
A late-production UK Sports Coupe with G50 manuel gearbox, extensive history, and
The Sports Coupe was a UK-only run-out edition of the 3.2 Carrera, marking the final iteration of the impact-bumper 911. This edition came with uprated Bilstein shocks, sportier seats, front valance and the iconic ‘whale tail’. As a late 1989 example, this car sits at the very end of that lineage—just prior to the arrival of the 964—and represents the most resolved and usable expression of the classic air-cooled formula.
Supplied new by Merlin Porsche of Nottingham (Pendragon), its early life reflected the speculative strength of the late 1980s market, passing through initial ownership—including Merlin Porsche themselves—with just 781 miles recorded before entering regular use from 1992. By that stage, it remained effectively unrun.
It is, importantly, a G50-equipped car. Introduced in 1987, the G50 gearbox brought a step-change in shift quality, precision and durability over the earlier 915, fundamentally improving the driving experience. Combined with Bosch Motronic engine management, it delivers the reliability and usability expected of a much more modern car.
The late 3.2 Carrera occupies a clearly defined position. Earlier long-bonnet cars now require a degree of mechanical sympathy that limits regular use, while later 964 and 993 models introduce greater complexity.
The 3.2 avoids both. It retains mechanical clarity and analogue feel, yet with sufficient development to make it genuinely practical—easy to drive, easy to place, and consistently rewarding across all conditions.
Finished in its original Linen Grey with a light grey interior, the presentation is clean and cohesive. A glass-out, bare-metal respray in 2019, completed in the original factory colour, remains exceptionally fresh with minimal mileage covered since this work was undertaken. The car retains a strong sense of factory correctness, an increasingly important factor as the market continues to favour originality. The bare metal respray also gave time to deal with known areas of corrosion, and to perform preventative measures. Original parts including the steering wheel and radio header unit have been retained with the car for completeness.
The service history is comprehensive and meticulously structured. This includes 21 services, all supported by documented invoices. In the last 20 years alone, over £49,000 has been spent on maintenance and restoration. Early main dealer servicing, including AFN Reading, transitioned to recognised specialists, such as Autofarm and Leigh’s Garage in Fulham.
In January 2006, at 88,276 miles, the engine was comprehensively rebuilt by Leigh’s Garage at a cost exceeding £21,000—work undertaken with longevity as the priority.
Acquired by its current custodian in 2021 at approximately 110,000 miles, it was selected as a clear, honest example of the final G50 3.2. Subsequent improvements, including a stainless steel exhaust and upgraded heat exchangers, have been carried out with restraint, enhancing usability and character while preserving the car’s integrity. It has been maintained by specialists Dove House, who at the end of 2025 carried out a service, including replacement of all fluids and obtaining a fresh MOT. As a package, this is a precise example of why the 3.2 Carrera continues to gain traction: robust, engaging, and straightforward to use.
The Sports Coupe designation adds a distinct layer of rarity to an already well-resolved model—placing it firmly as a limited, end-of-series 911 with genuine usability at its core.