1986 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

In the 1970s and 1980s, European carmakers were still offering two tiers of performance: one for the home markets and a lower one for the U.S. to meet its emissions standards. Some enthusiasts turned to the so-called gray market importers that would import otherwise forbidden cars and federalize them to meet U.S. emissions and safety standards.- that this 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet reached its original owner that way. As such, it is a Euro or rest of world (ROW) model equipped with a higher-spec version of the 3.2-liter air/oil-cooled flat six. In short, the Euro/ROW version had higher compression than the U.S. version and offered 24 more horsepower (231 vs. 207, but it is not known how many of those extra horses made it through federalization).- that only Porsche Euro/ROW models have ZZZ in the VIN, and that the engine number stamp 64G02131 appears only on 1986 Euro/ROW engines. The Carfax vehicle history report indicates that the Porsche was cleared to meet U.S. highway safety specifications in 1986.- other Euro/ROW differences from the U.S.-spec model included a limited-slip differential, transmission oil cooler, lower ride height, a front spoiler, smaller rear bumper guards, and side marker signal lights on the fenders. The car is presented as in very good overall condition and having no needs, though the Pirelli P7 tires may be old. The Euro/ROW 3.2-liter flat six was rated at 231 horsepower at 5,900 rpm by the manufacturer when new, along with 209 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm (vs. 207 horsepower / 192 lb-ft for the U.S.-spec engine). The biggest difference was higher compression (10.3:1 for ROW vs. 9.5:1 for U.S.). - the Porsche's engine is original. - , Turn the key, and it starts right up with no smoke. No leaks or weeps are indicated. The five-speed manual transmission is said to shift as designed. Photos show a clean engine compartment. - the Porsche is rust-free. The white paint is affirmed to be original, and the exterior is described as flawless with no blemishes. The Carfax indicates no reported accident damage. The original convertible canvas top functions as it should with no leaks, and all glass is in good condition with good seals and no leaks. All lights and signals are said to function as designed - - the Porsche has heated blue leather seats and power driver and passenger seats, all in working order. The carpeting is described in good condition and the interior trim is intact. The convertible top headliner is described as mint. - the heat and the AC both work. All gauges work as designed, and the power windows and door locks work as they should. A working aftermarket stereo includes Sirius/XM Satellite Radio, auxiliary audio outputs, and a handheld remote control. - The seller affirms that the vehicle has had no suspension work and that the shocks and bushings function as designed, with no leaks. An age is not provided for the Pirelli P7 tires, and DOT date codes are not visible in photos. (P7s have been re-issued twice in the past, long after their late-1970s debut, but tire age should be established before the car is driven any distance.) The Fuchs factory wheels have no curb rash or other issues and drive smoothly, , who also indicates no play in the manual steering and says the car has proper alignment. The Brembo brakes with Xtra Series drilled performance rotors and calipers (which were likely later additions) are in excellent condition, the seller states. Photos show a clean underside. This 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet is a one-owner car with a bonus for Porschephiles: it's a Euro/ROW model with higher-performance specs than the U.S. version. It appears to have been well cared for by a Porsche enthusiast.