Porsche experts agree: the 1987-89 Carrera is the best 911 ever built. Why? It's simple, really. It is the last 911 to feature a body style now considered "classic" and the first to incorporate technological advancements such as the vaunted GETRAG G-50 transmission.
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The Carrera struck the perfect balance between old school and jet age. It is a far cry from the hyper-complex, bloated, electronically regulated, heavyweight 4-seater offered up by Zuffenhausen today. No, this Carrera is the last user friendly Porsche that can be worked on with hand tools instead of plug-and-play computers. Thusly, 25 years later, the last 3.2 Carreras are eminently collectible sports cars.
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But there's still a pecking order among the best of the best. The blue chip collectibles are, not surprisingly, both 1989 models -- the best of the last:
- the 1989 Carrera Speedster, already a $100,000.00-plus car, and
- the 1989 Carrera Silver Jubilee Collector's Edition, celebrating 25 years of Porsche's 911 model.
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Built during the month of April, 1989, this very uncommon Porsche, VIN *WP0AB0914KS121082*, has been a California resident all of its life. Owned by a wonderful Lady of Swedish descent, it was sold brand new on 6/29/1989 at Columbus Motors in Bakersfield and spent all its life in this dry Central California city. Just three hundred 1989 Jubilee models were slated to be sold in the US (out of 1,000 worldwide), and this particular 911 is one of less than 140 silvermetallic M098 Coupes ever produced. A rare bird, indeed!
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A full set of factory books and manuals, still inside the original vinyl pouch, accompanies the car. Recent service records total $17,308.84 and include a first-class paint job in the original color, new door, windshield, and sunroof seals, a new windshield with integrated antenna, new sunroof cables, A/C and F/I work, as well as several minor items. It's a very well-kept specimen, one that was only driven less than 4,000 miles annually, on average. Low miles, a single owner, books and records, a clean Carfax report, and documented service history -- it doesn't get better than this . . .
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Having been properly stored in a climate-controlled environment its entire life, never exposed to rain, let alone snow or road salt, this 911 appears like it has just emerged from a plastic vacuum bubble. The silver-knit-carpeted trunk holds a complete tool roll and original tire inflation compressor kit. Even the original OWAFIX gloves and small plastic tarp provided by thoughtful Porsche marketing men to protect your clothing in case of an emergency roadside tire change are still present.
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The "naked" trunk reveals the naked truth. Here, everything is as virginal as it gets. Concours ready, literally.
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Unused, inflatable spare, factory tire jack, correct battery, working trunk light and hood shocks. All the original, factory-applied labels and tags are in place as well.
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Pristine undercarriage. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view |
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Above photos show the reference-quality undercarriage in more detail. Make sure you enlarge them to their full size by clicking on the thumbnail images.
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The Silver Jubilee model came only in one version: fully equipped. Apart from jubilee-only items such as the special paint and interior colors, color-coded Fuchs wheels, and unique center console, options included -- but were not limited to -- locking rear differential, short shifter, rear wiper, whale tail, electric sunroof, cruise control, high intensity w/s washers and Hi-Fi sound system.
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Seven and eight-inch Fuchs alloys present themselves in the original, unique factory finish and are shod with MICHELIN high-performance tires of the correct sizes.
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Porsche's coachwork has remained free of accidents and presents arrow-straight, with all original body panels and perfect shut lines. There are no dings, dents, scratches or any other issues that would cause even the fussiest collector sleepless nights. The silvermetallic (factory code 980) finish is smooth, glossy, and free of blemishes. The term "garage queen" comes to mind when gazing at this fabulous automobile.
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Classic 911 interior provides plenty of space, even for 6'6"-tall NBA players. Car is fully optioned with ice cold A/C, power disc brakes, power seats, power mirrors, power windows, and even cruise control. Everything works perfectly, as new.
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The black, perforated headliner was installed in 2010. Sunvisors are pristine. Electric sunroof works perfectly, as do the dome lights.
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The iconic 911 cockpit features five large, circular, white-on-black dials with bright orange pointers, a timeless design. You can't improve upon perfection! Everything is bone stock and unmodified, down to the BLAUPUNKT Reno SQR46 stereo, the steering wheel and shift knob.
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All the gauges work, including the clock. Silver colored leather steering wheel is exclusive to the 1989 Silver Jubilee model.
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The inviting, 6-way power front seats feature the jubilee-only ruffled leather in the exclusive gray silk color with contrasting piping, matching the gray silk velour carpeting. Everything is beautifully preserved; even some of that typical Porsche "new car" smell is still in evidence!
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Leather rear seats, featuring 3-point belts. "Unused" is the only way to describe them properly.
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All of the lights work as intended, registration is current and paid for 'til March of 2015, and the KRYMPA vanity plate license plate is included in the sale. Fly in, drive home!
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Engine compartment looks bone stock and clean as a whistle. Again, check out those factory decals.
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The indestructible 3.2-Liter engine featuring BOSCH MOTRONIC runs excellent, delivering 217 strong Teutonic horses at 5,900rpm in its final guise. Yippiee!
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Condition of engine, checked by our local Porsche guru Jason of RS Enterprises: compression and leakdown test testify superb health of the powerplant.
Wunderbar!
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Monday, October 6th turned out to be another gorgeous autumn day here in our olde mission town San Buenaventura. With temperatures climbing into the high 80s, we opened the sunroof and headed for the open road.
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Driving such a low-mileage Carrera is a pure delight; praised be the German engineers. The car starts, runs, drives, shifts, corners, and stops perfectly.
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Naturally, a super clean and sparkling silver Porsche like this one is a prime attention getter, garnering excited comments wherever you take it.
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The 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. Be it as a sporting driver or a cherished collectible, this 911 provides unequalled driving enjoyment, free of depreciation.
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Returning home, we reflect on the Jubilee's traits. This 911 truly ticks all the boxes of a true heirloom collectible: exclusivity, superb condition, complete equipment, extensive documentation, unassailable provenance.
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Final words of wisdom:
Is this car "mint?" Of course not. No car that has been driven on the highway can rightfully be called "mint." It's a term best reserved for uncirculated coins. But, being a 25 year-old 911 that has always been treated with utmost respect by a well-off Swedish Lady, it's as breathtakingly beautiful and as healthy as it gets. Add its fascinating specification and its elevated status among Carreras, and you have one bona fide winner!
Addendum:
We sold this fabulous Porsche in Fall of 2014.
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