This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, Supercar Fest Sale of Iconic and Classic Cars 2024 on Saturday the 18th of May, Sywell Aerodrome, Sywell, Northampton, NN6 0BN. Development of the Porsche 911 continued through the 1980s, with perhaps the most notable advance immediately prior to the manufacture of this 1986 model, being the introduction of the 3.2-litre engine for 1984. Although it remained an air-cooled flat-six, the '3.2' was 80% new and incorporated an effective cam-chain tensioner and associated lubrication system that at last addressed a perennial 911 shortcoming. With 230bhp available, the new 'boxer' power unit endowed the Carrera with excellent performance, the bald statistics being a 0-60mph time of 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 152mph. Although it enjoyed a 52bhp advantage, the 911 Turbo was only marginally faster, having a top speed of 157mph, while most considered the normally-aspirated 911 Carrera much easier to drive without the Turbo's notorious 'little ways'. Consequently there were an increasing number of affluent potential 911 customers that coveted the Turbo's distinctive 'wide body' look but felt more at home with the more approachable 3.2 Carrera and, quick to respond to public demand, Porsche introduced the 'Option M491 Turbo-look' or 'SuperSport' as it later became known in the UK.
Initially, Option M491 was only available on a Coupe through the 'Special Wishes' programme, but was later extended to include a Turbo-Look Targa and Cabriolet in 1985, then became an official model from 1986. From 1987 the designation was officially known as SSE (SuperSport Equipment). In addition to the wide bodywork, the package included a limited-slip differential, the stiffer suspension and four-piston brake callipers from the 930 Turbo, a wrap-around deep chin-spoiler, the famous 'tea-tray' rear spoiler, and 16" forged alloy wheels with low-profile tyres. However, it was not a cheap option, adding over £10,000 to the cost of a standard 3.2 Carrera by the end of the model's life in 1989.
As an option rather than an outright model, the SuperSport is not just the rarest Porsche of its era but the most challenging to pin down officially, however we understand that this fabulous car is one of just 34 Coupes supplied to the UK, as designated by its option codes C16 and 491. The Porsche Certificate of Authenticity confirms the car's build date as 2nd November 1987 prior to being delivered by Lancaster Garages of Norwich later that month with the stickered option codes confirming it was finished in Schwartz with a full leather interior. The detailed history file retains old MOTs, period tax discs, historic maintenance receipts by main dealer and marque specialists, a photographic record of the extensive, yet sympathetic, restoration in 2012, book packs and the service book.
Purchased by our vendor on 1st August 2002 it was restored and subsequently maintained regardless of infrequent use, with less than 2,000 miles added since purchase to the current odometer reading of 107,415 miles, at the time of cataloguing.
This rare motorcar has been preserved for future generations with the distinction of a meticulously curated history file and an odometer reading that should be treated as an historical fact. Offered with an advisory-free MOT Certificate valid until January 2024 and its Swansea V5C.