One of the most notable advances in the development of Porsche’s long-running 911 was the introduction for 1984 of the 3.2-litre engine, which was 80% new and incorporated an effective cam chain tensioner and associated lubrication system that at last addressed a perennial 911 shortcoming. With 230bhp on tap, the new ‘boxer’ motor endowed the Carrera with a stunning level of performance: a 0-60mph time of 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 152mph. Although it enjoyed a 52 horsepower advantage, the Turbo was only marginally faster, and most considered the normally aspirated Carrera easier to drive.
For the increasing number of customers that coveted the Turbo’s distinctive ‘wide body’ look but did not need its marginally superior performance, Porsche introduced the SSE package, also known as the Supersport, which could be specified for other models in the 911 range. In addition to the wide body, the SSE (option code M491) included the Turbo’s spoilers; suspension; four-piston brake callipers; 16″ forged alloy wheels; and low-profile tyres. Despite adding considerably to the purchase price, the SSE package proved surprisingly popular, with almost 75,000 delivered worldwide between 1984 and 1989. Only 75 right-hand drive examples were delivered to the UK, of which a mere 15 were Targa models like that offered here.
This Carrera Targa SSE has partial service history with Kirkby Motors Paradise Garage, with invoices dating from around 2004. Currently displaying an odometer reading of 89,970 miles and MoT’d to October 2022, the car is offered with its Blaupunkt car radio passport (with code); a V5C document; and a substantial quantity of old MoTs.