1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa G50 5-Speed
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1989
- Make: Porsche
- Model: 911 Carrera Targa
- VIN: WP0EB0917KS160170
- Mileage: 96,414
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Stone Grey Metallic
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Savannah, GA 31411
- Lot #: V-0042031
One of only 860 Targa versions produced for North America during the G-Body 911’s final model year, this 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa is finished in Stone Grey over a Black partial leather interior. It comes factory-equipped with a 5-speed G50 manual transaxle, an optional limited-slip differential, a short-throw gear shift lever, an amplifier, and a hi-fi sound system. The car was owned and diligently serviced by a mechanical engineer for 22 years before being sold to its next owner in Seattle, Washington, in 2018 who oversaw additional major service. This Targa was eventually purchased by its last owner the following year who initially registered the car in Vancouver before relocating it to their home in Nevada. That owner oversaw over $10k in maintenance including valve adjustments, new valve cover gaskets, spark plugs, upgraded Turbo tie rods, a brake system flush, and much more. This 911 is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Georgia with approximately 96k miles showing on the odometer.
This 911 is finished in Stone Grey Metallic (693), a special-order color introduced for the 1989 model year. Equipment includes a removable roof panel, a black Targa bar, a Turbo-style front chin spoiler, integrated front fog lights, a heated rear window, and 16” Fuchs alloy wheels. The seller notes that new Michelin Pilot Sport tires were mounted in 2023 within the last 1k miles along with restoration of the Targa top and replacement of the front spoiler. The seller adds that all factory glass remains in place apart from the windshield replaced with an OEM part, and a factory tea tray rear spoiler will accompany the sale. Detailed images are provided in the gallery along with a CARFAX report showing damage to the left side in 2002.
The cabin is appointed with Black partial leather (VN) upholstery and features power-adjustable front seats, an optional shortened gear shift lever, a four-spoke leather steering wheel, Porsche-branded floor mats, air conditioning, cruise control, a central locking system, an amplifier, and a hi-fi sound system. An aftermarket Continental Bluetooth stereo was installed under prior ownership along with new speakers. The seller reports all gauges and accessories to be fully functional and the original Blaupunkt radio is included in the sale.
An air-cooled 3.2-liter flat-six engine delivers up to 217 HP to the rear wheels through a 5-speed G50 manual transaxle and an optional limited-slip differential. Under prior ownership, the car received upgraded stainless-steel brake lines and services including routine fluid and filter changes, spark plug replacements, and valve adjustments. Under the last owner’s care over the past four years, service has included the following:
- New rear axle spring plates from Porsche and upgraded bushings
- Lower car to Euro ride height
- Corner balance and alignment
- Oil cooler gasket/reseal
- Sourced and installed new factory front valence spoiler lip
- Bosch battery
- Major service and full vehicle inspection (7/20 @ 92,441 miles)
- Oil service
- Air filter
- Spark plugs (NGK)
- Cam cover
- Valve stem supports
- Upper and lower valve cover gaskets and hardware
- Valve adjustment
- Adjust emergency brake shoes and cables
- Upgrade to turbo tie rods
- Rubber-care all body seals
- Lube all door hinges and locks
- Brake fluid and clutch system flush
- Cam oil feedline (right)
- Oil cooler lines (2) from rear to front and back replaced
This sale will include owner’s manuals, a toolkit, a jack, a spare tire, the original Blaupunkt Reno radio, a factory tea tray rear spoiler, and a Porsche Production Specifications Certificate.
The seller would like you to know: “This car is beautiful. It looks, runs, and stops like a much lower-mile car. No leaks whatsoever. The bottom of the car is stone-dry. No issues and no problems with this car. Please come and inspect the car. You will be impressed.”
Auction Results
- Sold for: $88,000
- Auction End: Apr 09, 2024 07:11:46PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 35
Comments (93)
Congrats JG and to Rick.. Beautiful car - im jealous!
@eggsandwich
Sorry I didn't see your private message until just now. It would have been a great car back there.
Headed up north to the great state of Massachusetts. You're more than welcome anytime!
@JGJGJG Where is the car going? I hope somewhere I can see it occasionally
Thanks, Rick! Appreciate all the care you have given it. Very excited!
Sold for $88,000
Congratulations JG. ikieo actually looked and drove the car last weekend so he knows the car.
