BaT Bargain of the Week: 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 25th Anniversary Edition
1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 25th Anniversary Edition on Bring a Trailer article highlights:
- The 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera capped off the G Series line with extra power and refinements, making it a classic sports car that’s conceivably daily-drivable
- A one-of-300 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 25th Anniversary Edition coupe is currently up for grabs on Bring a Trailer
- At its current $31,000 price it’s a massive bargain in the air-cooled Porsche 911 world
It’s hard to believe today, but once upon a time, Porsche almost killed off the 911. Thankfully, the iconic rear-engine sports car survived and is still going strong, especially in the U.S. Hence why Porsche recently released a limited-edition 911 specifically for the States. However, if you can’t afford that or any other modern 911, there is an affordable one available this week on Bring a Trailer. And this 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 25th Anniversary Edition is one special classic bargain.
It’s a G Series thing: The 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera is a classic sports car you could drive every day
| 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera | |
| Engine | 3.2-liter ‘M930/25’ flat-six |
| Horsepower | 214 hp |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Five-speed manual |
| Curb weight | 2866 lbs |
| 0-60 mph time | 6.1 seconds |
The 911 was in a very different place in the early 1980s. For one, the base ‘G Series’ Porsche 911 wasn’t the Carrera. And two, it was on death’s door as Porsche looked toward liquid-cooled, front-engine cars as its future. Fortunately for rear-engine fans, the 911 didn’t just get a stay of execution, but a new lease on life. Firstly, the 911 Turbo returned after an emissions-driven hiatus. And by 1989, the G Series Porsche 911 Carrera was at its zenith.
A few years prior, Porsche replaced the 911’s problematic 2.7-liter flat-six with an overhauled 3.2-liter version. Even strangled by U.S. catalytic converters, the 3.2-liter engine is more powerful and fuel-efficient than the outgoing engine. Furthermore, by 1989 the Porsche 911 Carrera had the G50 five-speed transmission, which is smoother, stronger, and has an easier-to-operate hydraulic clutch. As a result, the 1989 911 is faster and easier to live with than many earlier 911s.
But that’s not the only performance or quality-of-life improvement Porsche made to the 1989 911 Carrera. It also has wider wheels and tires for extra grip and stability, plus an improved interior. In addition, by its last year, the G Series came standard with leather upholstery, A/C, power windows, power locks, and power seat-height adjustment. This extra refinement didn’t take away from its excellent steering or solid handling, though. As such, this is a vintage sports car you could conceivably daily drive. Provided you keep up with maintenance, of course.
You could celebrate 25 years of the 911 Carrera with this limited-edition 1989 Porsche 911 on Bring a Trailer
The 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera currently listed on Bring a Trailer isn’t a standard 3.2-liter G Series, though. In 1989 the 911 was 25 years old and Porsche wanted to celebrate. So, it released a limited number of 25th Anniversary Edition models: 300 coupes and 200 Cabriolets. This 1989 911 Carrera is one of those 300 coupes, and it has the dashboard plaque and Porsche Classic Technical Certificate to prove it.
In addition to that plaque, the 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 25th Anniversary Edition came standard with a short shifter, leather-wrapped center console, outside temperature gauge, CD holder, and Silk Grey leather upholstery with black accents. Furthermore, the Fuchs alloy wheels match the exterior color, which in this car’s case is Silver Metallic. Also, besides the previously-mentioned features, this 1989 911 Carrera has a sunroof, Blaupunkt stereo, fog lights, cruise control, front and rear spoilers, and headlight washers. Plus, it has four-wheel discs and an alarm system.
Although this 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera has a clean, accident-free history, there is a mileage discrepancy on the Carfax. Hence why the seller has marked it down as ‘true mileage unknown’; the odometer currently reads just under 19,200 miles. However, apart from that, some scattered scratches, and the 2014-date-code tires, it’s in great shape. And it comes with service records, paint protective film on the front fascia, and a recent mechanical inspection from Arizona’s Porsche Chandler.
It’s a rare classic 911 bargain, even for a G Series
As of this writing, this 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 25th Anniversary Edition is listed at $31,000 with three days left in the auction. That’s less than 60% of what a fair-condition 25th Anniversary G Series usually costs, Hagerty says. And keep in mind, this is an air-cooled Porsche 911 we’re talking about.
Since it is a vintage 911, prospective bidders should get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Also, as noted earlier, these late-model G Series cars do require regular maintenance, including valve adjustments. And even flawless M930s drink a bit of oil, Hagerty notes. However, they’re significantly more reliable and durable than the early 2.7-liter cars, not to mention less rust-prone. And if you drive them regularly, these classic 911s do run well.
So, if you want to celebrate the Porsche 911 Carrera for not a lot of cash, this 1989 car might be your invitation.
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