When the Porsche ‘964’ generation of 911 appeared in 1989, it was the most significant advance in the air-cooled Porsche’s history since the first 911 appeared in 1963.
For although it retained the same basic bodyshell and flat-six engine design of the original, Porsche claimed that that car was 80% new, with a brand-new cabin layout, different panels and bumpers, new transmissions, larger wheels and tyres and a host of mechanical improvements
But the biggest change was in the suspension. Gone were the torsion bars that had underslung every air-cooled Porsche since 1963, replaced by MacPherson struts upfront with coil springs and shock absorbers – a move that also required a redesign of the inner wing structure and front bulkhead, but made it by far the best-handling 911 yet.
Another feature of the new model was its electric rear spoiler, which raised at speeds above 50 mph and lowered down flush with the rear engine lid at lower speeds, doing away with the need for the wild ‘tea tray’ rear spoilers seen on 1980s 911s.
This example is a 1993 964 Carrera 2S Targa, an original right-hand-drive UK car in lovely overall condition and with a genuine low mileage, repainted in the original Guards Red with a recent interior overhaul and Ohlins suspension rework, as used on Singer Porsche resto-mods. The vendor has owned the car for five years and has spent over £25,000 improving and maintaining it, but with a specialist restoration of another classic now approaching completion he needs to free up garage space and the 911 has to go.
The History and Paperwork
Original UK car
91,848 miles
UK V5C
MOT October 2023
Over 80 service, repair and maintenance invoices going back over a 20+ year period
Old MOT certificates going back to 1999
Full previous keeper history back to first registration
Tracker-registered with TOAD security system
Two sets of keys
Clear HPI report from when vendor acquired the car in 2018
Open the doors and you’ll find a delightful yet tasteful black leather interior that marks an inviting contrast to the Guards Red bodywork. It’s exceptionally well-presented, with the leather upholstery having been recovered several years ago and showing only a few scuffs and small marks acquired since. The vendor had the carpets, insulation and soundproofing renewed in 2018.
At the same time the car got a set of new red seatbelts and a set of genuine Porsche floor mats, while the vendor has also replaced the original audio with a genuine Porsche Classic head unit, which features Bluetooth and DAB.
The electric windows and all other controls work as intended, while the, door trims and dash are in great overall condition.
The Exterior
Beautifully presented and detailed
Repainted in previous ownership in original Guards Red
Newly period-correct ‘Cup’ wheels
Replacement immaculate lamp units all-round
Finished in Porsche’s classic Guards Red – a sought-after colour among fans of Porschesof all eras – the Targa looks fantastic from every angle.
Its bright but not brash and really suits the classic 911 silhouette. Overall, it looks absolutely marvellous, with a deep, glossy shine and no obvious faults or issues.
The car was resprayed in the early 2000s in its original colour and the current owner has had the car detailed every year. A perfectionist might find a couple of areas will need attention at some stage around the bottom of the front windscreen and on the bonnet, but they’re very small and don't spoil the appearance of the paintwork which is bright and largely blemish-free. The vendor also sourced a new set of lamp units (including the rear centre reflector) to replace the faded originals.
It sits on a set of period-correct ‘Cup’ alloys wheels sourced new by the vendor, with recent new tyres – Michelins on the front and Bridgestones on the back.
The Mechanics
3.6-litre air-cooled straight-six
Five-speed manual
Ohlins suspension upgrade
Impeccably well-maintained
The unmistakable sound of a flat-six 911 is something to relish – it sounds absolutely wonderful, with a warbly idle and a snarling eagerness when you blip the throttle.
It was a lively engine when new, with 247bhp – enough to propel it from 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 163mph. Decent figures even by today’s standards.
It starts on the button, holds good oil pressure and is said to run very well with no known issues.
The current owner has spent over £25,000 on the car including a full Ohlins suspension and brake upgrade, including braided brake hoses, and a poly bush kit, with corner weighting. Consequently, he reports that the car drives and handles beautifully, using the same suspension as is used on the Singer Porsche resto-mods.
Summary
This is a brilliant specimen of the best and most evolved of the air-cooled 911s, certainly from a driver’s perspective. It’s also one that’s rapidly emerging as a highly collectable classic, with the best examples starting to fetch serious money.
This one is a genuine car in wonderful overall condition, with loads of history. A fantastic example of Porsche’s air-cooled swansong.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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