You got a beauty.
Bid in the amount of $88,000
Bid in the amount of $87,500
Bid in the amount of $87,000
Bid in the amount of $86,000
Bid in the amount of $85,000
Bid in the amount of $84,000
Bid in the amount of $83,250
Bid in the amount of $83,000
Bid in the amount of $82,500
Bid in the amount of $82,000
Bid in the amount of $81,000
I think the condition reflects in the price this is heading to!
Well, honestly presented clearly from a careful owner.
Bid in the amount of $80,000
Bid in the amount of $76,750
Bid in the amount of $75,500
Bid in the amount of $66,000
@eggsandwich The Fuchs are the real deal and original to the car. The story that came with the car is, it was not an intrusive hit and the paint to fix it is some of the best I have seen. No wavyness or indication of poor work.
Is there anything you can add, on top of the carfax notes about the 2002 accident?
And are these genuine Fuchs?
@rhart 👍
@giftporsche Thank you for the kind words Steve. It was nice to meet you last weekend. Sorry (well sort of) that you could not get the car for what you were hoping.
I was able to spend an hour with Rick and this beautiful 89 Targa this past Saturday. A beautiful Porsche that a new owner will not be disappointed with. I arrived at his house before he did (late golf game) and his wife allowed me to see the car without him. The underside is bone dry, the paint is in unbelievable condition for the age of the car. The car started up without hesitation (it was definitely cold) and I was able to take it for a spin. It has plenty of pickup and stopping ability - again, not disappointing. The whale tail is an original Porsche part and is in brand new condition. But the thing that impressed me most was the Targa top. It is in unbelievable like new condition. Whoever refurbished it did an amazing job. Rick has several cars in his garage, all in impeccable condition so I wasn't surprised to see the great condition the Targa is in. Whoever is lucky enough to be the next keeper will truly enjoy it.
Bid in the amount of $65,500
Bid in the amount of $65,000
Bid in the amount of $60,250
Bid in the amount of $60,000
Bid in the amount of $56,000
Bid in the amount of $55,000
@rhart Understood. Thanks.
@nvrnrcdnbdy Just compression. I dropped the car in front of his door in the dark this morning without an appointment so I didn't want to ask him to do too much with no notice. He is generally hard to get into.
@Speedj1 150 is right in the target. The key is even compression across the cylinders and this is excellent. Different engines with different HP will have different sweet spots. And of course some will have different opinions on the same car. If you call your Porsche mechanic and tell him the results of this test he will confirm that it is spot on.
Bid in the amount of $53,000
@rhart Was a leakdown test performed too or just the compression check?
@Kk1340 Compression was done today and it was a good one. Photo of the bill was posted a few min. ago.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Seller, nice effort getting the compression in advance of auction close tomorrow. Maybe you or someone on this forum can help clarify the 150 number. Many I have seen are around 170-180+. Is 150 and 155 considered normal in the range, and/or good? Apologies for my ignorance on the matter as I am learning.
Bid in the amount of $52,500
@rhart Well the compression test is nigh. I got up at 5 AM before my eye surgery and drove the car over to my Porsche mechanic so the car was there when he arrived. I spoke to him on the phone a bit ago and he said the compression was great. 5 times 150 with one at 155. I'm going over in a bit to pick the car up and will post his paperwork. I've owned a good many of these 80's P cars and knew they don't run right when the compression is wonky so I didn't think it needed the test. Selfish of me since not everyone has that background. In any case I'll photo the receipt this evening.
@atodoc1 Hi Doc
Thanks for your good wishes. Doing great with only one usable eye today.
The spoiler lid here is a true factory "Whale Tail" that came as an upgrade option on the Carrera and also on the early 930 3.0 L Turbo. The "Tea Tray didn't come into play until the 3.3 L Turbo and has a higher lip around the entire edge of the spoiler. Plenty of room then for your tea cups. I created the spoiler-less lid by buying a used engine lid (About $800 for a real Porsche lid) and then having it refurbished and painted the color of this car. (An additional $1,200). Hope this helps.
@nvrnrcdnbdy Car currently has the flat engine lid or more correctly the "spoilerless" one
Which engine cover is currently on the vehicle?
Bid in the amount of $51,000
Hello again Seller..... Thanks for the update comment re the clutch info.
