The 964 was claimed to be 85% different from the car that went before but enthusiasts knew that what mattered was unchanged: that delicate, nimble handling, visceral performance and an air-cooled motor, albeit the new M64.
The major change was the introduction of an all-wheel-drive system – borrowed from the 959 – that tapped into a theme kick-started by Audi with the Quattro and gave buyers the option of a more surefooted performer.
This Carrera 4 Targa is an early one and has led what can only be described as an interesting life. Fitted with a supercharger early in its life – at a cost in 1995 close to £10,000 – and then fettled by Porsche supremo Bob Watson, it is a professionally modified, low mileage car in presentable, usable condition.
That supercharger has been removed now and the ECU suitably remapped. Little used in recent years it is fresh from recommissioning by specialist RPM Technik, including a full brake and engine oil service. There is a long MOT to August 2024 to help seal what looks like a very tempting deal.
Thick history file covering invoices back to the start of this car’s life
Full factory handbook set with wallet in good condition
10 service stamps to 18th February 2013 at 68,774 miles
Additional stamps for condition reports, brake fluid and cambelt (10th September 1993 at 29,707 miles)
Further servicing work documented in file and photographs
All work undertaken either by Porsche or renowned specialists
Old MOTs and MOT online history verifies low mileage
Old faxes and other correspondence between owners and specialists
MOT to 9th August 2024 with advisories for brake discs
Notable history:
RPM Technik invoices from 10th August and 17th July 2023 for MOT repairs, servicing and brake fluid totalling nearly £2,000
These invoices contain a helpful list of advisories that the buyer may wish to note for reference
RPM Technik invoice dated 3rd September 2013 for remap at 69,004 miles
Invoices from specialist Bob Watson Engineering from 2007 totalling over £8,000
This work covers supercharger repairs and remap
Photographs of what appear to be the original supercharger fitment in mid 90s
Gearbox rebuild in August 2001
Retrimmed in August 1995
Planned specification sheet dated 19th July 1995
Supercharger fitting in December 1996 at cost then of £9,517.50
Print out of early servicing by Porsche between 1990 and 1998
The Carrera 4 was the first version of the 964 when it was introduced in 1989 and the Targa followed in 1990. That makes this one of the first produced.
A Cetroni supercharger was fitted in December 1996 at a cost of nearly £10,000. Correspondence and invoices indicate that it received remedial work in late 2000 before further work was undertaken by Bob Watson Engineering in December 2007. This included a remap and invoices for this work exceeded £8,000.
The vendor acquired the car in 2015 since when it has been used sparingly but fastidiously maintained by specialists RPM Technik. This has included removing the supercharger – around seven years ago - as it had become unserviceable. The ECU was reprogrammed to reflect this. Recent maintenance work has included MOT repairs, brake fluid change and servicing, all carried out by RPM at a cost close to £2,000.
The vendor advises that the car’s compression has been lowered – likely to accommodate the supercharger – and this could be rectified to extract more power from the engine if the buyer wishes.
Attractive style with mid blue metallic paintwork, split rim alloys and lowered
Purposeful ‘tea tray’ rear spoiler and attractive 964 integrated body colour bumpers
Presented in good condition for a 33 year old car with some signs of aging
Straight bodywork with good paintwork showing localised deterioration
A small number of edge chips and scuffs around the paintwork
Smart split rim bolted 18in five spoke alloys showing light kerbing to edges
Mix of quality branded tyres around car
Some light scuffs visible on Targa hoop
Standard interior showing light signs of wear
Driver’s seat bolster has some deterioration
Driver’s footwell carpet and trim appears to have some element missing to side
Dashboard and dials well presented and even fitted with Porsche stereo
Targa top well kept with good vinyl and headlining
Space saver spare with tool kit
High specification includes electric seats, cruise control and headlamp washers
Light marks to driver’s door card but otherwise trim and fittings well kept
The 964 updated the original car’s aesthetics by offering smoother, integrated bumpers but otherwise it was business as usual. Certain colours seem to suit the shape and the mid blue of this car is certainly one of them.
This car is largely factory standard except for being lowered and sitting on upgraded 18in split rim alloys. The exterior condition is presentable with some marks and signs of use, but nothing that might not reasonably be expected of a car clearly built to be used and enjoyed.
The interior remains largely standard and shows some signs of its 33 years but these are light and minor.
This engine was new for the 964 and designed to improve economy and durability
5spd manual gearbox
Extensive maintenance records with fully documented service history
Most recently serviced in July 2023
Scope to improve compression and extract more power
This car has led a very interesting mechanical life, starting with a supercharger fitted in 1996. This received ongoing specialist attention before being removed by the seller around seven years ago. The ECU was suitably remapped at this time, but there remains scope to extract more power by raising the compression ratio.
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