1988 Porsche 911

3.2-liter boxer

G-50 5-speed manual

WP0EB0913JS171455

Cherished California Cabriolet: 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 G-50! Porsche experts agree: the 1987-89 Carrera is the best 911 ever built. It is the last 911 to feature a body style now considered "classic" and the first to incorporate technological advancements such as the vaunted BOSCH Motronic engine management and the fabulous G-50 transmission with hydraulic clutch operation. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Sure, subsequent generations of the 911 yielded good cars, too, but the late-eighties Carrera seems to have struck the perfect balance between old school and jet age. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Original, low-mileage 3.2 Carreras have already made the smooth transition from dream car to sought-after collectible. Highly coveted are examples of the Cabriolet, being among the fastest convertibles money can buy. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet presented here, VIN *WP0EB0913JS171455*, was built in February of 1988 as one of just 2,116 examples headed for the U.S. and purchased new on August 25, 1988 at Hollywood Porsche by a wealthy Los Angeles entrepreneur, who always had it serviced by the book, mostly at Bob Smith Porsche and at Vasek Polak Porsche, as 17 stamps in the service booklet can attest to, irrefutably backed up by dozens of maintenance records. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) For the avid collector, it is a thrill to find a 24 year-old car that comes as completely documented as this Porsche. Having been driven just 5,000 miles annually, on average, this sunny-day toy is accompanied not only by its factory owner's manual, service booklet and assorted other brochures in the original merlot vinyl pouch, but also comes with fifty-eight (58) pages of receipts for parts purchased and labor performed during those years, totalling exactly $16,260.19. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Let's begin our inspection now, up front, under the hood, where neglect tends to manifest itself first. We remove the clean gray felt trunk mat . . . Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) . . . to give you a glimpse at the outstanding state of an area that's normally hidden from view. It's all original, down to the factory paint patterns. Inflatable spare and tire jack have never touched the ground. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Trunk details to make a dyed-in-the-wool enthusiast's heart skip a beat, from the damage-free "nose" section to the original tool kit and preserved paint label. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Let's get back to the car's exterior. An important option is the electrically operated cabriolet top (M439). There are no latches to lock or unlock, one button does everything--and it all works perfectly! Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Dark blue German canvas convertible top and matching tonneau cover are both in superb condition, with outstanding fit, free of any tears or worn spots. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The car has never been lowered; it appears rust and accident free and still carries its original, factory-applied Grand Prix White paint (code L 908). Porsche's beautiful body is arrow-straight and the paint displays a flawless shine. There are no dents, scrapes, nicks, bubbles, or scratches, just one very small ding on the right front fender, but nothing to cause even the fussiest collector sleepless nights. Pictures may not always be able to tell the whole story; rest assured, this Carrera is in a league of its own. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view What would a classic 911 be without a set of the iconic FUCHS wheels? Our cab wears 7Jx16 wheels up front, shod with brand spankin' new HANKOOK Ventus V12 Evo K110 205/55ZR-16 super high performance radials, and 8Jx16 alloys out back, fitted with equally new HANKOOKs of the correct size 225/50ZR-16. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) It's hard to believe that this fabulous car just celebrated its 24th birthday! The interior looks (and smells) virtually like new; there's no premature wear on the leather seats, no worn carpeting or sagging door panels. Rear seat/luggage area looks like it has never been used. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Dash layout is pure, classic 911. There's a lengthy list of noteworthy options, including: Leather seats with electrical adjustments, left (M378) Leather-covered door panels Power windows (M651) Central locking system with integrated alarm (M533) Power mirrors, left and right Cruise control (M454) 6-speaker Hi-Fi sound system Rectangular fog lights (M566) Automatic two-point rear seat belts (M185) Click on any of the above images for a full-size view The classic, white-on-black VDO gauges all work perfectly, even the clock. In fact, everything is functioning as it should, including the factory air conditioning (M573) and automatic heating control. Vulnerable dash top is free of splits or cracks -- this Cab has always been garaged. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Excellently preserved leather front seats. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Immaculate rear area; seat backs fold down to create additional luggage space, if needed. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Ready for a test drive? So are we, but let's take a good look at engine and undercarriage before we leave. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Residing in a toothbrush-clean engine bay, the fabled 3.2-liter boxer runs every bit as good as it looks. It never needed any work beyond regular servicing and age-related replacement of oil and fuel lines. Less than 100 miles ago, a new clutch was installed, a perfect opportunity to fit a new engine sound deadening pad, c.v. boot, mainshaft seal and clutch bearing guide. At over $4,000.00, this was not a cheap service, but well worth it. Consequently, there are no oil leaks and there's no exhaust smoke on initial start-up, either. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Delivering 217 teutonic horses at 5,900 rpm, the matching numbers engine runs and feels like it just emerged from the showroom floor. The pristinely preserved undercarriage shows no hint of rust or accident damage, just factory paint finishes over German steel. Did you expect anything less from this show-ready 911? By the way, the caramel-colored stuff here and there is the factory-applied Cosmoline wax. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Here's where the a great car differs from a merely good example: The original finishes are still completely intact, down to remnants of the original, golden brown, protective spray-on wax sealer. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Wednesday, June 14, turned out to be another lovely day here in San Buenaventura. We headed out bright and early, top down, for our test drive and photo session. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) This Carrera is among the smoothest performers we've encountered among all the pre-1990 Porsches we've owned over the years. It starts, runs, drives, handles, and stops just like it did in 1988, when it was brand new. There's no squeak or rattle, no vibration or shimmy anywhere. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Its GETRAG G-50 5-speed transmission with its BORG WARNER synchromesh system certainly can handle the Carrera motor's torque; the hydraulic clutch ensures ease of operation. The sound of a rear-engined, six cylinder Porsche is still the sexiest roar in the universe. On the open highway, we had a blast! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Returning home, we marvel at the incredible value this '88 Carrera Cab has to offer. Perfectly suited for daily driving duties, it's a gas miser, easy to maintain (remember the famous Carrera chain tensioners), inexpensive to insure, highly collectible (thus fully accepted by the PCA crowd), and looks as good as a late-model Ferrari Spyder, at a fraction of the cost. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) A low production model to begin with, you will rarely see a 1988 Carrera Cabriolet in this fine condition offered for sale. Here's a golden opportunity to acquire one of the few unmolested survivors to appear on the open market, as most of its brethren have long since retreated to enthusiast's climate-controlled garages or were sent back to the Fatherland, where they're worth a small fortune! You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, perform your due diligence before you bid. Please, note that this car is currently advertised on our Web site and on display in our Showroom. We reserve the right to accept a satisfactory offer and close this auction at any time. Feel free to contact us via e-mail at bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at (805) 653-5551. TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! We require a $1,000 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title and a current smog certificate. It is sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. License plate shown for photographic purposes only. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies. We ship worldwide. For more information about Californiaclassix, please click on the link below: About Auction Presentation, Image Hosting, & Copyright © 1999-2012 by Californiaclassix.com™. All Rights Reserved. Californiaclassix.com™ is a Registered Trademark. In compliance with eBay's Rules and Regulations, no part of this presentation may be reproduced without written permission of the author. E-mail inquiries to the webmaster@californiaclassix.com.