Quick question when re-reading the initial write-up and various comments. Can you confirm that the second engine cover is in fact a 'Tea Tray' style as opposed to the Turbo-look 'Whale's Tail' style?
And good luck with the cataract surgery!
@HoCo Several people looked at the car this weekend and I thought one was going to do a compression test. I guess he deemed it unnecessary. I would take it over and have my mech do it but I'm having cataract surgery tomorrow. I'll try to arrange for something.
Compression test coming?
New photos of the Targa top just posted
Bid in the amount of $50,000
@atodoc1 Regarding the clutch. One of the gentlemen whom came by today tested the clutch by putting the car in 5th gear and letting the clutch out. It held and killed the engine with no slipping. This is a great test for clutch worthiness.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Thanks, look forward to the results.
@mdsmds Not on my watch but one of the fellows coming over today indicated he would like to do one. If so I will shoot the results as he does it and post the pix or video here.
Has a leak down / compression test been done recently?
Bid in the amount of $48,000
@Speedj1 A couple of minor ones from 2018 and 2019
Any service records prior to 2020?
@rhart Thanks....I was able to zoom in on one of the motor pics and see a fresh hose.
@Terry911T Yes, both sides have been replaced.
Would you know if the fuel line that T's behind the fan has been replaced? They are a PIA and $$$ to replace. 3,2 is Notorious for needing original lines replaced with newer designed lines available now. Thank you.
@Swaje I've had it for two years this summer and the only reason for sale is our home has a 10 car garage and I'm in my 80's and moving to FL where I'll be lucky to have 3. So off the babies go. At the last oil service it was less than 1/2 quart down so I would call that very little oil usage. And I drive at mid 80's MPH on the Interstates. The poster below is right. You expect oil leaks but this car has not even the slightest leak. No seepage, nothing. It is dry as a bone both on the parking spot and the undercarriage. In the post below he mentions the speedometer odometer and interior lighting. All work fine. The interior light and clock even work. The AC blows cold as you can see by the photo with air temp sensor. These cars have been known to be bullet proof especially when serviced as fanatically as this example. If it wasn't for the move I would never sell this car. Replacing one with this color and level of care would not be easy.
Just my 2 cents…. I’m a 27 year owner of an ‘88 Targa that currently has 83k miles. These G-Body models are solid and can be used as a daily driver, on the track, or park in your garage and drool over. You can expect oil leaks, issues with the odometer, speedometer, interior lighting, air conditioning, etc, which is not unusual. I had my Targa refurbished a few years ago that resolved most of these recurring issues. If you keep on top of servicing the car properly and regularly, the health of these beautiful machines will last for 100s of thousands of miles…and smiles. I cannot speak for all G-Body models nor am I claiming to be an educated expert of this model because I’m not. I’m just a G-Body enthusiast who loves his car providing my personal experience and opinion. GLWTA
Nice car. Does the car consume any oil? It appears you have owned the car for about one year. May I ask why you’re selling it?
Love the license plate! I’m always a bit torn between the look with and without the whale tail, especially on a Targa. Nice to have both options with this car that also has the front chin spoiler. Had I not bought my Targa last fall, I’d be all over this one since I’m also in GA. GLWTA!
Bid in the amount of $46,050
Bid in the amount of $45,800
@atodoc1 Hi Doc
When I bought the car the seller whom was selling the car for the owner thought it may need a clutch. I got the car and have used it for a dozen road trips and have had no indication of it needing any clutch work and its been a couple thousand miles and a couple of years now. I wish I could give you a guess as to the remaining life but I really have no clue. Sorry.
Having escaped from California years ago I'm very familiar with the vagaries of the smog checks. I will guess here. Since the car is bone stock there should be no trouble at all. The guys that have to go back 2 or 3 times usually have hung aftermarket stuff on the car that they then have to bypass or fiddle with. This is one reason completely stock cars bring more money at resale time.
Hello Seller - Beautiful car here - great and rarer color. 2 quick questions - 1) Could you please comment on the clutch - watched the driving video and commentary, but has there ever been any work done to your knowledge - ? Guesstimate of useable life remaining? 2) I do not see any modifications to indicate otherwise, but could you comment as to the passability of our tedious smog checks here in the Republic of California?
