back seats but if this example is like most Porsche’s, they probably didn’t get much use. The portion of the dash we can see is clean without cracking, and the shift knob is correct. The Blaupunkt radio has been replaced by a CD player. If you’re a stickler for stock, you’ll find that the original steering wheel and a Blaupunkt radio suitable to this car will set you back a pretty penny – but they can be had. Prospective buyers should check the flimsy door pockets, too: these have a habit of losing alignment over time.
The trunk photo shows the space-saver spare missing its hold-down. The correct grey carpet is present. Here again, there’s room for improvement in the cleanliness department. We don’t know anything about the undercarriage, and the black paint is difficult to evaluate from the photos supplied. Still, this 911 Carrera could be a solid prospect for taking to the next level. The price is likely to run quite a bit higher than the current bid before the auction ends. Is this one worth putting on your watch list?
Problem with the early 911’s was that it was too easy to unplug the odometer. No tools needed 5 minute job. Most people serious about a 911 purchase know service records are a top priority for that very same reason. Without service records this car should be considered TMU and just by looking at the overall condition and the missing A/C compressor tells me this car has a colorful past and smells like Sepia brown. Buyer beware and at the very least pay $500 for pre-purchase inspection and a cylinder leak down.
The Targa was introduced in ’66 along with the coupe so doesn’t that make it a classic design?
Maybe, but it sure don’t make it purty. Some cars don’t look good naked, this is one of them, at least I sure think so. So does my wife. I actually almost (!!!) got her talked into a used 911 years ago. Dealer had a regular one and one of these. She looked at me and said I definingly couldn’t have that. Long story short, never got my Porsche, son and later DTR needed braces. I think I needed the P Car more, but someone how I lost that vote.
I have owned a 1982 Targa and currently own a 1985 Targa, 1998 coupe and 2004 cabriolet. The coupe is the best looking silhouette. The Targa is the most useful.
I drive the cars on nice days, I like the top off. If it is a little cool out but sunny, I can turn the heat on in the Targa and stay warm. This is especially useful for fall and early summer mountain driving where the sun comes and goes.
Those who discount a Targa have probably not owned one.
I never understood why owners install the Tea Tray Turbo (930) spoiler on their cars. The standard Carrera spoiler is just as nice and is correct one for this model vehicle.