1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Cabriolet
Just 18,265 miles from new

The introduction of the 964-coded 911 in 1989 represented a product refresh by Porsche designers on almost every level. The Stuttgart marque claimed that its next-generation 911 was “85 per cent new” compared to the version it replaced. Cosmetically, the type-964 was more refined with integrated bumpers, while its sleek profile not only aided visual appeal but drastically improved the 911’s aerodynamics. The model was available in Cabriolet, Coupé, or Targa form, with the latter making for the rarest cars. Coincidentally, the 964 represented the last generation that Porsche offered a Targa roof until it was revived with the type-991 in 2011.

Mechanically, the type-964 benefitted from an all-new type-M64 engine. The naturally aspirated flat-six displaced 3.6 litres for a factory-rated 247 horsepower. Porsche overhauled the suspension set-up, replacing torsion bars with coil springs and shock absorbers, while power steering and ABS were both included as standard for the first time. As another first for Porsche, cars badged Carrera 4 offered all-wheel drive. While the Carrera 2 arrived one year into 964 production to appease purists pining for a rear-wheel-drive set-up, Porsche engineers gave power to all four wheels to compensate for the weight of the rear-mounted engine, in a bid to improve handling. A similar configuration was found in the 959, produced alongside the 964. Autocar's performance figures for the manual gearbox Coupe were 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 158mph. The total number of 964s produced was 53,180, of which 11,013 were Carrera 2 Cabriolets.

A C16 UK car with the Tiptronic transmission and just 18,265 miles from new, ‘H261 XYW’ was supplied new by AFN Porsche of London, with the first owner being a Miss K R Martin from London, before being purchased by its second keeper in 1991 who sadly became ill and the Porsche was laid up in 1993. Some years after his passing his widow placed the car in her name in 2021 when the decision was made to sell the car. Since that time the Carrera 2 Cabriolet has benefitted from an extensive mechanical overhaul and repaint by J K Engineering which culminated in the complete repaint of the Cabriolet on a rotisserie in its original shade of 38H (viola-blau). On the running gear side, the gearbox, suspension, brakes were given an overhaul and the wheels were refurbished and shod with new tyres. The interior has been treated to a trim and refresh and in addition there was a new Soft-top roof for the Cabriolet. For the engine work, the vendor sent the job to be carried out by the RennSport, where the engine was the subject of an extensive overhaul utilising their expertise. As part of the restoration process some £16,000 in parts have been purchased from Porsche Reading (invoices on file). Offered with 'H261 XYW' are a collection of invoices from Porsche Reading, the original owner’s wallet, handbook and service book with 3 entries. The original factory options are as follows: 249 Tiptronic S transmission, 328 Radio Blaupunkt Bremen or Symphony, 383 & 397 Sport seat left & right, 494 2 speakers on back shelf, 567 Windshield green graduated tint, 659 Onboard computer. Additionally, it is expected to be at the auction with a fresh MOT certificate.