@Speedj1 If you look at the photos, there are more than 150 of them, you will see a receipt for close to $1,700 for redoing the Targa top. Most people mean by that that the top outer skin has been replaced. In this case I had the entire top assembly dismantled and thoroughly rebuilt using all new materials, padding and support fabrics. It was his best service and was a Stage 4 rebuild. The webbing was replaced and realigned, headliner replaced with double the fabric the factory used, and the frame was cleaned, sanded and repainted. And this was done by a company in NJ that has been the "go to guy" for decades. There are at least 6 photos that show (don't forget you can enlarge the photos) including numbers 5, 41,42 91 and others that you can see how straight and level the leading edge is. No leaks. Not in the top or the engine.
Underneath the car is bone dry. Again there are numerous photos from different angles showing the floors that are unusually dry and straight and unharmed. Regarding the bolsters, take your time and go through all the seat photos. You will see the seats are like new. No squashed panels, no wear, no discolored leather and the beading is perfect.
The gas gauge has a defect in the lens which is plastic. It can easily be popped out and replaced but it is not very noticeable and does not interfere with the operation of the gauge.
The tire size shows clearly in the photos of the tires and wheels. See in particular photo #62. Tire size, age and mileage also show in the photo of last year's receipt when new tires were purchased.
Hi Seller,
How does the Targa top fit? Any chance for some up close photos of the top and fitment? Any leaks at all?
Is the car dry underneath? Any leaks? Also, what size tires, and width? More photos of the interior especially the leather on the bolsters seats would be great! Finally, what am I seeing with the gas gauge? Looks melted or optical illusion?
Thank you!
Bid in the amount of $45,500
Bid in the amount of $45,000
Bid in the amount of $40,000
@ikieo Hi Ken. I got your message and Sunday is OK. Apparently when I answered you by saying "I'll call you in a little bit", Pcar breaks the message stream between us. I guess this is so we can't communicate after the auction. So please send me your phone number again and I'll give you a call with instructions for getting through our security gates.
Rick
@ikieo I think if you hit the "Contact Seller" button at the top of the listing we can communicate. Just let me know when you would like to come. You are more than welcome to bring your own tool for a leak down test. Other than that gauge I have anything you might need. Saturday I'm playing golf and showing the car to another Pcar guy but generally I'm available with some notice.
Any chance you could get a compression and leak down test done before the auction ends???
How do I arrange to come and see the car?
Thanks
ken
@ikieo I've already removed all but the one on the right side of the glove box door. It should also come off with no problem.
Can the stickers come off the glove compartment with out leaving any marks do you think?
Ken
Never mind I see it is an upshift indicator. Still would like to see the car.
Ken
Hi, nice car. What is the orange light on the tach that keeps coming on and going off? How do I arrange to see the car?
Thanks
Ken
Bid in the amount of $25,000
@TheGerman I don't think any reliable information can be found regarding the accident from 20 years ago, sorry. I'm told it was a sideswipe by an older lady resulting in only surface damage. The car was then largely painted to remove stone chips etc. If you inspect the floors they are perfect so no intrusive damage was done to the car. The paint is very high quality and the body is very very straight. No wavyness. There is no visible indication that the car has ever been hit.
Regarding the whale tail. I wouldn't recommend putting the engine lid inside the car even if well wrapped. The interior is too nice and even well wrapped it may cause a dent or depression in the leather. It would be easy enough to box it up and ship it over.
The AC has been converted over to R134a and blows nice and cold. Cold enough even for Florida and Georgia in the summer.
Bid in the amount of $20,911
@ rhart (seller)
Hi,
- can't find an explanation of what damage happened on 31/08/2022. What was the reason and how was this damage from 31/08/2022 repaired or the problem fixed. Can you please tell me something about it.
- If I were to win the auction, do you think it would be possible to put the second back lid inside the car for import/transport to Germany? Or would it be to big?
- Has the air conditioning already been converted to R134a? This would be necessary for German customs, without this no import.
Bid in the amount of $11,000
I encourage anyone interested in this car to come see it for yourself. The pristine condition is something you can't appreciate with only photos. If you wish to fly in and drive home the car will go any distance with ease. The car comes with both engine lids. The whale lid is original factory part with PORSCHE stamped on it and the badge embossed on the rubber. These often sell for $3,500 to $5,000 on their own. I paid over $2,000 to make an additional lid for those who prefer a flat lid.
Bid in the amount of $10,000