In 1986, the highly regarded 3.2-liter Porsche flat-six boxer engine (with 80% new parts compared to the predecessor 3.0-liter powerplant) was in its third year. No longer was the car labeled an “SC.” The new moniker for the legendary sports car was “Carrera.” Horsepower was up 14% to 207, and 0-60 times were down to the mid 5-second range, respectable even by today’s standards. Handling remained a Porsche strong suit and, as Motor Trend put it: “…Carreras ride beautifully over all but the worst pavement….” Power 2-piston ventilated disc brakes at all four corners brought the cars to a halt swiftly and predictably. While the Getrag 915 5-speed gearbox in the ’84-’86 models would be replaced by the G50 version two years later, many Porsche purists to this day continue to praise the solid mechanical character and feel of the 915.
The ’86 911 Carrera sunroof coupe offered here possesses some distinctive added charms of its own. Not least among them is its color combination. The exterior paint code “L999” denotes a special-order color making this a one-of-one ’86 Porsche Carrera. The car’s original paper options sticker shows only the “CO2” indicating a U.S.-emissions model, but no specific option codes (although the car has factory-installed options as noted in the following description). Currently showing 72,206 miles, the car has traveled roughly 2,000 miles per-year on average since new. For 25 of its 36 years, the car was owned and cared for by one individual.
The special-order steel-gray (or pewter) metallic paint may well have been offered by Porsche in other years, but in 1986 it had to be special-ordered, hence the L999 paint-color code. The original paint remains in excellent condition across the iconic body including on the optioned sunroof, the headlight “sugar scoops,” original flag-style side mirrors, and the appropriate parts of the “whale-tail” rear spoiler and bumpers. The metal body is free of dings, dents, scrapes or other damage. (To best assess the quality of the paint and trim finishes, please be sure to view the close-up photographs of the car in the accompanying gallery.) Matte-black body trim—including the door handles and window trim—has been well-maintained; the rubber trim items such as the bumper “accordions” and rear impact-protection show similar owner-care. Cabin glass—including the defroster-equipped rear window—and all lighting lenses—including the lower-front driving lights, rear Porsche-branded reflective panel, and U.S.-spec taillights—are clear and uncracked. Factory badging is complete and correct, including the Porsche crest emblem on the hood, “Carrera” script emblem on the engine cover, and the aforementioned Porsche logo lettering on the reflective panel. Original black-center 5-spoke Fuchs® wheels (with correct black Porsche-crest center caps) are mounted with Michelin® Pilot tires.
The black interior color theme makes for a classic combination. Well-bolstered optional front bucket seats are upholstered in partial leather and show expected creasing and light wear on the left-side bolster of the driver’s seat. Black carpeting covers the cabin floors, and the headliner and sun visors are black as well. The optional “raised hub” Porsche-branded, leather-covered steering wheel frames the bespoke 911 5-hole instrument panel. (Note that the “low oil level” indicator needle shown in the accompanying startup video will properly register an acceptable level as soon as the oil warms and begins circulating; this is proper operation.) All indicator and switchgear markings are crisp and unfaded; instrument lenses are clear. A likely-original Blaupunkt® SQR23 Monterey radio and cassette player is mounted. The black dashboard is free of cracks. (Please view the close-up photography in the gallery to assess the condition of the 911’s various interior surfaces.) The shift lever for the 5-speed 915 transmission is mounted on the console forward of defroster/heater control levers. The car’s front trunk is carpeted, and the original space-saver spare tire is in place. Note the cardboard fuse-identification placard remains in place, another indication of meticulous owner care as these frequently go missing.
In the rear engine compartment, the venerable 3.2-liter flat-6 Porsche engine is clean and free of any indications of performance modifications. The air-conditioning compressor remains mounted. Viewed from below, the chassis and components are complete and undamaged—free of any scrapes or compression marks that might indicate track use or overly aggressive driving styles. (To best evaluate the condition of undercarriage surfaces, please review the gallery photos shot from below.)
The car’s original identification and information tags remain as mounted at the factory. The sale includes the owner’s manual and warranty booklet, a car cover, and “club” anti-theft device.
While the more than 180 high-definition photographs and the short walk-around-and-startup video available on the GarageKeptMotors website showcase this ’86 Porsche 911 Carrera coupe in detail from every angle, including from below, we expect and encourage in-person inspections at our Grand Rapids, Michigan showroom. Please call to arrange an appointment in advance as our showroom is not open to the public. And feel free to get in touch anytime by phone or email if you have questions.
This classic G-body 911 Carrera amply demonstrates two things: First that the Germans knew how to create beautiful sporting automobiles, and second, that the most desirable characteristic of a pre-owned 911 is the highest-quality prior-owner care. Whether this Carrera’s next owner is a driver or collector (or both, as is pretty common for Porsches), they’re sure to find this one-of-one 911 Carrera will offer many years, and many miles of joy ahead.
(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera on a website other than our Garage Kept Motors site, it’s possible that you’ve only seen some of our many photographs of the car due to third-party website limitations. To be sure you access all the more than 180 photographs, as well as a short start-up and walk-around video, and a link to its accident and damage-free Carfax history, please go to our main website: GKM.com)
