Thoughts on 88 Signature Edition?

[bsaffin]

This week my search has led me to an '88 Signature Edition Carerra. When I first saw the ad, I had no idea there was such a thing as a Signature Edition, and wondered if the owner might be spicing things up a bit (like another ad for an '87 that mentioned the special G50 racing transmission). Now I know there really was a limited edition model that year. The outside colour is quite striking, but the blue leather inside looks like bit of an acquired taste. Given the rarity, should this car command a higher than average price, and should I be concerned that it's being offered for what seems the going rate for others of that vintage?

I noticed it has 15 instead of 16 inch wheels. How much different will the driving and handling be with the smaller wheels? On my test drive, it seemed to corner ok, and the ride was noticeably softer than what I recall from my other limited 911 test drives on 16 inchers. Are there any other differences in drivetrain or suspension with this model?

Regards...Bruce

[89911]

Yes, they made a special edition. Also had a signature on the seats with Porsche's name. Not real well known and perhaps because of that, not significantly more desirable. I would only think one in pristine condition for a collector would hold more value. Still a very nice car and I like that blue paint job. The wheels are a big minus thought. Are you sure those are 15". I'm pretty sure 88-89 came with 16" standard? Maybe just my year (89). The wheels should be colored same as the car. If not, they are not OE.

[curtisaa]

I purchased one of these new. You could be correct about the 15" wheels. I do remember the wheels were powder coated the same color as the car. Ferdie porsches name (signature) was on the headrest portion of the seats in gold script. There's really nothing special or collectable, now about the car. When I purchased mine (1988), I was offered Steve Mcqueens 911S for $25,000 less than this car cost me. How dumb was I ?? I had this anniversay car for about 8 months and traded it for a 930, and I tried to sell it privately w/o many offers.

If you are buying it for it's provenence, it doesn't appear that it's played itself out yet....

[MarkP]

Seems that the performance and weight change special edition cars (RS America and Club Sport) have done much better in retained value than the 'cosmetic' special editions.

[bsaffin]

Definitely 15" wheels. And they are colour matched to the car, so I'm pretty sure they're OE.

I'm not looking for a collectors item. Was more concerned that the seller wasn't asking enough, which might indicate other hidden problems. Based on what I saw, and your replies, I don't think there's anything nefarious going on here.

Thanks...Bruce

[addictionMS]

I have one of these as well, the 15 inch wheels were left over turbo wheels, so they are 7&8s by 15 not the 6&7 by 16 that were stock at the time. 15s are not a bad thing only they don't fill int he wheel well as much, and the tire selection is getting smaller. However you can get 225/50/15 on all corners and that works and look great. Plus a set o 6&7 16s are pretty cheap and an easy addition to the car.

Other things to note, these have full leather, a real value add once you see a non full leather car, lots more plastic in the std car. Plus they had a carpet in the trunk.

Jim

[bsaffin]

Hey Jim. It's nice to hear from someone who has one of these. I did notice the leather on the door panels and handles, which is a nice touch. I didn't think the dash on this one was leather, but could be wrong. Those wheels don't sound so bad after all, being wider than stock. I could see replacing the tires with 225/50's. Is that what you run?

...Bruce

[addictionMS]

I have 225/50/15 on my 15 inch rims, however there is no tread left on the tires, so right now the car has 6&7 16s on it, with 205F/225R.

My car, or should I say my wifes car (she drives it now more than I do) is pretty low, and even then there is no problem.

jim