How to identify the true build year and model of a 911. The date of registration is not an accurate way of determining the model year of your Porsche, it could have been sat unused in a showroom for years. To find out accurately take a look at the chassis number.

To decipher the option codes click here.

Find a detailed Buyers and owners guide specifically for the Porsche 911 3.2 and 3.3 turbo.

Find a brief history of the Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 and 3.3 Turbo at Performance2and4.

Model year (or build year) is not always the same as registration year. Check the 10^th digit in the chassis number. WPOZZZ91Z’_’S10000 . E=84;F=85;G=86;H=87;J=88;K=’89.

The fourth digit on U.S. cars was the body style; A/B or C- Coupe/Targa or Cabrio.

The 7th,8th and 12 digit represent the model code. Therefore a 911 will be WPOZZZ91Z?S1???? and a Turbo (930) will be WPOZZZ93ZS?0????

Model year 1984 Carrera 3.2 and Turbo 3.3 introduced. 3.2 available as Targa Coupe or Cabrio. For some markets also a Works Turbo Look Coupe. 3 Spoke steering wheel from the SC.

Model year 1985 (F series) Radio ariel bonded into windshield and new 4 spoke steering wheel.

Model year 1986 (G series) Revised dash with larger vents.

Model year 1987 (H series) 915 Gearbox replaced on 3.2 with Getrag G50 type, hydraulic clutch, integrated rear fogs (3.2 and Turbo). Most 87 model onwards cabrios had power roofs - but not all.

Model Year 1988 (J series). Largely unchanged but special 3.2 'Anniversary model' produced.

Model Year 1989 (H series). Wider rear wheels (8") for the 3.2 and the Turbo received a 5 speed gearbox.

Different markets: 911 were largely the same wherever in the world they were sold but be aware that each country had variations and ‘legal’ specifications. Often only details are different but if you are purchasing a 911 originally supplied to another country check the exact spec and make sure it’s legal for your area.

The first three digit numbers on the white label identifies for which market the car was intended. C00=Germany; C07=Italy; C16=UK., C23 Belgium.

Factory Turbo Body 911

The 911 was offered with a Turbo body option in some countries from 1984. First as a coupe, later as a convertible or Targa. Know variously as 'Works Turbo Look', SSE, Supersports, Turbo Look, Wide body, these had a full turbo body, along with the suspension and brakes from the turbo..

It can be difficult to pin down exactly what and when Porsche produced certain options because Porsche are able to accommodate most requests and special orders for 911.

You may find various 911 offered as Turbo body cars, which have been made up later from a normal narrow body. The problem is that it is quite a lot of expensive work to convert (uneconomical) and is often not to the same standard as the factory.

Sometimes narrow bodied 911 that have suffered substantial accident damage become targets for a Turbo body conversion because its not so much more to pay than fitting up with ‘narrow’ body work. Be cautious with these.

A genuine Factory Turbo Body 911 has the option code number 491.

911 Turbo 3.3

These were offered first as a coupe, then from 1987 as a Targa and Cabriolet. Also on offer was a 'slant-nose' or 'flat nose' version option code M506.

Speedster. These rare 911 were offered for the 1989 model year and with Turbo Bodies or narrow body. With a roof that is lower and less weatherproof. The cars command higher prices (rarity value) 2065 made.

911 Carrera Club sport. Introduced in 1987, this was a stripped down coupe, deleting things like rear seats, electric windows and underbody sealant to save weight. Option code M637.